FRESH DIMENSIONS IN THE Blue Mountains

When one envisages the New South Wales Blue Mountains, usually the standard images of the Three Sisters, Jamison and Megalong Valley views, Katoomba and Leura come to mind. But there’s so much more.

Within the one million hectares of the Blue Mountains World Heritage conservation area, you have natural splendour, history and upwards of 100 attractions and activities to discover. From the subterranean chambers of the Jenolan Caves to exploring the heavens at the Kings Tableland Observatory, the Blue Mountains has all you need to refresh body and spirit.

Luxury accommodation & cottages in Blue Mountain, NSW

Unlike many seaside destinations, there’s much to do and see in all weathers – a morning in the Blue Mountains with the mist curling out of the trees and valleys can be a sublime experience.

Bushwalking through the towering eucalyptus forests with their colourful and sometimes raucous birdlife, golden sandstone escarpments and cool running streams has to be the activity most embraced in the Blue Mountains. There are literally dozens of well-marked tracks throughout the region, with most offering information on the degree of difficulty and average time to complete.

If you’re looking to add a further dimension to your Blue Mountains experience, there are a number of well-established guided tours.

Blue Mountains Walkabout is an Aboriginal tour where you get to see ancient rock art and ceremonial sites used for millennia, discover the Dreamtime stories, taste bush tucker and swim in a crystal-clear billagong.

For adrenaline junkies, High ‘n Wild Mountain Adventures will supply your fix. There’s abseiling, canyoning, water abseiling, rock climbing, mountaineering and mountain biking. You get to spend time with people whose passion is sharing this special place with those who’d rather do than just look.

Tread Lightly Eco Tours offers an eco-tourism guiding service covering the Blue Mountains on foot and by 4WD. You might have been to the area dozens of times over the years, but you’re guaranteed to visit places you had no idea existed, including deep gorges, ancient rainforests and tumbling waterfalls.

Blue Thunder Downunder Harley Tours has a series of tours to experience the Blue Mountains in style on the back of a powerful motorcycle. It’s a great way to experience a substantial area in a short time and take some terrific photographs. What better way of getting a group of friends together for a shared day out with a difference?

Not everyone appreciates the great outdoors, and the Blue Mountains certainly caters for all interests, especially those who appreciate some dedicated pampering. A number of the leading resorts offer spa facilities, and there are also several day spas that your hosts will be happy to recommend.

There are festivals and events aplenty in the region. Those to look out for include:
• Jenolan Caves Christmas Spectacular – 9 Dec 2006
• Zig Zag Railway Steam Up – 11 Dec 2006
• Sunday Markets in Glenbrook, Springwood, Lawson, Bullaburra
• 8th “One Van” International Festival of Puppetry – 19 Jan 2007
• Glenbrook Australia Day Celebrations – 26 Jan 2007
• Gardens Without Borders – 5 May 2007
• 10th Kowmung Music Festival – 17 & 18 and 24 & 25 March 2007.

Of course, no trip away from home is complete without some quality shopping time, with the creative mountain community ensuring true delight in this regard. In the towns and villages up and down the mountains, with Katoomba and Leura being the most notable, there are gourmet delis, antiques, collectables, fine furniture and design, unique homewares and gifts for all occasions.

The completion of the orbital freeway in Sydney has made the Blue Mountains more accessible than ever, so why not give it a go?