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There aren’t many major cities around the globe that have a World Heritage listed wilderness practically in their very own backyard, but that’s precisely what Sydney, Australia has in the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Between the Blue Mountains and another national parks that adjoin them, you will find over a million hectares of unspoiled wilderness to explore, all within an hour’s commuter train ride of Australia’s largest city. When you travel from Sydney towards the Blue Mountains, you feel as is you’ve been teleported to another world, one where there is no sign of the hustle and bustle of the city you left behind. In its place, you find yourself gazing across an infinite panorama of rising and falling hills covered in blue-green eucalypts. As you step into this beautiful landscape, you peer over sheer rock faces, look up at amazing waterfalls and into the eyes of Australia’s unique animal life. If you are an outdoor lover, you will surely fall head over heels in love with the Blue Mountains. If you like putting on your hiking boots and exploring, you can spend weeks in Katoomba or Leura, two of the main cities, hiking a new trail every day. If the joys of rock climbing or mountain biking is to your liking, then you will be in paradise. If you have never been to the Blue Mountains before, you can see the best of them from Katoomba. Just walk or drive down the main street of town until you come to Echo Point and the famed Three Sisters. You could have probably seen these Sisters in pictures, since they’ve been photographed a huge number of times before and been featured in countless ad campaigns. You won’t be disappointed, though, when you “meet” the Sisters in person for the very first time. Only then will you actually appreciate the sheer extent of the cliff faces and extent of the surroundings. If you’re a climber, you may head straight for the Giant Staircase that takes you to the valley floor and head to the cliff faces, where it is possible to tackle some of the hundreds of classic climbing routes that dot the area. The Giant Staircase is also where thousands of hikers begin their discovery of the Blue Mountains. In case you have limited time but would like to feel like you’ve escaped society, by the time you’ve reached the foot of the stairs, you will have forgotten everything. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, the only real reminders of civilization you will notice will be the signs that will help you find your way as well as the occasional welcome bench where you can rest your weary feet and look out at the horizon. If fatigue overcomes you and you don’t want to have to face the steep climb back up to the top, just hop on the world’s steepest railway line and you’ll be back up in minutes. While it is definitely possible to accomplish all of this in a single day and be back in Sydney in time for bed, after you have arrived in the Blue Mountains, you will not want to leave. Fortunately, finding comfortable Blue Mountains cabins is easy. You can choose from among the many inexpensive backpackers hostels in town, a charming bed and breakfast or even a cliffside motel. Katoomba residents are all outdoor lovers themselves and know the way to take care of weary hikers and climbers. Wander up Katoomba Street after dark and enjoy a hearty and well earned meal at one of many cafes and restaurants that line the streets. You’ve earned it.
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