Author: Medha Ruby

Not all the tour guides will tell you about it. Nor is it often found on international tour maps. But like many of the charming places beyond the beaten path, the Blue Mountains are sure to charm you with their untamed adventurous spirit. A short 100 kms west of Sydney, it is close enough for a quick day trip, or a leisurely overnight visit.

The Blue Mountains are actually sandstone plateaus that reach up to 1190 metres above sea level. You can expect pleasant temperatures throughout the year, although in the summer months the temperatures may reach the lower thirties. The plateaus are fringed by rugged eroded gorges reaching up to a depth of 760 metres, and providing dozens of ledges for the adventurous rock-climber. Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Site, the Blue Mountains is an extraordinary natural reservoir of flora.

For a long time, the difficult terrain of Blue Mountains prevented access to the valleys beyond it. Explorers would follow rivers which would lead them to spectacular and dangerous waterfalls, ending in a ledge or cliff. Early in the 19th century, three determined explorers charted a new path along the ridges and cliffs to cross what was considered impossible. Later, the Blue Mountains were to provide numerous ridges, cliffs, edges, rock faces, and gorges for the mountaineers and rock-climbers as well as the many abseilers who flock to the area.

There are many attractions in and around the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains National Park is 250,000 hectares of natural wonderland, which unlike many other parks, invites people with full accessibility. You can view the Park by car through the M4 Freeway, which will be a one and a half hour trip from Sydney, or you can take the trains leaving hourly from Sydney Central Station. Day touring services are also available, which is a good idea for those who don’t want to explore all by themselves. A guided tour will ensure you see all the significant points and you will receive a useful commentary as well. Catering arrangements are also made by the tour companies, saving one planning headache. The English Gardens and villages along the route are enchanting escapes into a pastoral world.

There are many small and spirited towns near and within Blue Mountains – in fact 26 of them in all – and Katoomba (aboriginal for ‘shiny, tumbling water’), situated in the heart of the mountains is the most frequented starting point for your journey. There is the famous Giant Stairway that runs down a cliff through a two and half hour walk through the Jamison Valley, into the Scenic Railway.

Along the way you meet the most celebrated feature of the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters, a sandstone rock face with three crests formed due to differential erosion. Tribal legend has it that three women in love were turned to stone by a witch doctor, who then died, leaving the women in unrequited stony eternal silence.

At the bottom you can ride the Katoomba Scenic Railway, a privately-owned tourist service with a cable-driven railway system that claims to be the steepest rail-route in the world, going to the maxima of an incredible 52Ú! Similarly, the Scenic Skyway and the Scenic Flyway are two celebrated cable cars traversing different arms of the Jamison Valley, with the latter claiming to be the steepest in Australia.

The Jenolan Caves are a series of marvelous caves made of limestone with wonderful display of stalactites and stalagmites, situated 45 km (70 km by road) south west of Katoomba township. The Zig Zag railway is a heritage railway around the famous Lithgow Zig Zag, designed in such a way to traverse abrupt ascents.

The Blue Mountains, named so because of the blue haze caused by the volatile fumes released by the surrounding eucalypts, is full of adventure for everyone. Here you can do bushwalking, horse riding, abseiling, visit day spas, ride the railways and cables, see the Edge Cinema or the gardens, and enjoy the various rock formations and caves. You’ll find wonderful food and wine, and shopping opportunities to satiate your local interest. Or, if you feel like writing a novel, you might find your muse within the inspiring scenes around you. Fact is, the Blue Mountains are likely to find a way to charm your heart.

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Victoria’s Top 21 Hot Spots – Part One
By Jenny Brewer

1. Melbourne

As Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is known for its diverse culture, fine restaurants, café and nightlife. Situated on the Yarra River, and inland from Port Philip Bay, there is so much to see and do. Attractions include Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Museum and of course the famous Melbourne Zoo. The parks, gardens, shopping and cultural ambience make this destination Victoria’s number one top spot.

2. Ballarat

Known as Victoria’s inland city, Ballarat is mostly known for its gold. It is still a big industry drawing tourists and gold seekers to this unique destination. You can choose from the Eureka Stockade Centre, Gold Museum or the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. Sovereign Hill is a must see with its recreating of history during the ‘Eureka Stockade’. Only 90 minutes from Melbourne on the Great Western Highway, it is great for a day trip or a stopover to enjoy all this city has to offer.

3. Geelong

Geelong is often known as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, with amazing scenery in all directions. There are fantastic attractions close to the city. The Geelong Gaol is worth a visit, as well as the Ford Discovery Centre and the National Wool Museum which is great for the family. A very popular recreational spot is the Barwon River and Buckley Falls which are perfect for a bushwalk and picnic. Drive a bit further south to Ocean Grove for a swim and amazing scenery. Geelong truly has something for everyone.

4. Mildura

Mildura is Victoria’s most productive fruit-growing area, with the mighty Murray River a drawcard for its many tourists. There is so much to see here, with Orange World, Gol Gol Fisheries and the Golden River Zoo some of the attractions. There are plenty of camping spots to choose from especially at the Mungal National Park, famous for its red sand dunes. Board a paddle steamer for a day to see the Murray River at its best. The PS Melbourne and the Rothbury both offer daily trips. Fantastic for a the whole family, Mildura is wonderful tourist spot.

5. Snowy River National Park

Known for wild horses and magical sunrises, this is Victoria’s High Country at its best, with some of Australia’s best ski fields close by, and popular for all types of outdoor sports such as abseiling, horse riding, canoeing, bike riding and hiking. There is incredible scenery here, with incredible gorges and river systems and plenty of fantastic camping spots. The best way to get there is in a hire car, via Buchan (from Jindabyne) along the Barry Way which will lead you to some amazing cave systems. The Buchan Caves are definitely worth a visit.

6. Macedon Ranges

Close to an hour out of Melbourne, this is a great spot to visit to escape the heat and enjoy the local wines and fruits of the region. With the Great Dividing Range and central highlands as a backdrop, visit attractions such as the Hanging Rock, and the Macedon National Park which has plenty of beautiful camping sights to choose from. The Cope Williams Winery, Mount Macedone Winery and Cobaw Ridge offer excellent local wine tasting and stunning scenery in every direction. Mount Macedon also has incredible gardens open to the public.

7. Lakes Entrance

If you love water sports, you will love this region. Located close to Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes Entrance offers panoramic ocean views in every direction. It is a popular holiday spot situated where the Gippsland Lakes meet the ocean. Lake Tyers is fantastic for a picnic, and perfect for a drive through its forest park. The most popular activities are fishing and boating, with so many waterways to choose from, and it is a perfect destination to relax and enjoy the surrounding coastal beauty.

8. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory can be found at the Victoria’s southern tip along the South Gippsland Highway. With incredible scenery, wildlife and rock formations, it is a stunning place to visit, and there are plenty of walking trails and beaches accessible mostly by foot. Camping facilities can be found at Tidal River which is the closest town to the Promontory. It is a remote location, but the natural beauty is worthwhile for those who love the wilderness of Australia.

9. Bendigo

Close to the centre of Victoria and known for its gold mines, Bendigo is a thriving urban city that is fascinating to visit. There are a multitude of options for the traveller. Visit the pottery museum, take a tram tour or visit the central Deborah mine for an underground experience you won’t forget. The Whipstick Forest outside of the city is perfect for a picnic and stroll, but if you are opting for a day trip, you have the choice of Elmore, Castlemaine, Maldon and Heathcote all equally as impressive.

10. Grampians National Park

The third largest national park in western Victoria, the Grampians offer incredible bushwalking, camping and scenery. Halls Gap is a central tourist destination in this fantastic region, and is a great base for your adventures. If you are traveling from the south, Dunkeld is the ideal entry point and a picturesque place to stay for a while. It is perfect for the driving holiday, with plenty of safe roads and driving routes to take you into the heart of this amazing Victorian paradise.

11. Mansfield

Mansfield is on this list for its country appeal, proximity to popular attractions and stunning beauty. Especially well known to horse lovers and favourite ‘Man from Snowy River’, this is the high country with a long history. It is also popular for bike riding, fishing and snow skiing at nearly Mount Buller and Mount Stirling. Situated a few hours north from Melbourne, there are plenty of adventure activities available, and the drives in all directions are spectacular.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia

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