THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, MOUNTAINS OF EUCALYPTUS!
The Blue Mountains National Park is a chain of sandstone mountains with a highlight, "One Tree Hill", at 1100 m high. The name "Blue Mountains" comes from the fact that the tree species (eucalyptus in particular) rising in the sky give clear bluish reflections to the summits. Covering an area of 250,000 hectares, the Blues Mountains are located about 100 kilometers west of Sydney. It is easy to reach by train or bus if you are not transported. And the detour is really worth it because this National Park is truly exceptional. It has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A perfect place for all those who wish to enjoy nature, make beautiful hikes, and simply admire beautiful landscapes. Different views are breathtaking, especially at the level of "Echo Point" where you can admire closely the Three Sisters, three huge rocks that are similar and side by side ...
And do not hesitate to come back to admire the Blue Mountains at sunset ("Sublime Point" is reputed to be the best point of view at that time).
"SCENIC WORLD", TO DISCOVER BLUE MOUNTAINS OTHERWISE
The Blue Mountains are an unlimited playground for hiking enthusiasts. You can opt for a few hours walks or several days long walks in the park. But if you have little time to visit the Blue Mountains (where you simply do not want to venture on a long trek), I recommend you turn to the landscaped park called "Scenic World". It allows to discover the places in a rather original way, proposing to reach different points of view exception by means of three funiculars: the railway, the cableway and the skyway. Three machines allowing to traverse the park in an original way while replenishing of thrills. With the skyway you can admire the landscape and the Three Sisters aboard a large cable car on the transparent floor. The railway, for its part, allows to sink into the jungle down by means of a strange little train which tumbles down a slope at 46 ° (it is the most surprising). The cableway is another cable car that allows you to go down into the jungle or to go up to the park exit. Finally, know that once you arrive down in the "jungle", you will discover different species of plants thanks to the "scenic walkway", a walk of a little more than 2km. Please note that a day pass at all Scenic World attractions costs $ 39 (and $ 21 for children between the ages of 4 and 13).
And it is in the depths of the forest that the experience is the most beautiful. Nothing could be more enjoyable than strolling under a thick vault of vegetation formed by the forest. Here you will find the famous eucalyptus (the favorite tree of the koalas) and the huge tree ferns that make one think of a decoration of the film "Jurassic Park"!
SEE KANGOUROUS AUX BLUE MOUNTAINS
Know that the Blue Mountains also allow to experience another experience, unavoidable in Australia .... See Kangaroos! You have to go down to the heart of the Blue Mountains to get a chance to see kangaroos and marvel at their little jumps. There are several places to see kangaroos in the park, including the Euroka camp (located near the town of Glenbrook). And it is advisable to go there at dawn or in the evening just before nightfall to have a maximum chance of seeing the animals.
It was the New South Wales Tourism Board (which organized this press trip), which booked us a tour with the company "Fantastic Aussie Tours" to go at dawn to see the kangaroos. We had a local guide who taught us a lot. A real "trapper" who knew a ray on the fauna and flora of the Blue Mountains! And for my part, it was the first time I saw kangaroos and I was immediately seduced by these incredible animals. So much so that I "zapped" the rest of the group and breakfast in the park to venture between the trees looking for the slightest kangaroo. And the quest was fruitful since I came face to face with several kangaroos and some wallabies. You really have to remain discreet and move slowly so as not to make them flee too quickly and have a little time to look at them carefully and take pictures, but they are not as fierce as one might think.
The Blue Mountains are definitely worth a detour! Whether it is to admire the view, go hiking or even see kangaroos. You can stay there for only one day, but it's a little short, it would be better to linger for two or three days. You can stay in youth hostels in Katoomba (one of the "towns" located in the park) or try Couchsurfing for tighter budgets.