Blue Mountains – World Heritage area
The Blue Mountains are just 90 minutes drive from Sydney, the perfect short break from the cosmopolitan city. Most famous for the World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park, this area is a great place to explore at a leisurely pace. The mountain air is fresh, waterfalls plunge into sandstone valleys thick with the eucalypt forests that create the blue haze. Elegant spa retreats and cosy B&Bs have serene valley views, there are golf courses and bushwalks and some of the best dining in the State. The adventurous will love this terrain where you can safely abseil, try canyoning or rock-climbing in pristine surrounds.
As a popular retreat for Sydneysiders for over a century, the Blue Mountains offers an excellent choice of accommodation. There are historic hotels lovingly restored with modern touches, guesthouses set amidst pretty gardens and five star luxury hotels with spas, pools and fine dining. An exciting new addition will be the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort due to open in 2007. The exclusive resort will have just 40 suites, day spa, and relaxation rooms, and will be built according to strict environmental guidelines.
The mountain air is sure to sharpen the appetite and there is no better place to dine than in the villages of the Blue Mountains. Award-winning restaurants serve and eclectic mix of modern Australian cuisine, European country fare and fresh café food. There is a growth in speciality food shops such as sourdough bakeries, chocolate and fudge shops, cheese and gourmet delis.
The small towns and villages spread throughout the Blue Mountains are perfect for some serious browsing. Antique shops and art galleries are sprinkled amongst jewellery and designer-fashion boutiques. The Blue Mountains has been attracting sculptors, writers and painters for years. Stimulated by the great natural beauty of the rugged landscape, they have created works of art that have inspired the nation. This legacy can be seen today in the galleries and private homes (now open to the public) dedicated to works by local painters, photographers, potters and sculptors. A lively events calendar keeps visitors arriving for musical, gardening and other creative activities.
Activity in the Blue Mountains is all part of relaxing and de-stressing. Bushwalkers will love the choice of trails throughout the Blue Mountains National Park. Take an eco tour with local experts who will introduce you to this treasured World Heritage area. See the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at Katoomba or have a ride on the Scenic Railway at Scenic World. Learn about the recently discovered “dinosaur plant”, the Wollemi Pine, at Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens or visit the pretty Everglades Gardens at Leura in spring or autumn.
For more information, visit www.visitnsw.com