Blue Mountains- you can see the hazy eucalyptus that gives the Blue Mountains their blue color.
The following morning we started out early and took a train out to see the Blue Mountains just west of Sydney. Our plan was to stay in the town of Katoomba and visit the Blue Mountains National Park. This was an easy overnight trip, and would allow us at least one day in the "bush" during our very short trip to Sydney.
When we arrived in Katoomba, we checked into the Carrington Hotel. It was an historic building, a comfortable hotel, but not fancy, it might be more renovated now than when we visited, but we enjoyed our stay there. After dropping our bags, we purchased a Blue Mountain Trolley Tour ticket that allowed us to use a hop on hop off trolley all day to see the sights around the area.
Carrington Hotel in Katoomba
Our room at the Carrington, with stain glass windows.
We took the trolley to see the Three Sisters, a famous rock formation. We did a small hike in this area, but there are many trails and enough trails to go out camping in the bush for days if you like.
Blue Mountains National Park "Three Sisters"
A cockatiel in a eucalyptus tree
During our springtime visit, the cicadas had hatched. There were thousands of them all calling at the same time. The noise was incredible, and we saw them everywhere.
Another stop on the trolley was the town of Leura. The town had several quicky shops and cafes. We walked to the Leura Falls and Everglade Gardens.
Leura Falls
The Everglades Gardens was the homestead of the Van De Velde family, and today is open to the public. There are several beautiful gardens and scenic overlooks as well as the house and buildings to explore.
Some beautiful shrubs in the Everglades Gardens
The wisteria frames a beautiful view of the Blue Mountains.
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