The Blue Mountains
Ok, so where were we? Ah yes, Sydney! Internet access has been more sporadic than I had anticipated, so we’re a little behind on the updates.Anyway, we left Sydney on the Saturday morning (January 12th), to make a 2 hour journey north to a little place on the coast called ‘The Entrance’. Boydy, a friend from good old Northern Ireland, lives there now with his Aussie wife, and I really wanted to take the opportunity to go and meet them.
We had a great time (apart from the time I was nearly swept out to sea), and ended up staying there until Tuesday.
Katoomba, Blue Mountains
On Tuesday morning we left to go west of Sydney, up into the Blue Mountains. Katoomba seemed to be where most of the interesting sites were located, so that’s where we decided to stay.
So, on Wednesday we went on a fairly long walk, checking out Katoomba Falls, and the 3 Sisters (via Echo Point), and admiring the view of the rainforest from the top of the valley. Thankfully the fairly groggy, dull weather disappeared for most of the early afternoon hours, allowing us to get some good shots of the spectacular scenery.
The walk took us down (thankfully not up) the Giant Stairway, which is a very steep, 900 step stairway, cut into the cliff face near the 3 Sisters. 900 steps don’t sound like much, but with the heat, humidity, and the angle they have been made, it’s quite nasty (unless you’re used to ascending and descending steep inclines).
One stage of the walk through the rainforest, felt very Amazon like, but I didn’t see much exotic wildlife, except for a few Rosella’s (I think). The noises are really cool though, and quite piercing at times.
If you’re in the Sydney area, the Blue Mountains are definitely worth a visit.
1. At the foot of the 3 Sisters, about to descend the Giant Stairway
2. The 3 Sisters on the left (used to be 7, but natural errosion and rock climbling have destroyed them).
3. A Rosella (I think. Glenn??) taking a bath
4. The Blue Mountains look a lot ‘bluer’ when the clouds appear
woohoo… these pictures look familiar!! I was there!! was really nice the day we went too!! Did you’s go on the really steep train thing? Mum just loved that!… NOT!! haha… was so funny laughing at her, she was grabbing random stranger’s arm and everything!! hehe… good times!!
I think it is a rosella Armen…
a Crimson Rosella to be precise!
It looks like he is enjoying that bath!
Hi, Finally found your site. Looks like you are having a great time, seeing a small part of our great country. terrific photos. Up with the birds, you will be coming home for a holiday.
Sorry, didn’t see you at the Aust. Open. You couldn’t have done anything out of the ordinary to get on T.V. See you when you get home. The Lord watch over you as you travel as He has done.
Nice scenery Armen- Glenn & I & the others would need to go up and down 900 steps a few times before November!!!Theres only just over hundred at The Giants Causeway but I suppose we could repeat them a few times
Take Care & God Bless
Hi, I’ve found your blog. We are hoping to relocate to Australia later this year. We are currently looking at different areas. Thought about Perth but have heard that it’s very hot over there. What is the climate like around where you guys are? We’ve been living in NI for 10 years (I’m a Scot) Prior to that we lived in NZ where my husband is from. Any tips, welcomed.
Thanks,
Deb
Stephen - Yes, we did go on the “really steep train thing”. It’s the steepest of its kind in the world, and I can fully understand why your mum was holding on so frantically, especially if she was on it on the way up.
Glenn - It was definitely enjoying that bath! It’s was vigorously splashing around in that river for a couple of minutes.
Trevor & Joy - Glad to be back now, and looking forward to catching up, and sharing everything we seen and experienced. We had a great time!
Irwin - I think a few times up and down the Giant Stairway would be great training for you guys. However, you’d have to make sure and wear your backpack too
Deborah - Glad you found the blog, and I’d be glad to help you. I’ll send you an email.
Thanks. No rush. I’m sure you’re busy being just back. I’ll save the list of questions
Deb
really enjoyed reading bout ur hols. great fotos 2. real david bailey! time i was going back 2 bed. joys of night shift. can really mess u up. however i may not have had time otherwise to read this so i’m thankful. x