The Blue Mountains

Though the trip up to the mountains was only about 3 hours, it seemed much longer with all the ups and downs at quite steep inclines. We first drove through the Great Dividing Range - much prettier than the motorway even though it was foggy and drizzly towards the end. We stopped for lunch in Windsor; this one didn't have a castle, just lots of rain.

We stayed in an old house on a quiet road in Katoomba. Inside all the walls were covered in pressed steel patterned panels which made it rather chilly. Lucky each room had fires and the bed an electric blanket.

I know - it had to be done!


With and without the low cloud.

The first day was a bit of a shock - chilly, damp and you could see no further than 20m in front of you. The view above at Gordon Falls says it all. The second picture is what it looks like in decent weather. We battled on visiting the falls and another one in a dingly dell and not covered in cloud. We also visited a lovely Art Deco house built between 1932-7, but by the time we had become rather wet in the garden, we had to call it a day. On the way back we had a lovely cuppa and cake in an antique shop with 100s of teapots along the walls.

The Three Sisters On the Skyway!

Luckily the next day was blessed with blue clear sky. Mind you it was still a bit nippy at times and very, very windy (see the video below!). We went to Scenic World where you go down a 52 degree incline on an old coal miners railway to a walk around the rainforest below. This is intermingled with remains of the old mines at the bottom of the cliffs. We then went back up in the cable car and then onto The Skyway. This is a glass bottomed cable car that runs across the valley. Very exciting, especially with a glass floor; swaying in the wind; and fabulous views across the mountains and of the waterfalls.


A windy day in the mountains!

Another spectacle was at Jenolan caves. It was another hair raising trip on steep descents and hair pin bends into the bottom of a valley. The road actually took you directly into the caves and through the mountain. We visited Imperial Cave on a guided tour that was very informative and fun until she turned the lights off - I was not impressed, especially when the small child got all the sympathy. I was just as petrified!

The beautiful Imperial Cave at Jenolan

On leaving the caves, the ascent was twice as steep, but luckily not as long. We stopped at Oberon to get petrol and discovered this Guesthouse.


Did someone from Thanet move here!?

We drove back through the most beautiful rolling countryside - I was in love. From here you could see why the Blue Mountains get their name. In certain lights you can see the oil vapour from the eucalyptus trees which gives them a blue tinge.


Fabulous views across to The Blue Mountains.

We visited one of the original village sites called Hartley Village with 2 churches, a courthouse, 3 pubs and a hotel - all built of locally made brick.

Hartley Village


Us at Govetts Leap Falls
The area as a whole was made up of beautiful views and towns with a selection of Victorian to Deco architecture; cafes; antique shops; and book shops. What more could we want? Don't worry, we are coming home at some stage!

We also went to explore the northern parts of the Blue Mountains which, as you can see from the final picture, were just as varied and good. We climbed up and down numerous steps hewn out of the rock face and walked under dripping water. The falls were benefiting from the recent rainstorms we had had.

We had a great time here and came back to Claire and Anthony's via the Pacific Highway and the lovely Lake Macquarrie (not to mention toll booths on the motorway!) to persuade them to visit next time they get a break from work.