Though they can get quite crowded, the Blue Mountains is undoubtedly worth a visit. The view from…read moreEcho Point is stunning, especially with the vast expanse of the Blue Mountains stretching forever in the distance. Named for the blue haze created by the eucalyptus trees, the Blue Mountains are renowned for their dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys. If you're a nature and scenery lover, this is for you.

The Blue Mountains are a gorgeous natural area just a short drive away from Sydney - you should…read moreabsolutely work this into your itinerary! This mountain range's name doesn't lie - the mountains are absolutely blue, whether that's from their geological nature or the mist and sunlight tricking the eye (or a little bit of both), it's all beautiful and vast. There are so many natural wonders to see within the Blue Mountains, including the Three Sisters rock formation, countless amazing waterfalls, and tons of flora and fauna to see. The main vegetation in the Blue Mountains is eucalyptus, but you'll see a few other cool trees and vines/growth. The fauna is even better, with dingoes, skinks, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. We saw lots of skinks scurrying around the entrance to the Jenolan Caves, and also spotted a wombat there! The Jenolan Caves are absolutely beautiful, and the hike through them is pretty easy (just a little tight at times), while offering an adventure-filled day. There is also the Blue Lake, right outside the caves, which was an impossibly turquoise lake that dazzled the yes. When we were driving through other areas of the Blue Mountains, we happened upon a small wallaby. We kept our distance and she didn't approach us too closely either. When we did zoom in a bit with our cameras, we notice she had a baby Joey in her pouch! Such a cool thing to see (from afar). So when you're planning your Sydney activities, definitely don't leave off The Blue Mountains, either via a tour or self-drive, especially if you're a fan of nature, wildlife, and hiking!

A really beautiful lookout. Definitely worth a trip for anyone visiting Sydney. Make sure to stop…read morein the local town, too for beautiful shops.

I had no idea about the Blue Mountains in Australia until I started researching prior to my trip…read more One of the stars of the Blue Mountains are the Three Sisters, Wimalah, Meeni, and Gunedoo. Named from an Aboriginal legend. About 200 million years ago, volcanoes erupted through layers of sandstone and shale. Then eroded over time by wind, rain and rivers, causing the cliffs surrounding the Jamison Valley to be slowly broken up. Aboriginal legend says the three sisters - Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo belong to a Nepean tribe in the Jamison valley. All three sisters were in love with three brothers, but they couldn't marry because the tribes were rivals. (Romeo and Juliette times three). Ignoring the tribal laws, the brothers decided to kidnap Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. Creating a major tribal battle. To protect the three sisters, the tribe took them to a witch doctor who would temporarily turn them into stone and hide them near the rocky wall until the war was over. Unfortunately, the witch doctor was killed before the spell was reversed. Leaving the three sisters in stone forever. Echo Point gives the greatest view of The Sisters. The extension view from here is breathtaking, as you can see for miles across the valley tree tops. From this point is the spot that Queen Elizabeth II first saw The Sisters. Incredibly stunning.

Just a little park with ample seating to sit and soak in the sunshine. Watching the foot traffic in…read moreKatoomba's always interesting too, backpackers and throwback hippies vie with trendy cafe dwellers and the ever present tourists. Situated in front of the grand Carrington Hotel, you can pretend you've just wandered down to mix with the hoi polloi before retiring for a cocktail. Or, if you are of a historical bent, you could imagine you're a TB patient sent up here for the supposedly beneficial cool air, or at least hack up your lungs away from public view. I have too much time on my hands, I know it. Still, a bit of green space for kids to run around in while you munch on a Paragon chocolate or three.

It is a beautiful hotel. Bar staff was friendly, reception desk was not too friendly. Once they…read morediscovered I was not a guest, they did not care. Oh well, I only asked one question. I did ask the bar staff what the dinner options were and she had no clue. She mentioned Christmas in July and that was it. I only found out the next day (newspaper) that it was a expensive dinner. However, there is a casual menu placed on a stand right when you enter the front door of the hotel. I was confused. I decided to get a couple drinks as no restaurants were open for dinner yet in town. Drinks were fine and not as expensive as I was expecting. Would love to have stayed here, but alas a budget. It's worth a stop in for a drink to see a historic hotel. Come on, the Queen has stayed here!