Top 5 Walks in the Blue Mountains region
Category: Blue Mountains | NSW Published Date Written by Jayne Fordham Hits: 412
The Three Sisters
The Blue Mountains provide a perfect combination of sunshine, nature and physical activity with hundreds of bush walking trails to be found. To get to the heart of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba it is just a 90 minute drive from Sydney along the M4 Motorway. The scenic route which takes a little longer but allows you to enjoy the Blue Mountains National Park is via Bell’s Line of Road which starts at Richmond.
With so much to do and see, the Blue Mountains is the perfect destination for a day trip, weekend getaway or an extended stay. The region is best known for its variety of bushwalking trails and listed here is the top five walks that you must do in the Blue Mountains area.
National Pass
This is one of Australia’s best bushwalking tracks situated at Wentworth Falls with six kilometres of stunning scenery and various tracks to choose from. The Charles Darwin walk is a standout which runs along the Jamison Creek to Wentworth Falls village. Take a moment to absorb the views at the Wentworth Falls Lookout which highlights all that the area has to offer- waterfalls and nature in picturesque form.
Jenolan Caves
Just one hour from Katoomba, World Heritage listed Jenolan Caves displays the most spectacular and oldest cave structures in the world. With stunning underground rivers and nine caves on display. For those looking for a challenge try adventure caving. Abseil down the caves and squeeze through the openings and discover the incredible formations. It’s definitely not suited to those who are claustrophobic or afraid of the dark!
Scenic Walkway
Take a pleasurable stroll along the 2km boardwalk hidden in the rainforest. Make a pit stop at the Marrangaroo Spring where you can rehydrate with pure Blue Mountains water. Situated in Scenic World it is open from 9am to 5pm every day. If you have the time, ride the steep scenic railway or have a seat in the world’s first cablecar the scenic skyway.
Zig Zag Walking Track
Nearby the renowned steam train on the Zig Zag Railway track, you can enjoy the views on foot with the Zig Zag Walking Track in Lithgow. It’s a 2.5 kilometre track and there is toilets and picnic facilities along the way. Walk down to the bottom and take the train ride back up to Clarence Station.
The Three Sisters
The famous rock formation at Echo Point in Katoomba is The Three Sisters. It can be viewed from the main lookout or those on the lower levels. Follow the walk behind the visitor information centre at the National Park and it will take yo to the top of the Three Sisters. It is certainly an amazing sight.
For any walking track adventure make sure you are well prepared by packing drinks, snacks, adequate clothes and a camera.
So, if your idea of an outing involves sunshine, exercise and sightseeing, then take a short trip out to the Blue Mountains and test out your fitness on one of the many trails that the region has to offer.
About the author:
Jayne Fordham is a health, lifestyle and travel writer based in Sydney. By profession, Jayne is a psychologist who specialises in women’s mental health and sees travel as a form of professional self-care. Experiencing new cultures, breaking old habits and stretching out of comfort zones- are what travel brings to her life. Jayne also runs an online writing firm and various blogs.
www.sydneyhealthwriter.com