Australia > In the Blue Mountains

Shortly before eight o’clock, we gather in the hotel lobby. Today I’m going on a beautiful hike in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range. This mountain chain stretches over 3,500 kilometers from the northeastern tip of Queensland along the eastern coastline to the central plains of Grampians National Park. The Blue Mountains National Park is located about a two-hour drive west of Sydney. Traffic leaving the city is fairly light. Traffic on the other side of the road is completely jammed. At the edge of Sydney, the driver enters an eleven-kilometer-long tunnel. The Western Harbour Tunnel was just completed, Allen, the driver, tells us. Around half past nine, we arrive at the Blue Mountains visitor center. I first walk to the lookout at Echo Point. I look out over a deep valley about three hundred meters below. To the left, I see the Three Sisters rock formation—three stone pillars at the edge of a cliff.

Australia - Hiking in Blue Mountains National Park

There are several walking trails in the nature reserve. One path runs along the top edge of the canyon toward Scenic World. This is about an hour’s walk. Scenic World has several attractions and also food and drink facilities. I plan to hike through the valley. For this, I descend the Giant Stairway into the Jamison Valley and climb back up again at Scenic World. Afterwards, I’ll walk back along the top edge. Other travelers choose to walk only along the top route. That way, there’s something for everyone. Before I set off, I order a coffee at the visitor center. Then I start walking with a small group. The route down to the Jamison Valley consists of steep stairs—sometimes rock steps, sometimes iron stairs. I notice the metal handrail is warm from the sun. I descend carefully.

Australia - A waterfall during the Blue Mountains hike

The Giant Stairway has more than 800 steps in total. I quickly feel the strain on my knees from going down, but I get down faster than expected. In the valley, I continue walking among the trees. Occasionally, I pass a stream or a waterfall. The Blue Mountains lie at an altitude of 1,000 meters. The temperature and the shade from the trees make it a great environment for hiking. Just after noon, I reach the Katoomba Falls. There are some picnic tables here—an ideal spot for lunch. I take my sandwich out of my bag. After lunch, we arrive at the Furber stairs. Part of the group decides to take the cable car back up. I decide not to, partly because I want to hike back along the top edge of the canyon. This choice also proves strenuous. Hundreds of steps lead upward. I try to climb at a steady pace. I’m glad when I see the endpoint among the trees.

Australia - The Three Sisters rock formation in The Blue Mountains

From here, the route back to Echo Point is fairly flat. Along the way, we enjoy beautiful views of the valley and the Three Sisters rock formation from several lookouts. Around half past three, the bus picks up the travelers at Scenic World. Then the driver also picks us up at Echo Point. While driving back to Sydney, Derk gives the trip briefing. He explains about the tip jar, money matters, and safety—everything needed for the coming weeks. Although it goes without saying, this makes the bus trip go by quickly. At half past five, I get off again at the hotel in Sydney. With some fellow travelers, I go to eat at Darling Square—a lively square next to the striking wood-paneled Haidilao Hotpot. I’m back at the hotel on time. Tomorrow morning we leave for the airport at quarter past four. I pack my luggage and go to sleep.