The hikes, panoramic lookout points, and sandstone cliffs, and other scenery at the Blue Mountains…read moreNational Park are breathtaking. Especially on a crispy, but sunny day with floaty clouds. Felt like I was in another world. Probably one of the most gorgeous and peaceful places we visited on the trip. Be aware, some of the trails have some steep steps and a lot of walking, but it's so worth it.

Blue Mountains--While not visually spectacular like the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies and…read moreCascades, the hiking here is fantastic and can be equally strenuous. The vegetation is wildly diverse. You walk from dry climate to rain forest in 50 meters. The smell of eucalyptus dominates the air. Parrots, black and white cockatoos and lots of other birds are everywhere. It's a bit like a green Grand Canyon. The town of Katoomba is charming. It's an $11, two-hour train ride from Sydney. If you are the outdoorsy, adventurous type, don't miss this place. Check out Leura Cascades, Leura Forest. Don't miss Wentworth Falls and National Pass. Give yourself 6-8 hours and take plenty of water. Different treasures around every corner. Go to the Three Sisters/Echo Point lookout early in the morning or late in the day. Ridiculous crowds of clamoring tourists there to take the obligatory picture and get back on the bus otherwise. I can't believe I went to Australia and almost didn't go here.

Nice hidden park away from the busy roads. Most people don't realise it's there on the far side of…read morethe Rowers. If you've got kids, bring some cardboard to slide down the hill towards the river on (don't worry, plenty of room to stop safely - they won't go in). In spring the small Japanese gardens will be in bloom. They're popular with weddings though. Plenty of open parkland, seats & tables. Bring a picnic blanket and soak up the sun while looking out over the Nepean or just relaxing listening ot birdsong near some trees.

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.

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.

If you've ever wanted to feel just how tiny and blip-like we are as humans, Evans Lookout is…read moreprobably a good space to begin your dive into admiring natural wonders of the world. Down a winding road that turns off just before the main street of Blackheath you'll find the lookout parking bays. From here the lookout is maybe 300m walking. You can continue on a greater hike but that'll take you 3-4 hours. The view across the valley is sobering, majestic, and, although it seems to simplistic, breathtaking. If you're in the area and doing all the Blue Mountain sight-seeing it's worth adding to your list.

Another stunning lookout point in the Blue Mountains, there is parking & toilets available but…read moreenter at your own risk as it is one of those non-flush loo's where everything is collected at the bottom... Ewww! The lookout area has an elevated area where you can sit, pour yourself a tea from your thermos & take in the majestic view. If you walk about 200m down the path on the left it'll open up to another viewing area that is completely unbarricaded where you can sit cautiously on the side of the cliff. Complete bliss!

If you don't make the trip to the Blue Mountains in Australia, you're missing out! It was…read moreincredible and pictures don't do it justice. If you take the scenic cableway, you'll be able to see the three sisters (mountains) and the waterfall. It will take you across, and it's the highest drop in the world. When you're on the other side, you can hike to the waterfall or around the mountain. It's amazing, unforgettable, outdoorsy day!

This place kinda reminded me of the Grand Canyon but with lots of Trees. It has several trails that…read morewind through the Rainforest. This place is rich in Coal Miner's history, you see different artifacts through out the trails. The Scenic Cableway starts at the top of a mountain goes down a deep incline, so if you afraid of heights hold on tight, because it goes pretty fast but enough time where you can take pictures. You can get off and get back on and ride back up if you don't want to take the stairs.They also have the famous rock called Three Sisters and the Blue Mountains. They have several gift shops and places to eat. Bring a Jacket it was a bit cold in the Mountains.

You can drive to this lookout and park very close to the viewing platform. There are a couple of…read moreinformation boards that describe Lithgow's history as you are looking over the town and across to the next set of hills. There are no picnic tables here and the parking area is small but there are not many visitors to this area so you could easily just set up your own. Best of all, it is free!

Birdwood Gully Park has one of the nicest little bushwalks ever. I kid you not. We used to live…read morejust near here and did this loop trail walk a few times a month except in winter. Birdwood Gully Track, inside the park, is a classic easy bush walk of 2.5 km where you see lots of colourful birds, and rainforest trees and ferns. There's a waterfall in the Madoline Glen section and some bridges to cross over the stream. The main entry points are located on Boomerang Road or via Bednal Road. Takes about 30 minutes and is a better bushwalk than most further up the mountain. Check out the pictures on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandy_123/sets/72157628379478729/

The Blue Mountains were absolutely worth it. Not the easiest place to get to if you are relying on…read morepublic transport, so we hired a car and made a little road trip out of it. I am so glad we did. Once we arrived, we got the hop on hop off bus which was super easy to use. It's a round trip starting from Kombucha Station and made getting around really convenient without having to stress about directions or parking. The views along the way were already beautiful, but nothing compared to when we actually got there. The landscape is stunning with lush forests, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. It feels like you have stepped into a postcard. One of the highlights was Scenic World. We did the steepest railway in the world. It is as wild as it sounds. Super steep, feels like a rollercoaster going down through the forest, and somehow still family friendly and so much fun. It was one of those experiences that really sticks with you. If you are into hikes, epic views or just need a break from the city, this place is a must. Just be prepared for a bit of a drive and bring your camera.

The natural beauty of the mountains is always a draw to come and soak it in. The sky view area…read moregives you the ability to go down into the bush below the mountains. The three sisters are a sight to see as is the vast beauty all around you.