Day 100 27/12/2014

Wendy took us west to visit the Blue Mountains today, an area of natural beauty and a Unesco World Heritage site.  The slate coloured haze that gives the mountains their name comes from a fine mist of oil given off by the huge eucalyptus that form a dense canopy across the landscape.  The mountains are about 65km east of Sydney and rise to a c1000m high plateau.  We stopped at Leura, apparently the prettiest town in the area with a tree lined main street and craft and coffee shops, one of which we frequented.  The weather was much cooler here and you certainly needed a top or cardigan although it was nice to escape the heat of Sydney.  From Leura we headed towards Katoomba and stopped to walk towards Sublime Point and to the waterfall cascade.  We got great views of the plateau and high across the landscape of trees.  We walked to Bridal Veil look out and then traversed back across the hillside to where we'd parked.  We drove on a little bit further to Katoomba and had lunch in the small shopping area sharing quiche and salad.  It was a bit pricey but very tasty and enjoyable.  We walked out to the Echo Point viewing platform from where you can see a rocky trio called the Three Sisters.  Apparently the story is that three sisters were turned to stone by a sorcerer to protect them from the unwanted advances of three young men but the sorcerer died before he could turn them back.  It was very busy with lots of tour groups but soon quietened down as we walked along the path away from the Point and then headed up the steps and back towards the car.  We drove through Katoomba and stopped at the Hydro Majestic Hotel where Wendy has previously stayed.  A lovely location with great views.  We did think about having afternoon tea but at $65 a go we decided to give it a miss!  Simon took advantage of Wendy's offer of driving back to Sydney which Simon really enjoyed and it was good practice for when we get our hire car in Victoria and camper van in Tasmania.  In the evening we had dinner on the terrace at Wendy's.  A great way to finish off a wonderful day out.

Cascade Waterfall look out

Bridal Veil Look Out

The Three Sisters

View from Hydro Majestic Hotel 

The Blue Mountains