Located around 1h30 by car from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are an absolute must-see when visiting the state of New South Wales, Australia.
The name “Blue Mountains” comes from the oil released by eucalyptus trees, which evaporates to form a blue haze above the ranges. With an altitude exceeding 1,000 metres, this sandstone mountain range stretches 260 km from north to south and covers more than 247,000 hectares. One Tree Hill is its highest point, at 1,111 metres.
The Blue Mountains are, in a way, Australia's answer to the Grand Canyon: breathtaking mountains, cliffs, waterfalls and eucalyptus forests. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed region, over 400 million years old, has for more than a century been a prime destination for lovers of raw, authentic nature.
A full day is needed for this excursion, which begins in Sydney with a first stop at Homebush, site of the 2000 Olympic Games.
From there, the route continues towards the Blue Mountains via Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can meet some of the region's friendliest residents and have your photo taken with them.
You'll then reach the historic site of Echo Point, famous for the Three Sisters rock formation, whose name comes from an Aboriginal “Dreamtime” story.
After a delicious meal in the small village of Leura, we'll take you to Scenic World, where you can choose to descend to the floor of the Jamison Valley aboard the railway built on the steepest incline in the world, at 52°, taking in spectacular scenery along the way.
You'll then understand the reason for the name “Blue Mountains” as you walk through ancient rainforest, before taking the cable car back.
