Blue Mountains Info
Introduction
Just two hours outside of Sydney by road or rail, the Blue Mountains draw in thousands of visitors – Australians and world travelers, alike – with stunning scenery, endless outdoor activities, and an atmosphere of relaxation and harmony. The Blue Mountain region is located in New South Wales, a state in the southeast of Australia. Travelers who enjoy the busy sights and sounds of Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, will not want to miss the opportunity to get away from the urban jungle and into the real jungle. With several national parks, thrilling outdoor activities, first class accommodations, and a friendly population, this destination should not be missed.
Visiting the Blue Mountains
The easiest way to reach this region is by arriving in Sydney first. The city is well served by international flights from all over the globe, and is easy to reach from anywhere in Australia, New Zealand, or elsewhere in the region. From there, you can drive to the mountains or take one of the trains departing from Sydney. The CityRail connects most of the main towns in the region, so it is easy to hop from place to place as you explore this breathtaking region. However, to get the full experience of the mountains, your best bet is to travel by car. Remember, though, traffic drives on the left side of the road in Australia! Visitors not accustomed to this should drive very carefully and stay alert. If you have excess time and energy, bicycling is the ideal way to see more remote parts of the region. Mountain bikers have plenty of wild terrain to navigate, but there are also safe, paved roads for recreational bikers.
Hotels range from basic accommodation for budget travelers, to beautiful resorts with every amenity you could hope for. A pleasant middle ground is to find a bed and breakfast or guest ranch where you can relax in comfortable hospitality, exploring the surrounding area at your own pace. If you are prepared to camp, there are many campgrounds where you can pitch a tent or park a trailer.
Although the Blue Mountains are especially well known for an array of extreme sports like hang gliding, mountain biking, and trekking, there are also plenty of activities that get you out in nature but don’t require perfect physical fitness and an adrenaline addiction. The national parks include trails that are wheelchair accessible, giving equal access to the breathtaking vistas. The historic Zig Zag railway is a family-friendly way to see the mountains and learn about the region’s past.
History and Points of Interest in the Blue Mountains
In the early days of British settlement in Australia, the Blue Mountain range provided a natural barrier around Sydney, discouraging escape attempts by the convict residents. However, as the city expanded (and devastating drought set in), it became more and more urgent to find a way to penetrate this rugged mountain range and move into the interior of the country. It took more than a quarter of a century for colonists to accomplish this, though the aborigines had been doing it for millennia.
When pioneers finally did manage to forge into the mountains, they discovered a wealth of natural resources and awesome beauty. Many towns developed, including Katoomba, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Oberon, and Glenbrook. However, most of the forest remained untouched. Australia has protected these virgin expanses as national parks. In 2000, the Greater Blue Mountains region was inscribed on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, in recognition of the extraordinary ecological diversity there; particularly the diversity of eucalyptus varieties. Visit these magnificent national parks and marvel at plants and animals that don’t live anywhere else on the planet.
The Blue Mountains have a wild and rugged atmosphere, bolstered by the varied landscapes and astounding ecological diversity, yet they are a relatively tame destination, easy to reach and explore. This combination makes the region an ideal place families looking for an exciting but safe way to enjoy nature, or for amateur adventure travelers looking to start with terrain that is fierce but undaunting. Come see for yourself why this beautiful corner of Australia was named a World Heritage Site, and relax in a peaceful land of hospitality and adventure.