A tribute to 'Sisters'

Win, Rob, Cate - you choose which one is which!

This is truly an amazingly scenic part of the country! Amazing rock formations, beautiful panoramic views, picturesque waterfalls and  kilometre upon kilometre of interesting rainforest walks! What more could you want?!

 

Jamison Valley, from Katoomba



If you want history -there's heaps around Katoomba. I guess it's proximity to Sydney means it was settled early on in Australia's development. There is a bridge, nearby and still used, that was built in the 1830's, coal miners were in the valley below the cliffs around Katoomba in the 1860's and some of the tourist walking trails were established in 1910, chipped out of the rock! (No circular rock saw blades, like we saw on the  Great Western Highway redevelopment on the way up here from Sydney - spending "millions!!) The ladies, in their long skirts, bustles, hats and gloves appeared from Sydney and wanted to see the sights just like we do. There is a huge establishment here, called Scenic World. A family owned business, from where the sky way, skyrail and cable car all descend from. The scenic railway business began from the coal miners who used to transport tourists down the rock face in their coal wagons on the weekends.



Down the cliff face, the old way...



Down the cliff face the new way! The countries
steepest railway line - evidently! Jed and Lily
 rode down in this, Jon & I walked.

Details of the Scenic Raiway - Kids loved it!



A bronze carving of a coal miner's welsh pony and cart.



The area, as most parts of Australia, was opened up by pure 'back-breaking' hard work! (the bronze sculptures, are obviously a popular feature!). This one shows men digging the road from Sydney, through the Blue Mountains to Bathurst.






Katoomba Falls, as seen from the Furber Steps walk,
 that Jon and I took. (All 1032 of them!)

       

    


Escarpment from Katoomba Falls to Three Sisters, on the end.



Tarzan! - these vines are huge and run from tree
to tree. They even leave holes in the walkway
for the vines and tree trunks that have been there
for a long time.

... and Jane!!

This morning we took in the sights from the "Scenic World" area and this afternoon we went for a drive to Wentworth Falls - just to have a look, but ended up walking another thousand...or so, steps. Definitely worth it tho'!

The National Pass at Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls

Lily and Cate resting, and not getting too close to the edge!

Next time we come this way..., Jon's wish is to explore the valley floor - he says we have to stay fit! There are walking tracks all through this area.

I decided to go with the latest sights first, seen as I have been a bit slack on the blog for a bit! But I will be catching you up on what has happened in the previous week or so. Stay tuned!