blue mountains hiker
now a prestigious world heritage area
highlights
-
World Heritage Area renowned for the recent discovery of the prehistoric Wollemi Pine
-
Hike the "Mid Cliff Track" as it wends its way through magnificent Waterfall Valley
-
Touch one of the 3 Sisters!
Well known for the famous 3 Sisters rock formation, the sheer beauty and botanical significance of the Blue Mountains has recently been recognised with a prestigious World Heritage listing. Towering cliffs, dramatic lookouts and numerous cascading waterfalls await those travelling on foot. Retrace the journey taken by early European explorers in search of fertile pastures. Explore remote rainforests, descend into the depths of pretty canyons and walk along trails that hug the sheer cliff faces.
The 3 Sisters sit high above the valley
Australia's first Europeans viewed the Blue Mountains with dismay. There appeared to be no break in the rows of massive cliffs hemming the infant colony of Sydney into a small coastal strip of land. It was many years after the founding of the colony before a way was found across the Blue Mountains to the rich pasture lands beyond.
Australians now value this area for its spectacular scenery, its recreation opportunities, and its remarkable flora. The Blue Mountains National Park encompasses 240,000 hectares of dissected sandstone plateaux, forested valleys and plunging gorges.
You'll walk through densely vegetated canyons, cool rainforest, open heath land and a variety of eucalypt forests. There is an abundance of wildflowers and bird life, with observant walkers able to spot elusive lyrebirds. Most days entail some steep walking with steps and ladders to assist you with the harder spots.
location
Starts and finishes at Sydney airport.
travel
Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance 250km.
grading
You should be in reasonable shape, but there’s certainly no need to be a triathlete! On some days we’ll do a full day walk and on other days there may be several shorter walks. Our full day walks generally involve 4-6 hours on the track at a moderate pace, though this might be broken into two or three separate sections. We have designed this itinerary so that nearly every day, one guide can offer a faster, longer or harder walk, while the other will guide people on the standard itinerary. So, most people should find options that suit their fitness level.
Tracks in the Blue Mountains are often steep with quite a few steps and the occasional section of ladders to assist. The roughness of the tracks means we’ll generally cover less distance than on most other Auswalk trips. There will be plenty of opportunities for fit walkers to challenge themselves on longer, harder walks.
accommodation
On this holiday you’ll be based at a resort motel that features spacious rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, spa, tennis court, bar and restaurant.
what's included
3 nights accommodation, most meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners), 2 guides, all transport from Sydney airport, national park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, notes, maps.
not included
Alcohol, meals not listed in itinerary, drinks with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
departure dates
8th May 2009, 28th August 2009
Also available for private groups
itinerary guide - 4 days
(includes 3 nights accommodation)
Day 1: Departs Sydney airport at 10.00am. Travel to the Blue Mountains and enjoy an afternoon circuit walk at Porters Pass, a natural rock amphitheatre favoured by rock climbers. Optional visit and walks at the magnificent Bacchante Rhododendron Gardens. Accommodation: Blackheath for 3 nights.
Day 2: Full day walk today. Enjoy breathtaking views from Evans Lookout, at the same time discovering why the Blue Mountains appear “blue”. Then descend into the depths of the Grand Canyon where surreal forest giants tower overhead and the path allows glimpses into the deep, dark clefts of the canyon itself. An optional extra walk along the cliff tops to Pulpit Rock. Accommodation: Blackheath
Descending the Giant Stairway
Day 3: Another full day walk. Learn the Aboriginal legend of how the famous 3 Sisters were formed as you descend the 862 steps of the Giant Stairway. Then it’s away from the throng of tourists and into the depths of Leura Forest. Delicate ferns and mosses hug the rainforest trees as filtered sunlight creates a magical scene. Accommodation: Blackheath
Day 4: The setting for the final is Waterfall Valley. The route winds its way past waterfalls, beneath overhanging cliffs and through magnificent grottoes. A real highlight today is the “mid-cliff” walk along a wide path that has been carved into the sheer cliff face! Handrails, ladders and airy lookouts provide a birds-eye view over hundreds of miles of forests. After the walk, travel back to Sydney airport to arrive around 5.00pm.
Hiking the "Mid Cliff" track
fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?
Download our Blue Mountains Hiker Group Guided Walking Holiday Fact Sheet.
Note: If you are having trouble opening this Fact Sheet, please click on the link to download the latest version of Adobe Reader. http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html?promoid=BUIGO
prices
See the prices section
how to book
See the booking section
Choose another guided holiday destination
Return to Auswalk's HOME PAGE
Auswalk Pty Ltd |
4 Red Gum Lease Track |
Halls Gap Victoria 3381 | Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 5356 4971 |
Fax +61 (0)3 5356 4970 | Email info@auswalk.com.au
|
