Aurora Thornton_Blue Mountains_Attractions

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- Blue Mountains

· Part of the Greater Blue Mountains area, which includes 7 national parks and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage natural site in 2000.
· Home to vast stretches of pristine bushland and subtropical rainforest, with eucalyptus trees being the most prominent feature.
· Features magnificent natural landscapes. Due to the vast area, visitors typically tour via shuttle bus or private vehicle.
· Each season offers different views: spring brings cherry, peach, and crabapple blossoms, while autumn features maple, birch, and dawn redwood foliage.

Scenic World Blue Mountains is located near the Three Sisters in Katoomba, about 2 hours from Sydney. Features include:

Scenic Skyway with world's first electro-plated glass floor
Views of Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, Jamison Valley, and Katoomba Falls
Cableway descending into heritage-listed rainforest
Scenic Railway (world's steepest incline railway) with 52-degree descent through an 80m tunnel

Transportation

Train: Take Blue Mountains Line from Central Station (platforms 12-13) to Katoomba (2 hours), then Blue Mountain Trolley Tours shuttle
Drive: Follow Parramatta Road and M4 motorway
Bus: Regular Citylink bus service between Sydney and Blue Mountains
Organized Tours: 1-2 day tours available from Sydney tour operators

Admission
Free

Opening Hours
24 hours (January 1 - December 31, Monday-Sunday)

Aurora Thornton Apr 10,2025

At the cable car station in the Blue Mountains, there's a viewing platform where you can see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. According to legend, three Aboriginal sisters fell in love with three brothers from an enemy tribe, creating an Australian "Romeo and Juliet" story. The brave sisters, refusing to submit to feudal forces, chose to be transformed into three defiant rock formations - now known as the Three Sisters.

The Blue Mountains' iconic feature is supposedly how the mountains appear to emit a blue haze under sunlight. The guide explained this is caused by eucalyptus oil evaporating from the eucalyptus trees, floating in the air and creating a blue light refraction that covers the surrounding mountains and sky. The eucalyptus tree is Australia's national tree and the sole food source for the precious koalas.

The Blue Mountains National Park was called "the world's second wonder" by Queen Elizabeth II. However, I was a bit disappointed when I visited. Maybe my eyesight isn't good, but I couldn't see the legendary blue light at all. And compared to China's remarkable rock formations, it falls short - it wasn't particularly impressive. I guess if the Queen had visited China first, the Blue Mountains might not have received such high praise.

Strongly recommend NOT joining a tour group to visit the Blue Mountains!! Go independently!!