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The Blue Mountains - a section of the Great Dividing Range - so called because eucalyptus oil evaporating from the many gum trees creates a blue haze which gives the region its name. The Blue Mountains experiences four distinct seasons presenting an array of sky colours, mountain air texture and mountain mists. See Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is 68 miles/110 km west of Sydney. You can travel by rail, or road via one of the most scenic drives you will encounter in Australia, the Cliffs Drive that leads you to the village of Leura, the gateway to the Blue Mountains. See art and crafts shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, antique and book shops and quaint tea and coffee houses.

A spectacular start for many bush-walks is Blackheath, the highest point if the mountains. See the Blackheath Rhododendron Garden featuring the worlds most magnificant specimens of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, set in the natural bushland surroundings of the Blue Mountains. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Explore the waterfalls, valleys, lookouts, flora and fauna which are part of the many attractions. See the Edge 3D theatre, the famous Three Sisters, a rock formation, said to be three aboriginal girls turned to stone by Aboriginal folklore. Ride the Scenic Railway at Katoomba, the region's capital. The Edge wide screen 3D movie theatre shows you all the activities and best views of the Blue Mountains.

The Scenic Railway and the Skyway are exciting ways to see the unique mountain scenery. The railway offers a tour through plunging rainforests and cascading waterfalls, the skyway offers mountainous views that the Blue Montains is so famous for. Both the railway and the skyway are open all year round from 9-5pm. If you are visiting on a weekend or public holiday, ride the Zig Zag Railway that was used as a means of transport though the mountains until 1910.

Visit the Bilpin orchards and markets of roadside stalls. Meet the locals and shop their excellent fruits, home made jams and many delectable fruit juices. Visit the Botanic Gardens at Mt Toomah. See many Australian native and exotic trees, shrubs and flowers. Visit the Blue Mountains Honey Company to see how the bees work and to taste the supurb mountain honey.

Visit the home of famous Australian artist and writer, Norman Lindsay. The home is now used as a gallery, see his famous oil paintings, water colours, etchings, sculptures, ship models and memorabilia. Open 11 am to 5 PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday's.

Golf: Play the Wentworth Falls Golf Club Motorized carts are available.

Getting There

Driver Guide Coach tours operate from your Sydney hotel door or go by Sydney - Katoomba rail. For self drive, contact us about our self drive rental cars or self drive 4wd Toyota Landcruiser/Troop Carrier Safaris to the Blue Mountains.

Climate: Warm hot summers, warm to cool spring/autumn, cool to cold winters through June/July.

Jenolan Caves

The Jenolan Caves lie 50 miles/80 km southwest of Katoomba. There are many caves to see but the Jenolan Caves are the most famous.

The caves were discovered in 1838 by a convict bushranger. There are nine show caves open to the public with spectacular lighting, underground rivers and cave formations that will amaze you. There are nine caves to explore. See Cerberus Cave, Chifley Cave, Imperial Cave, Jubilee Cave, Lucas Cave, Orient Cave, Ribbon Cave, River Cave, Temple of Baal Cave. You will see Stalactites that form and grow downwards; Stalagmites where droplets fall to the floor and dry, growing upwards; Columns form when stalagmites join stalactites; Canopies and Shawls form where droplets flow over a ledge; Pool deposits form where drops collect in pools and evaporate; Straw stalactites that are hollow crystalline tubes. Accommodation is available at the Jenolan Caves Lodge.

Getting There

Coach tours depart from Sydney and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. For self drive, contact us about our self drive rental cars or self drive 4wd Toyota Landcruiser/Troop Carrier Safaris to the Blue Mountains and the Jenolan Caves.

Climate: Warm hot summers, warm to cool spring/autumn, cool to cold winters through June/July.

KANGAROO KELLY says that you should use Sydney as your base when touring the unique Blue Mountains and Katoonba. Tour buses depart daily from your hotel to the "Mountains" and other highlights of the region such as the Jenolan Caves. Vacation Australia can and will custom plan and competitively package "add-on" tours to your Aussie itinerary including your Blue Mountains experience

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