It is an easy day trip from Sydney which means lots of tourist buses and accompanying tourists; which results in Jens and I spending as little time as possible there. I am referring to the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves. Both quite spectacular in their own right. And if you are willing to pay the hefty entry fees, you could probably spend at least a full day at each location.
We started in Katoomba and did the self guided walk to see the Blue Mountains' famous three sisters rock pinnacles, took in the stunning views of the gorge marveling at the blue mist caused by the oils from the thousands of eucalyptus trees, walked down to the coal mine (now closed of course) and took the steepest train in the world back up to the top of the ridge and then it was off to Blackheath.
The three sisters (I'm the one in the middle)
A tribute to the miners and their ponies.
We had a most delightful lunch in Blackheath at a little cafe called Anonymous. It qualifies as one of the best lunches and coffee we have had for a long time. And for a little afternoon leg stretch we visited the Govetts Leap Lookout and embarked on a walk to the Bridal Veil Falls (only 468 steps down and then back up of course).
Beautiful escarpment at Govetts Leap.
From there it was a couple of hours drive to Jenolan Caves. We arrived at dusk and quickly realized it was going to be a bloody cold night. So we struck camping off our list and took a room at the inn. Good decision - the temperature dropped to 2° C. Brrrr.
We decided to opt out of the cave tour the next morning and walked around the Blue Lake and down to the valley instead. Another good decision. We got to see our first platypus in the wild. Oh Ya!!
Little Platy playing in the lake.
And a duck.
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