I was lucky enough to grow up in a really unique part of Australia. I had beach, bush and mountains all within a half hour drive of my house, so it’s easy to understand why I enjoy being out in nature so much.
A friend recently asked me where my favourite mountain range is, and I have to be honest I couldn’t pick just one. There are so many stunning ranges around Australia and across the globe, each with their own special beauty and ecological challenges. That said, I knew telling them Mercedario in Argentina was breathtaking wasn’t the answer they were looking for.
After a long chat we narrowed down a few mountainous areas throughout Australia worth visiting but go caught up on the Blue Mountains. What a wild name, who looks at a lush green mountain range and decides to name it the Blue Mountains? It’s like those people who call their cat Dog, just bizarre.
Never satisfied without an answer we hit up google. Turns out since there is often a blue haze across the mountain tops they were named so. Makes sense if you ask me, was also pretty embarrassed given I’ve been there and have many photos of the stunning blue fog-like haze 😬😍🙃
Never satisfied without an answer we hit up google. Turns out since there is often a blue haze across the mountain tops they were named so. Makes sense if you ask me, was also pretty embarrassed given I’ve been there and have many photos of the stunning blue fog-like haze 😬😍🙃
Turns out there is a super sciencey explanation for why that blue haze exists but I enjoy travel and writing not molecular biology so here is the TL;DR version.
Eucalyptus trees share their oil with the world. The oil makes friends with the dust. The dust and oil stop us from seeing the light. Light looks blue.
Simple! ….
Anyway, what I am trying to say is that the Blue Mountains are pretty cool place and a fantastic day (or few) of free hikes, walks and photography destinations.
There’s not a lot in life that is free, so hiking and walks are a great way to get out in nature and escape without the cost of a tropical holiday. With so many different access points, easy public transport access and no park entry fees.
There are a few iconic locations for you to stop at while you visit. Kings Tableland, Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters are some of the most beautiful. If you’re unfamiliar with the region or are nervous at the idea of navigating your way around the range there are plenty of guided tours you can join, check out Blue Mountain Tours website.
There’s something so calming about being out in that mountain air, it really resets your body, and I always feel calmer and more relaxed when I leave.
While in the area why not head to the small town of Leura? They have the most beautiful gardens there. Heading there throughout spring you’ll see endless buds flowering, the gardens become a flurry of colour glistening in the sun’s fresh warm rays. The gardens are stunning to view year-round, I’m just partial to walking through them on a sunny October afternoon. Call ahead and get yourself a table in the tea rooms. Run by volunteers you can sit down for tea and a slice of cake surrounded by greenery.
The Blue Mountains are beautiful, and I cannot recommend you visiting them enough. They simply offer something for absolutely everyone from tea in the garden to all day hikes.
Just get yourself there already.
Wow, I really went all in on the Instagram pics today, huh.
Related article: Blue Mountains Travel Guide
This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursaustraliaonline.wordpress.com/2019/11/11/blue-mountains-really/
