Blue Mountains holidays - travel - tours - accommodation -  New South Wales

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Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains - a traditional weekend getaway for the city dwellers of Sydney although the region is a holiday destination in its own right. A one hour drive west from Sydney on either the southern route via the Great Western Highway or the more visually appealing Bells Line of Road to the north. This region is located amongst a section of the Great Dividing Range which is so precipitous that early settlers took 25 years to find a way through. The Blue Mountains are now a very popular New South Wales holiday destination and home to some of the prettiest villages in Australia. This is a "get away from it all" part of New South Wales offering bushwalking, horse riding, rock cliffs, waterfalls, national parks, flora and fauna, scenic railway, limestone caves, botanic gardens and world class guest houses. This area is a haven for serious bushwalkers. The more adventurous can try abseiling, rock climbing and canyoning. Allow for warm clothing when visiting or enjoying a Blue Mountains holiday, especially in winter. The temperatures are much colder than at the coast. Visitors to the region will find an excellent selection of  fine accommodation in the form of hotels, guest houses and b&b's. Places of Interest - Blue Mountains Leura - a quaint village which is home to antique and craft stores, art galleries, restaurants and cafes.

Starting point for Cliff Drive around the rim of the Megalong and Jamieson Valleys taking in the famous Three Sisters rock formations and the scenic railway through the rainforest down to the valley floor.

Katoomba - major town of the Blue Mountains region. Home to most of the tour operators and a bustling commercial centre hosting most of the guest houses and tea shops. Echo Point and excellent views of the Jamieson Valley and Three Sisters. Katoomba is often subject to snow during winter.

Blackheath - the highest town in the Blue Mountains and home to the National Parks & Wildlife Heritage Centre. Well known Rhododendron and azalea gardens set in natural bushland. Access to excellent lookouts at Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout. Views over the Grosse Valley wilderness.

Mt Victoria - a National Trust listed town offering several of the New South Wales heritage buildings and sites. Explorers memorial at Mt York. Nearby Hartley is a ghost town which declined after being bypassed by the railway. Sandstone heritage buildings open to visitors.

Mount Wilson - a remnant of British colonial life known for its formal gardens laid out last century when Sydney's wealthy kept summer residences in the Blue Mountains area.

Bilpin - famous for its orchards and roadside stalls selling fresh fruit, produce and juices.

Jenolan Caves - off the main road, south east of Lithgow. A magnificent site of over 300 underground limestone caves with stalagmites and stalactites. Only 9 of the Jenolan Caves are open and visits in tour groups is recommended. Tours are generally 1 to 2 hours. The area is a wildlife reserve and has walking trails, waterfalls and lookouts.

Lithgow - Perched on the western rim of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow is the gateway to the Wollemi National Park with its bushwalking trails. Adjacent lakes and rivers offer sailing, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. The famous zig-zag railway is close by.

Oztourism's Blue Mountains Visitors Guide
Blue Mountains Holidays
Blue Mountains Travel

Leura - Katoomba - Blackheath - Mt Victoria - Mt Wilson - Bilpin - Jenolan Caves - Lithgow