True Blue: Diving Into Australia's Stunning Blue Mountains
Wondering where to spend that free weekend? Dreaming of a place to get lost on your week off? Or maybe you’re lucky enough to live near Sydney and looking to kill some time after a day at the grindstone. Look no further than the Blue Mountains.
I was fortunate enough to find myself exploring this amazing location on a recent trip to New South Wales. I was astonished when I learned these magical mountains were only a short hour and a half drive or train ride from Sydney!
hether you’re after an adrenaline packed adventure trip abseiling down waterfalls, a quiet relaxing break from the bustle of city life, an afternoon of shopping in one of the beautiful townships neighbouring the mountains, or a bush walk through some amazing Australian scrub, the Blue Mountains has it all.
I found myself staying in one of the many hostels in Katoomba, a gorgeous little town situated in what feels like the heart of the mountains, from here you can map out exactly what you plan on accomplishing on your stay. Visiting one of the many adventure companies in town will have you swinging from a rope down a deep canyon in only a matter of days. Or you might head out for a 3 day trek into the scrub learning about the native animals, fauna and indigenous history of the land.
A short 10 minute drive or half hour walk will find you at Echo Point gazing in awe at the Three Sisters, from here you can set out on a number of different bush walks all offering their own unique experiences, waterfalls, cascades and hidden oasis’ are just some of the things you can expect to find.
I found myself happy to just wander around without much consideration of where I was headed. Not once in the 150km covered in the 4 days was I disappointed with where my feet led me. I do recommend a certain degree of fitness if you are planning on heading out on a waterfall hunt. To get to the base of Wentworth Falls, for example, requires a steep descent down a flight of stairs you could comfortably climb like a ladder, some tracks even requiring anchor points to tie off ropes to!
As I sat and watched a magical sunset from Boars Head lookout I found myself gazing upon the scorched remnants of the tree line along the west facing cliffs. It was a subtle reminder of the power of mother nature and her unforgiving force. I was overcome with a sense of insignificance to the vastness of these mountains, as I set off for my next adventure I can only hope to be engulfed in such beauty again.
Until next time I’m losing myself to nature’s beauty.
Written by Kris Penn. Check out more of Kris' photography and adventures on Instagram: @kris_penn
