Few cities in the world are blessed with such a large natural playground on their doorstep – over one million hectares, actually .
The Blue Mountains is located about 90 minutes via train from Sydney, thus ensuring accessibility as a day destination for those visiting on a tight schedule. However, the Blue Mountains warrant several nights of exploration for those with more time on their hands.It’s ironic that a vast area, best known for its green attractions, is called the Blue Mountains.
Some are endemic , and many are threatened . While few visitors will ever see one, the Wollemi Pine occurs in distinct Blue Mountains microhabitats. The plant is new to botany, having only been discovered in 1994 by adventurer David Noble, after whom it is named. The sheer natural beauty of the mountains is the other major attraction for visitors. The small towns that dot the highway from Sydney and over the mountains to the Western Plains are restricted to the ridge tops, while the steep canyon walls of the Unesco site are never too far from towns such as Wentworth Falls, Blaxland, Leura, Katoomba, and Blackheath.
Many waterfalls cascade from the plateaus to the valley floors below. In these moist environments, ferns, mosses, and orchids dominate the vegetation. Rainbow Lorikeets and over 250 other bird species also thrive in this habitat and are frequently admired by bushwalkers. Judging by the number of fine restaurants in the mountains, it would seem that fresh air and eating complement each other. Some of Sydney’s finest chefs have been attracted to the relaxed holiday atmosphere of the mountains. Nothing seems rushed, and long Sunday lunches are particularly popular for those venturing up from the city for the day. Some of the best restaurants include Darley’s at Lilianfels, Wintergarden at the Hydro Majestic, and Embers at the Fairmont.
At just 310m, the railway is also Australia’s shortest, but with departures every 10 minutes, it offers the most frequent timetable. This small, semi-open-sided, cog-wheel railway descends at 4m/second from the top of the escarpment through the rainforest to the valley below. The descent into the Jamison Valley can be steeper through adjustable seats that can be reclined to 62o for a “cliff-hanger ride”. Its four glass-roofed carriages can accommodate 84 passengers and a driver.
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