Now, we know big day trips might not be on everyone’s agenda when heading to Sydney, but seriously, c’mon - escape the hustle and bustle just for a day and come with us, we have the best place to go and it won’t cost you a fortune!
Try this: Get up on sunrise and make your way to Central Station, we known the early morning might be tough but trust us on this one. Hop on the next train heading 2 hours west out to Katoomba in The Blue Mountains. Trains from Central leave every hour from 5.30am, (you know you can do it). The return journey costs just under $25. Pack walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, a couple of sandwiches, water, and most importantly your camera… that’s right, don your walking boots, put on those sunnies, you’re going bushwalking!
Once you have arrived at Katoomba, a local bus will take you out to the start of your day’s activities at Echo Point. Walk out right to the tip and you’ll be graced with an awe-inspiring view – kilometres and kilometres of mountain range, much of which sits inside a world heritage area – a true nature-lovers playground.
Close by you’ll notice the famed ‘Three Sisters’, three breathtaking rock structures jutting right out into the valley – here’s where your walking boots come in. Take the hike in and around the Three Sisters, (encompassing over 1000 stairs), right to the bottom, (don’t forget to grab a map from the visitor’s centre at Echo Point). Amongst the valley the crisp sound of bell-birds, and even the deceptive lyre birds will fill your ears with natures wonder, a welcome retreat after the repetitive melodies of your well-oiled ipod.
To the right you’ll notice Scenicworld, a place where you can join people from all over the world enjoying a ride on the steepest incline railway on earth and walk along the maze of boardwalks through the old mine fields… But if you’ve got the fitness, we suggest you keep following the track straight on, past The Landslide, The Golden Stairs and end up right on the other side of the valley at a place called ‘The Ruined Castle’.
Climb right to the top of the mammoth boulders and you’ll be greeted with a view that will literally take your breath away – a true 360 degree, 3D cinema of wilderness, nature at its best. A perfect stop for a lunch break before heading back to Echo Point just before the sun sinks below the horizon. It’s a full 6 -7 hour journey from start to finish – so make sure you’re prepared.
Retrace your steps back to the train and give those legs a well-earned rest on the journey back to good ‘ol Sydney town. We have no doubt that you will captivate your mates at dinner that night with an endless pile of yarns, a windswept face and a massive grin from ear to ear. Guaranteed.
For train timetables go to: www.cityrail.com For Blue Mountains information go to: www.visitbluemountains.com.au and www.scenicworld.com.au