sydney day TW0

February 6, 2026

Today our tour group got an early start for the Blue Mountains, about two hours drive west of Sydney. Our destination was Scenic World in Katoomba. The venue was once a coal mine in the late 19th century. Today it is a modern attraction with multiple options for viewing the Blue Mountains and the Jamison Valley. We started with the Railway, a very steep set of 4 passenger compartments in which you could adjust the pitch of the car as you descended into the valley. At the bottom, there is an elevated walkway that runs between the base of the Railway and the base of the Cableway.

The walkway takes you past artifacts of the mine, but more interestingly runs thru what I would describe as a cool, primeval forest. Lots of huge boulders, ferns and dense eucalyptus. Upon returning to the main complex via the Cableway, we lined up for the Skyway. This is a super-sized gondola that runs a short distance to a scenic lookout and the starting point for various trails around the park.

Our next stop was Echo Point. It offered a better view of the valley and some formations than we had seen previously. Very wide open and thick with tourists. A claim to fame is that QE II had visited there early in her reign.

Our last stop before returning to Sydney was Leura, a very English-style village with a number of interesting shops lining the main street. Had to purchase some artisan chocolates before leaving town.

So much to do in and around Sydney and so little time. Would love to come back again.

Next up: Cairns (Great Barrier Reef!!!)