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Thrills and spills in the Blue Mountains   

Sandip Hor explains how this mountain range acquired its name

Located around 70 kilometres west of Sydney, the Blue Mountain range in Australia’s New South Wales is a rugged hilly region with dramatic scenery that comprises cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, gardens and valleys.

The region derives its name from the fact that oil droplets from eucalyptus forests – when combined with dust particles and water vapour – create a bluish haze due to the emission of short wavelength rays of light, which are predominantly blue.

This expansive region can be explored any time of the year. And while summer provides a cooler escape from the plains, it is chilly in winter, and brightly-coloured in autumn and spring.

Nestled within the wilderness of these beautiful mountains lie several towns and villages. Katoomba, which is the region’s nerve centre, is tucked away at over 1,000 metres above sea level. Other notable settlements are Springwood in the lower part, Wentworth Falls and Leura around Katoomba, and Medlow Bath and Blackheath towards the top.

WHERE TO STAY Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is the only five-star hotel in this neck of the woods. It is conveniently located in Katoomba and offers guests a relaxing stay in the midst of nature.

The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba, which was built in 1883, is a treasure trove of history. And the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains Hotel that was opened in 1904 in nearby Medlow Bath exhibits the class and elegance of a bygone era.

But the area’s largest accommodation hub is the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains in Leura with 200 plus rooms.

WHERE TO EAT The Blue Mountain range is home to many award-winning eateries, which serve modern Australian cuisine using fresh local produce.

Among the highly marked and popular eateries are Arrana in Springwood, Darley’s Restaurant in Katoomba and the Blaq Restaurant & Bar in Blackheath. Traditional high tea at the Wintergarden Restaurant in the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains Hotel is an experience that mustn’t be missed.

WHERE TO SHOP The best place for shopping is in Leura where boutique shops sell local products that include handicrafts; artwork; local produce such as jam, honey and cheese; and souvenirs.

WHERE TO GO If Katoomba is the crown of the Blue Mountains, Echo Point is the jewel in the crown.

Perched on the edge of an escarpment, this paved location offers panoramic views of Jamison Valley and the weathered sandstone peaks known as the Three Sisters, which rise nearly a kilometre above sea level.

The main attraction of the Blue Mountains is to enjoy its natural panorama – and there are many ways to do so.

While the physically fit and adventuresome may opt for cliff walks, some prefer getting on board a six-wheel drive (6WD) former army vehicle to view the plunging valleys and golden escarpments from multiple lookouts – some of which aren’t easily reacha­ble.

Others opt for the century old Zig Zag Railway near Lithgow to gaze at scenery from the window of a train that’s hauled by steam engines.

However, the most popular way of immersing oneself in nature is offered by Scenic World.

This privately owned facility operates a variety of adventure driven journeys that include the thrills of a 52 degree incline in open terrain while riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, and gliding on a cable car for the best views of the surrounding cliffs and valley in-between.

The most thrilling experience it offers is soaking up an uninterrupted 360 degree view from the roof of the cable car while sipping champagne at a height of 270 metres above sea level!

It’s the world’s first rooftop cable car experience hyped as being like ‘nothing else on Earth.’