One hour by car and 1.3 hours by express train from Sydney, just over the Nepean River west of Penrith lies one of the prettiest areas of Australia. The Blue Mountains, covered with a tinge of blue, are a natural phenomenon. Gases emitted by the eucalyptus have created the wonderful hues that give the mountains their name. The area's close proximity to Sydney means that it is the perfect getaway. Sydney-siders and visitors alike can easily experience the dramatic beauty of rugged cliffs and mountains while being invigorated by the cool mountain air.
Travel by Train
Travel by train is a comfortable and cost effective way to explore the mountains. Express services depart Sydney on a regular basis (please check NSW rail timetables). The express trains stop at Central, Redfern, Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith then once having crossed the Nepean River it's all stops to Mt Victoria, the last stop on the Blue Mountains section of the line. There are a number of travel options available. For more information visit tourism NSW website.
Glenbrook – The Doorway to the Mountains
Glenbrook is considered by many to be the first stop in the mountains. In earlier times the railway rain right down the main highway of Glenbrook, but was later diverted to its current position, only the station masters house remains sitting beside the Great Western Highway, a relic of the past, a silent testament to another time. Emu Road in Glenbrook was the site were a railway camp once existed. The camp housed the railway workers who carved a line from Lapstone through to Glenbrook and further up the mountains.
Some of the Mountain Towns
Springwood (the home of the Norman Lyndsay Gallery) is just one of the towns that grace the mountains. Leura is a vibrant village with a number of arts and craft shops, coffee shops, and boutiques that are unique to the mountain region. Katoomba is arguably the best known of the mountain towns. The art deco town boasts a close proximity to the famous three sisters and and the scenic sky rail as well as a number of walks around the heritage listed mountains. The world famous Art Deco Carrington Hotel graces the main street as well as a number of excellent eateries and gift shops. Blackheath is a small village made famous for hosting the annual Rhododendron Festival. Blackheath is where the scenic spectacle of Govett's leap, a breathtakingly beautiful vista overlooking the mountains and Bridal Falls, can be found. There is also an emporium that houses over fifty individual stallholders specializing in objects d'art and antiques. From Mt Victoria, the last of the mountain communities is the stop off point for people wishing to travel on the world renowned Zig Zag Railway. The railway line that once linked the towns west of the mountains to the Sydney Basin. However the old line has now been superseded by a new and more direct rail line to Lithgow and further west.
There are a number of other small towns and villages dotted along the rail line that head west over the towards Lithgow and beyond.
Mountain Festivals
Mountain Festivals January and February 2011
There are a number of mountain festivals that include:
- Blue Mountains Shakespeare Festival January 2011
- Wines of the West Festival 22nd 23rd January 2011 Carrington Hotel Katoomba
- Australia Day Gnome convention 26th January Glenbrook
- Lady Luck Festival 29th January at the Carrington Katoomba
- A Royal First 5th February Jenolan Caves
- The Rydal Horticultural and Agricultural Show 4th and 5th February
- The Open Garden Scheme- Gardening for Living 4th and 5th February
Visitors to the area have a plethora of options for sightseeing ranging from national park bush walks to sipping lattes in any number of quality eateries. Researching exactly it is you would like to experience within your chosen destination is a must. No matter whether it's Springwood, Katoomba or Blackheath or any of the other mountain towns and villages there is sure to be something that will interest the traveler.
N.B One should be aware that while trains are available to the mountains the services from the mountains can at times be limited, it would pay to ask the station master or check the internet for available timetables.
Parania Wilson - Parania attained her degree with a double major in welfare and sociology then spent a number of years in welfare working in Mental Health, ...
