Blue Mountains National Park Is The Perfect Day-Trip Destination For Sydney Vacationers
Just about an hour drive's west of Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park makes the perfect day-trip destination for anyone in New South Wales, Australia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Greater Blue Mountains Area is home to the famous Three Sisters, an interesting rock formation in the mountains that's a big draw among tourists.
There are six main areas in Blue Mountains National Park. One is the Katoomba area, which hosts the Three Sisters landmark. Another is the Blackheath area, which has its very own Grand Canyon of Australia. In the Glenbrook area, you'll find Aboriginal rock art. If you make your way to the Lower Grose Valley area, you'll find camping opportunities and thinner crowds. The Southern Blue Mountains area also features campgrounds as well as opportunities for mountain biking. Meanwhile, the Mount Wilson area is characterized as a "remote" portion of the park.
Within all of these areas is an option for every type of traveler — from those who want to learn about the region's ancient past to those who prefer to escape and explore nature by hiking and rock climbing, which you can also do with local tour operators.
A steep cable car ride
According to Tourism Australia, there are more than 87 miles of trails with a "bush walk to suit everyone," from families to adventure-lovers and everyone in between. A popular one, of course, is the Three Sisters walk, which is comparatively easy and suitable for nearly all. For a more challenging experience, hikers should take to Federal Pass or the Katoomba Falls Round Walk.
If you're not much for hitting the trails, you could also take Scenic World's Skyway. The steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere features a clear floor and travels some 885 feet above the valley below.
Back at the Three Sisters, which may have brought you to the Blue Mountains in the first place, you can get the best view from Echo Point Lookout. From that panoramic viewpoint, you can also head down nearly 1,000 stairs. Just be sure you can hike back up!