Plan Book Travel Australia

Named the Blue Mountains due to the blue haze that can be seen from Sydney created by light interacting with the vapour emanating from the millions of eucalypt trees. This rugged region features dramatic cliffs, rock formations, waterfalls and caves. Once seen as a barrier to the infant colony's expansion westwards, the Blue Mountains is now a popular holiday or weekend destination due to its proximity to Sydney.

Located approximately 105km from Sydney, this spectacular wilderness area now World Heritage-listed can be enjoyed year round. Seasonal changes here are more marked than in Sydney, and temperatures can plummet very quickly, especially in winter, so it is wise to always be prepared for the cold. This climate makes the Blue Mountains an ideal location for Yulefest, a mid-winter 'Christmas' festival, held annually between June and August. Many quaint villages dot the landscape, offering excellent restaurants, cafes, pubs, gardens, galleries, antique stores and other shops to entertain less energetic visitors.

World Heritage Area: The area was listed in 2000 as Australia's 14th World Heritage Area for its unique landforms, geological history, flora and fauna and its cultural significance to the Daruk and Gundungura Aboriginal people. Older than America's Grand Canyon, the area is home to living fossils like the Wollemi Pine. Bushwalking, rockclimbing, canyoning, abseiling, mountain biking and 4WDing are all possible.