New South Wales - Australia 2004 - page 188

guided walks, camping and hiking, as well as information on local European and
Aboriginal historic sites. It's open daily from 9am to 4:30pm.
EXPLORING THE AREA ON HORSEBACK
One of the nicest ways to get around is on horseback. Werriberri Trail Rides
( & 02/4787 9171; fax [phone]), found at the base of the Blue Moun-
tains, 10km (6 miles) from Blackheath on Megalong Road in the Megalong Val-
ley, offers guided 1 ⁄ 2 -hour to 3-hour rides through the Megalong Valley. Suitable
for beginners to advanced riders. Half-hour rides cost A$17 (US$11).
WHERE TO STAY
Jemby-Rinjah Lodge The Blue Mountains National Park is just a short
walk away from this interesting alternative accommodations option. There are
nine standard cabins (seven two-bedroom cabins, and two one-bedroom loft cab-
ins), one deluxe cabin called Treetops Retreat, and three pole-frame lodges good
for groups. The cabins are right in the bush, can sleep up to six people, and are
well spaced. Each has a slow combustion heater, carpets, a bathroom, a fully
equipped kitchen, and a lounge and dining area. There are also laundry and bar-
becue areas nearby. The lodges each have five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a
common lounge area with a circular fireplace. You can rent linens, but bring your
own food. Free pickup can be arranged from Blackheath train station. Treetops
Retreat has a Japanese hot tub, TV, VCR, stereo, and three private balconies with
bush views. It sleeps two, making it a perfect romantic getaway. The nearby walk-
ing trails take you to the spectacular Grand Canyon; the Grose Valley Blue Gum
forests; and Walls Cave, a resting place for local Aborigines 10,000 years ago.
336 Evans Lookout Rd., Blackheath, NSW 2785. & 02/4787 7622. Fax [phone]. www.jembyrinjah
lodge.com.au. 10 cabins, 3 lodges. Cabins (occupied by up to 2 adults and 2 children): Fri-Sun and public hol-
idays A$195-A$250 (US$127-US$163); Mon-Thurs A$150-A$195 (US$98-US$127). Extra adult A$22
(US$14), extra child A$14 (US$9.10). Linen A$14 (US$8.80) per bed. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant
with lounge area; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms. In room:TV, kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker.
JENOLAN CAVES
182km (113 miles) W of Sydney; 70km (43 miles) W of Katoomba
The winding road from Katoomba eventually takes you to a spur of the Great
Dividing Range and a series of underground limestone caves considered some of
the world's best. Known to the local Aborigines as “Binoomea,” meaning “dark
place,” the caves are an impressive amalgamation of stalactites, stalagmites, and
underground rivers and pools. They have been open to the public since 1866.
GETTING THERE It's a 1 1 ⁄ 2 -hour drive from Katoomba to the caves.
CityRail trains run to Katoomba and link up with daily Jenolan Caves excur-
sions run by Fantastic Aussie Tours ( & 02/4782 1866, or 1300 300 915 in
Sydney; www.fantastic-aussie-tours.com.au). The day tour departs Katoomba at
10:30am and returns at 5:15pm. It costs A$80 to A$99 (US$52-US$64)
depending on which cave you visit. The more expensive tour also includes a
short wilderness walk. The company also runs transfers to Jenolan from
Katoomba departing at 10:30am and leaving Jenolan at 3:45pm daily. They cost
A$47 (US$31) for adults and A$23 (US$15) for children each way.
Day trips from Sydney are operated by AAT King's ( & 02/9252 2788 ) and
Australian Pacific Tours ( & 02/9252 2988; fax [phone]). Coach tours
depart from the coach terminal at Circular Quay. Since you end up spending 6
hours on a coach on these day trips, I recommend staying overnight in either
Jenolan Village or somewhere else in the Blue Mountains.