Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Blue Mountains
4
The Blue Mountains, designated a World Heritage area
in 2000, prevented westward expansion of the European
colony until 1813, when explorers Gregory Blaxland,
William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth found
a way across. The magnificent scenery, characterized by
rugged cliffs and rock formations, ravines and waterfalls,
is best appreciated on the bushwalks that wind along
cliff tops and through valleys. The restaurants, cafés
and antique shops will tempt the less energetic. The
mountains are named for the perennial blue haze,
caused by light striking eucalyptus oil particles in the air.
Zig Zag Railway
A steam train travels through
cuttings and tunnels, and
over three impressive viaducts
built from 1866-9.
The Grose River
flows between the
two roads crossing
the mountains.
ZIG ZAG
RAILWAY
Victoria
Falls
Mount York
Grose Valley from Govetts Leap
Considered by many to be the most
imposing view in the Blue Mountains,
a great panorama with a series of
ridges stretches into the far distance.
JENOLAN
CAVES
Three Sisters
This giant rock for-
mation near Echo
Point takes its name
from an Aboriginal
legend. The story tells
of three sisters turned
to stone by their witch-
doctor father to keep
them safe from an evil
bunyip or monster.
JENOLAN CAVES
About 55 km (34 miles) south-
west of Mount Victoria is a
magical series of spectacular
underground limestone caves
with icy blue rivers and fleecy
limestone formations. They are
surrounded by an extensive
wildlife reserve. People have
been making the trek here
since the caves were discovered
in 1838, staying originally in the
Grand Arch cave and later in
the Edwardian splendour of
Jenolan Caves House, which
still operates today.
KEY
Major road
Other road
Suggested walk
Starting points for other walks
Campsite
Picnic area
The vividly coloured Pool of
Cerberus at Jenolan Caves
Tourist information
Viewpoint
