Blue Mountains Day Trip
Christine Knight
Around two hours from Sydney you’ll find a different world from the hustle and bustle of the harbour city. The Blue Mountains are best known for astounding scenery – dramatic cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and countless bushwalking trails. You could easily spend weeks discovering all the delights the mountains offer, but, if you’re on a tight schedule, you can try our top picks – there’s literally something for everyone!
If you’re lazy-as: Scenic World
This is the best way to see all the beauty of the mountains without raising a sweat. Take a ride on Australia’s first cable car, the Scenic Skyway, across the magnificent Jamison Falls Valley, then hold on tight as you take the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world, down to the valley floor. With a 52 degree incline it’s not for the feint hearted! Scenie World also includes the Scenic Walkway, at the bottom of the railway, and the Scenic Cableway which is a picturesque way to ascend back out of the valley again.
http://www.scenicworld.com.au/
If you’re travelling with kids: Gingerbread House Cafe
Or even if you’re not taking kids on your Blue Mountains adventure, the Gingerbread House Cafe is a treat not to be missed. Housed in a beautifully restored 100-year-old church, it’s a sweet spot to grab afternoon tea like milkshakes, cookies and gingerbread.
https://www.facebook.com/thegingerbreadhousekatoomba
If you’re keen for a swim: Mini Ha Ha Falls
Hike down the 1.3km trail to the Minni Ha Ha Falls to the base of the 20-metres waterfall to find a peaceful serenity awaits you. If you’re feeling particularly brave, jump in for an icy cold dip. Tip: To get there, from the Great Western Highway turn onto Civic Plaza, then turn left to the Station Street and follow Victoria Street until South Street, where you need to turn right. Turn left onto Minni Ha Ha Road and drive until you reach the small car park at the end of the road.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQGiaNgj2vH/?taken-at=322566463
If you’re hungering for lunch (or a cheeky dessert): Cafe Madeline
Modern Australian-style breakfast, lunch and high teas are served up at Cafe Madeleine, along with decadent desserts. Make room for brownies, waffles and their famous hot chocolate, which is an absolute must on a cold mountains day.
http://www.josophans.com.au/home.html
If you want the Instagram-perfect shot with Bae: Three Sisters
You have to visit the Three Sisters on your first trip to the Blue Mountains. The rock formation, with three jutting peaks, is the most well-known image representing the Blue Mountains, and is even more spectacular in person. Head to Echo Point for the best viewing spots, and then strap on your sneakers for “The Giant Stairway” descent to the valley floor. The trail has more than 800 steps leading to the base of the Three Sisters, so take plenty of water with you. When you reach the bottom, follow the Scenic Walkway along a 2.4km boardwalk through ancient rainforest. Trust us, Bae WILL approve ;-)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQRWEXwBgGs/?taken-at=212964295
Christine Knight is an Australian travel writer and blogger. When she’s not chasing her energetic five-year-old through Sydney’s inner west, you’ll find her “researching” her way through the best high teas in the city.