Travel Blue Mountains

Don't be fooled by false advertising. There is nothing blue about the Blue Mountains. They are, in fact, green - and very green at that.

Controversial I know. Trading Standards back in Blighty would have a field day with this place were they to get their hands on it.

So, why name one of the most lush parts of New South Wales, packed with more trees and plants than you'd care to remember, the Blue Mountains?

Well, the name relates to the vapour which is given off by the mountain ranges copious amounts of eucalyptus trees. For those of you who still haven't worked it out this haze, when viewed from a distance and at certain times of the day, is, wait for it, blue.

So there you go. Despite the mountains being greener than an envious teenage boy who's just seen the girl of his dreams getting off with his best mate, a bit of a murky blue haze which can only be viewed from miles away was clearly enough for this place to be named the Blue Mountains.

Colour prejudices aside, the Blue Mountains are one of the most scenic and beautiful spots to visit in Australia and offer some of the best outdoor activities and adventures anywhere in the county. The walks up into the mountain forests are truly amazing and everything from caving to abseiling to canoeing is right at your doorstep.

When you talk to most people, particularly those who have just landed Down Under, they seem to be under the impression that the Blue Mountains sit out in the wilderness on the edge of the outback, impossible to get to for the common man. A place that you shouldn't even think about going to if you have but a few days to spare.

This could not be further from the truth, the mountains actually lie a stones throw from Sydney's CBD, and if you really wanted you could be there and back in a day - although once you get there you'll be guaranteed to want to stay longer.

The heart of the mountains are just a two hour train journey from Central Station in the city, and even less time if you happen to own a car.

When you get there you are sure to be dazzled by the scenery. Wherever you go in the mountains you are guaranteed a Kodak moment, so be sure to take your cameras.

The focal point is the town of Katoomba, which is a hotbed for hard-up backpackers and flush tourists alike. This is the centre of the action in the mountains and the closest you'll come to a ‘real' town with a population of around 17,000 people. OK this isn't exactly CBD living, but it's a respectable amount of civilization to be landed in the middle of a mountain range.

There are plenty of hostels, loads of places to grab a bite to eat, and more importantly, a few local boozers to catch up with some serious drinking - although be warned most hostels won't let you bring alcohol with you so save the glug for the pub.

As well as offering some of the best views, waterfalls and scenic lookouts in the mountains, Katoomba is also home to the famous Echo Point where you can catch some awesome views of the undoubtedly spectacular Three Sisters, a three pillar rock formation that springs up out of the mountainside.

According to Aboriginal legend - usually about as factually accurate as a News of the World cover story - the structure exists because of (surprisingly) three sisters, named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo, who lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe.

The stunning lasses apparently fell in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, but were forbidden to marry because of tribal laws.

Perhaps in a desperate attempt to get their rocks off (no pun intended) the brothers kidnapped the sisters and it all kicked off between the two tribes.

With the lives of the three sisters in danger, a witchdoctor from the Katoomba tribe took it upon himself to turn them into stone to protect them from any harm. While he had intended to reverse the spell when the battle was over, he was killed in the battle and the girls remained forever as stone. Well, it was either that or erosion that explains the rock formation, but I'll leave you to make up your own minds.

The history of the Blue Mountains, much like its many features, is both interesting and rammed full of mythology. The mountains were seen at one time by the original white settlers of Sydney as impenetrable, and it took 26 years for them to finally delve into them.

To add a touch of comedy to the situation there was a rumour amongst convicts in the city that just over the mythical Blue Mountains lay none other than the land of China, and if you could escape over them you would be liberated from the clutches of New South Wales and effectively be scot-free.

Throughout the mountains you will discover archaic fables such as these. It's a place of beauty, history and top notch entertainment and anyone visiting Sydney will do well to take some time out and make the most of this stunning terrain.

If all of this seems a bit daunting for you to do on your own, don't panic because there are a number of tour companies in the area which offer different types of walks, activities and adventures for you to enjoy.

And it's not all about breathtaking views and idyllic settings you know. The Blue Mountains are a place for adrenalin junkies and people who love to do rather than watch as well.

From abseiling and rock climbing to horse-riding and fishing, there is an abundance of activities to take part in and, even more importantly, a number of expert tour companies who will make your experience in the mountains as enjoyable as possible.

Abseiling is one of the most thrilling and rewarding extreme sports you can do and Katoomba is one of the best places you can do it.

And all of this takes place to the backdrop of the famous Three Sisters - not that you'll be looking at scenery, you'll be spending all your time preying the rope you are attached to, stays attached to you.

Once you've (hopefully) returned to ground without breaking any limbs, you could try out mountain-biking through the mountains' various tracks.

Again, this activity is suitable for most people with tracks varying in difficulty. There are trips offered ranging from a couple of hours to full day and from leisurely flat rides to ball-breaking treks up hills and down steep valleys.

If you are still dying for more heart-pumping fun then you can try your hand at rock-climbing.

Contrary to popular belief, rock climbing is not actually all about brute strength. Balance, concentration and self-confidence are far more important in this sport than anything else.

After all that frantic adrenalin-filled sport you'll probably want a sit down but this is the Blue Mountains you're in so a sit-down doesn't mean an hour resting your fat arse in your favourite chair - no way!

Get yourself strapped in and enjoy a four wheel drive tour of the mountains, taking in thundering waterfalls and dark forests and looking down over sheer cliffs.

So no matter what exciting activities you do while in the mountains, one thing's for sure - you'll be absolutely knackered by the end of the day!

A great place to start planning your trip would be on the Blue Mountains official website at www.bluemts.com.au. The site is packed full of information on things to see and do and places to stay as well as a list of tour operators in the mountains.

The Blue Mountains really are a beautiful place to go whether it be for a day or two or a week or two, you will not be stuck for interesting things to do.

If you're not fishing in one of the scenic lakes, walking through an unspoiled natural paradise, snapping away at awesome scenery or dangling from the side of a cliff-face hundreds of metres above sea level, you could be enjoying a beer and a bit of wholesome food in one of the scenic towns of this wonderful place.

Jenolan Caves

The design of the internationally renowned Jenolan Caves is pretty special, with plenty of alcoves for quiet conversations, mood lighting and a cracking stalagmite which acts as a centerpiece.

Lucas Cave is perhaps the most visited, and with good reason.

Amongst the stalagmites and stalagtites are sparkling crystals, massive columns and shawl-type things, created by processes a little too boring to explain. Walking through, your jaw is permanently set to gawp. The lighting is now electric, but is set up in a way that highlights all the good bits, and compliments the formations rather than just blinding everyone.

One chamber of the cave is called the cathedral, mainly because it looks a bit like one, and it has been the scene of many a wedding and, bizarrely, classical music recital. The acoustics are amazing as we found out when the tour guide blasted out an orchestral version of Metallica through the sound system.

If you're just wanting to have a look round and take pictures, then that option is obviously available, but those looking for an adventure can go on a proper caving tour that will involve all manner of crawling, climbing and squeezing.

Katoomba

The tourist centre of the Blue Mountains is one of those places that is really nice to have an aimless wander round. Bizarre little shops, nice cafes, a couple of quality pubs - that sort of thing. However, there are other little villages in the area that are really worth a meander as well if you have the time. Try a couple of hours in Leura, Lithgow and Oberon if you get the chance.