We travelled to the stunning Blue Mountains with our 13 year old Teensetter.
The Blue Mountains offer one of Australia’s most spectacular natural escapes, blending ancient geography with thrilling modern adventures. We drove two-hours from Sydney, to visit this World Heritage-listed region. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, deep eucalyptus forests, and rich cultural heritage with breathtaking valley views.
We began at Scenic World in Katoomba, the ultimate hub for experiencing the landscape from every angle. The most iconic sight in the region is The Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation steeped in Aboriginal legend. Towering over the Jamison Valley, these sandstone peaks shift in color throughout the day, glowing golden in the sunlight. Our Teensetter had recently discovered using .5 on our photos distorting all manner of things and we had many many laughs along the way.
We wanted to view the Blue Mountains from the Scenic Skyway.
Admittedly so did everyone else. The wait in the queue was very long and quite hot. Thankfully it was worth the wait as we suspended 270 metres above the ravine, the cable car glided between cliff tops, offering a 360-degree view of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and the endless expanse of the valley.
During the cable car ride we stepped onto the electro-glass cabin floor, which turned transparent mid-journey to reveal the canopy directly beneath our feet.
We returned to the Scenic World Top Station to embark on a completely different perspective. This was the one that made me the most nervous. I had experienced it 35 years ago and knew what we were heading into – the Scenic Railway.
It’s not scenic as you scream the entire way down ! The world’s steepest passenger railway, it takes you on a scary or thrilling (dependent on your perspective) 52-degree incline descent through a cliff-side tunnel. The glass-roofed carriages allow you to look straight up at the approaching rock face and towering trees as you plunge into the ancient terrain below. I literally thought I was going to be ejected at one point. Our Teensetter loved the experience.
Once at the bottom, after the adrenaline faded we stepped into tranquil wonder onto the Scenic Walkway.
This elevated boardwalk winds through pristine temperate rainforest, but it also offers a unique prehistoric twist: the Dinosaur Valley path. Walking among the towering tree ferns, we encountered 60 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs nestled in the foliage.
The roars and movements of these prehistoric creatures bring the ancient history of the forest to life, making it feel as though you have truly stepped back millions of years in time. Our teensetter loved walking through the rainforest attempting to climb tree vines and running along the boardwalk.
After exploring the valley, the Scenic Cableway smoothly returns you to the top of the cliffs.
After our adventurous day we left the bustling crowds of Katoomba and headed to Medlow Bath. We stopped at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel which sits proudly on a cliff edge overlooking the Megalong Valley, this iconic Art Deco masterpiece has hosted guests since 1904.
The hotel’s elegant, whitewashed facade stretches for over a kilometre, offering panoramic views of the rugged wilderness below. As we stepped inside we felt as though we had returned to the roaring twenties.
We sat at the Belgravia Bar & Lounge sipping on drinks, playing Uno while gazing through massive arched windows at the blue-haze mountains.
The perfect conclusion to a wonderful family day exploring the wild depths of the Australian bush.
