Blue Mountains, Australia
The Blue Mountains are one of Australia’s top natural attractions. They are not actually mountains, but a valley that was formed millions of years ago. The area provides great hiking trails which offer a plethora of plants and animals to discover and enjoy. The exotic variety, along with the famous rock formations, namely the Three Sisters, create an amazing outdoor experience. Add in a few beautiful waterfalls and you have yourself an excellent excursion.
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Getting to the Blue Mountains
If you are looking to travel as inexpensively as possible, I would recommend the train. Whether you are coming straight from the airport or from downtown Sydney, this mode of transportation is efficient and convenient. Riding the train on a Sunday will cost you less than $5. If Sundays don’t work with your itinerary, riding the train during off-peak hours (before 7am or after 9am on weekdays) will save you a bit of cash. Saturdays also provide a discounted price. If space allows, try to land a seat on the left side of the top deck. This will give you the best views along the way.
Packing tip: Bring a portable charger for your phone.
Katoomba
When you get off of the train in Katoomba, you will see that the town’s commerce is in the shape of a T. Restaurants, souvenir shops and various storefronts span out in each direction along this Art Deco and Art Nouveau district. Even though it’s a big tourist site, the town feels as though time has stood still. Our favorite hidden gem is the art mural alleyway. This cultural treasure can be found by walking down Katoomba Street and then taking a left turn onto Waratah Street. You will start to see the murals on the left and they multiply from there.
Where to Stay
If you walk straight out onto Katoomba Street from the train station, head down about 3-4 blocks and you will find Yellow Deli on the corner. It is an adorable café that offers room and board in exchange for a few hours of work. Volunteer hours include working on the farm and/or working at the café. It’s a great way to experience the Blue Mountains for next to nothing.
If you’d rather not spend your time volunteering but still don’t want to pay a lot for lodging, I would recommend the Blue Mountains Backpacker Hostel. Our family of 5 stayed in a private room, which had a private bath, and found the facility very enjoyable. The hostel is just a short walk to the right, down Bathurst Street, when you exit the train station. A full kitchen, lounge area, laundry facilities and games are provided.
Packing tip: Bring your own individual laundry powder packets.
Hiking the Blue Mountains
Comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended because the hikes cover quite a variety of terrain. It is about a 15-20 walk from the Yellow Deli to the entrance of the Blue Mountains. Be sure to observe the unique mailboxes along the way. I love seeing how everyday items are created differently in other countries.
As you descend down the sloped trail into the dense forest, you’ll be met with the most refreshing scent of eucalyptus. It’s like to other place so be sure to savor the moment. The mountains get their name from the blue mist that rises from the trees’ oil as it disperses into the air. Trails go in each direction depending on your desired hiking distance.
To the left of the entrance stands the Three Sisters rock formation. A trail leads you right up to Echo Point, as long as you are okay with doing a lot of stairs. The trail continues curving along the edge of the mountain. Some areas feel like your typical deciduous forest and other areas make you feel like you are in a tropical rainforest. Our favorite area was covered in massive ferns that made us feel as if we had been transported back to the Jurassic Period. If a T-Rex would have come running out, I wouldn’t have been all that surprised.
Hiking Recommendations
To maximize your experience I would recommend having binoculars and a field guide for native birds and plants. Benches along the way allow you to take a moment to sit and watch the gorgeous birds that inhabit the tops of the trees.
With a map in hand, be sure to watch for your designated intersections if you plan to head to Leura to do a full loop. Heading to this town is well worth the effort because it is absolutely adorable. Along the way you will come across a beautiful waterfall. It’s a great place to rest, relax and have a packed snack. Gelato shops, a variety of restaurants and unique shopping boutiques beg you to come and stay for a while.
The Blue Mountains are a nature lover’s paradise and a huge contrast from the bustling city of Sydney. If you have the time to spend 3-4 nights in this area you can really get a true feeling for what this region has to offer. Just thinking about the delicious food and drinks we had makes me want to go back again. So much to see and experience.
Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, and Wentworth Falls are all additional areas you might want to consider visiting. Any tips or hiking advice is greatly appreciated.
Are you looking for other volunteering travel destinations? Check out this opportunity in the Dominican Republic.
