Blue Mountains

Our first stop was Katoomba in the Blue Mountains an hour and a half drive West of Sydney. The Blue Mountains derive their name from the blue colour of the oil the numerous eucalyptus (gum) tree leaves emit into the air. It is not dangerous but don’t be surprised if you come home smelling of eucalyptus cough drops and chest rubs. Katoomba is a small town built at the top of an escarpment. It is picturesque, somewhat eclectic, mixing Sydney chic with South Coast beach hippie, and cool in Winter with fog that gives the place an eerie feeling. The views from the escarpment are spectacular when the fog lifts and the rain forested valleys are great for hiking and observing wildlife. We saw many birds including the reclusive Lyrebird which can imitate the call or song of most other birds in the forest. The biggest tourist attraction is the incredible Three Sisters rock formation, rising almost a thousand meters above the forest floor, and well worth the visit.

We stayed in a charming three bedroom house. One of our “coup de coeur”.
http://www.bluemts.com.au/leuraretreat/katoomba_retreat/kat_main.htm