Goat Island Heritage Tour

I worked in North Sydney and lived at McMahons Point for about 4 years... I was very lucky to have views or Sydney Harbour and the opera house, as well as all the little islands that dotted the harbour. I never once stop to think - What is on those islands...

10 years later, I finally decided to check out what had been in my back yard all those many years ago. I always was blind to Sydney's historical side. distracted by the fast pace life of the city.

I took my Mum and my Aunt with me on this walking tour of Goat Island. It was used. Like most things historic in Sydney, this island has a lot of history tie up in Convicts and military. The island was never overly inhabited, but a few houses are built here (Absolutely beautiful).

A hell of a lot of explosives were kept here on this island, that was its main use.

Its most famous use in recent history was its icon place in the Australia police drama 'Water Rats'.

It is now a part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and a protected space.

Kirribilli markets

Markets are always fun. They are jammed packed with many different characters, colours, tastes sights and smells. They really do stimulate all of your senses. and best of all, if you're on a tight budget and backpacking - they are free!

One of the best markets to visit when in Sydney has to be the Kirribilli markets. Set at the northern end of one of the most icons landmarks in the world - the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Kirribilli markets makes for a great days of sightseeing.

I would recommend starting the day by strolling over the Harbour Bridge, that is of course if you are staying in the city.

Save breakfast for when you get to the markets - There are so many food stalls with a wide range of food on offer. Aromatic coffee fills the air and gets your taste buds salivating. Save some room though if you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of cupcake and macaroon stalls to feed your sugar kick!

There are there different market themes.

General markets
Art and design markets
Fashion markets

These run on different days of the month, alternating between the three. For market dates and theme click here.

If you're a local and feel you have a excess of clothing or shoes building up, why not hire a stall. My friend Kim did just that and was able to sell her once loved goods to someone else who will love them! What a great way to make some extra pocket money and spend the day!

www.kirribillimarkets.com

Driving around the mountain

Driving the long way home can have its pros and cons.

Cons - Peter, my friend and the person who hired the car, lives in Sydney... I live in Newcastle, so the long way home is double the long way for him, as he has to drive back to Sydney, once we resurfaced in Newcastle.

Pros - PIE! And cute little towns.

We decided to drive north west through Bilpin and out through Berowa then back up the F3 to Newcastle... Some how this didnt work out and we ended up coming out at Wollombi... Yes - This means we somehow went the longest possible way... down Putty Road and through Yengo National Park.

But at least Peter had a belly full of pie to tied him over. Our first stop was Bilpin. There is a big shed there (an apple orchard) Bilpin Apple Pie. OMG they have so many pies to choose from! its pie heaven really. I didn't get one (as I'm vegan) but Peter got a raspberry and apple pie - and it looks just divine! He said it tasted pretty much the same too.

We a belly full of pie, we get back on the road - Thinking we are going the right way... Our GPS iphone system failed us, so we just went with the road signs... Lucky we filled up before we left... 4 hours later, after driving through the most beautiful National Park I have seen in a while, we pulled out of the rainforest of the Watagans and into Wollombi.

I have been to Wollombi many times before. It is a famous little tour - VERY LITTLE town know for its excellent pub and dangerous 'jungle juice'. It is a great place for a weekend getaway - It has the Watagans, the Central coast on the Hunter valley wine region right at its down step.

Govetts Leap

Drive in a big U shape for 10 min from Evans Lookout and you will arrive at Govetts Leap Lookout. Save this one for last. It's my favourite. I think the waterfall just adds that extra bit of ompf!

Govetts Leap allows you to get closer to the action -so to speak. There are many more walking tracks that can take you closer to the waterfall and down the mountain.

I recommend wearing good solid hiking boots or hiking trainers as the tracks can get very muddy and boggy - leading to slippery rocks and landings. I would also say a moderate level of Fitness is required to hike around here as it can be steep and tricky to manoeuvre - BUT WELL WORTH IT.

Make sure you take sufficient supplies with you - food and water. Its only a short drive into the town, but its best to stock up, just in case. Govetts Leap is also popular for picnics and family day outings.

Evans Lookout

I'm perched on the end of sandstone cliffs looking out over the Grose River Valle, The sun is setting and the colours that I see in front of me begin to play tricks with my eyes and dance through the spectrum of the rainbow.

Cliffs that were just a few moments ago yellow are now flushed with hues of pink and rose. Clouds that appeared ominous and wary are now tinted with gold and purple.

We are standing at Evans look out at Blackheath. Its about a 10min drive from Katoomba. What a magical place. There is almost some prehistoric about this view. A natural landscape that has formed millions of years ago is now being taken in by me and my friend, Peter.

We just sit in silence and let the power of the view engulf us.

If you're a yogi or into meditation - This is a perfect place to centre yourself and practice.

It is a very popular look out for tourists who are driving up from Sydney (or back to Sydney) and will only take a few moments (or hours, if you become awe struck like us) of your time to stop and really appreciate how magnificent mother earth really is!

There are plenty of hiking tracks around this look out also - Excellent hiking tracks, I think most are for some-what experienced hikers, but there are smaller trails that you can walk through to take in the bushland around you.

Jenolan Caves

Traditionally referred to as 'Binoomea' meaning Dark places in local Aboriginal dialects, Jenolan Caves is a mystic marvel of the Blue Mountains. Hidden in the mountains are worlds time seems to have forgotten.

As you drive up the winding bending path, you wouldn't even think that inside these mountains Sparkling treasures wait to be discovered.

If you're heading up to Jenolan Caves in Winter - dress warm, but wear layers as the caves are actually very warm and you will want to remove a few layers before entering.

Also, I would recommend to bring water and snacks. There is a take-away shop, but it is very pricey and you'll be dining on fried foods and white bread sandwiches...

There are many different caves to view and many different activities - There is something for everyone and for every level of fitness. You can even do Adventure caving - if that is something that you're into. We didnt have enough time to look into this, but it seemed to be very cool indeed.

Prices can be found here for tours - http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/the-caves/tour-prices/

I would recommend planning which tour you would like to go on and its starting time, before you get there. As they tours can sell out fast or you can simply turn up late and miss the start time.

I love Jenolan Caves, there is some much energy here and so must history hidden in the crystal formations.

Put Jenolan Caves on you 'Must visit' list if you're heading to the Blue Mountains - you will love everysecond of if!

The 3 Sisters

The central hub of the Blue Mountains and on of the most famous pulling cards is the Three Sisters. The three sisters is located at Echo Point in Katoomba. A purpose built lookout and tourist facilities are available around the look out - there are many vantage points to take in the spectacular views, so be sure to walk around.

I remember coming to visit The Three Sisters when I was younger with my family, The rock formations are still just as impressive as they were through my younger eyes. There is a local Aboriginal legend about the rock formation, that lead to its name.

"The Aboriginal dream-time legend has it that three sisters, 'Meehni', 'Wimlah' and Gunnedoo' lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. These beautiful young ladies had fallen in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, yet tribal law forbade them to marry. The brothers were not happy to accept this law and so decided to use force to capture the three sisters causing a major tribal battle.

As the lives of the three sisters were seriously in danger, a witchdoctor from the Katoomba tribe took it upon himself to turn the three sisters into stone to protect them from any harm. While he had intended to reverse the spell when the battle was over, the witchdoctor himself was killed. As only he could reverse the spell to return the ladies to their former beauty, the sisters remain in their magnificent rock formation as a reminder of this battle for generations to come."

The Three sisters are massive! standing at nearly 1000m tall each they stand guad over the valley.

I would recommend visiting The Three sisters at Dusk or dawn - you will see the variation in colours as the light bounces from the different textured surfaces.

If you're in Katoomba and on a budget the local website  for the Blue Mountains has a great page - Top 10 things to do for Free - www.bluemts.com.au - There is also lots more information about accommodation and tourist tips.

 

 

Katoomba

Katoomba is a beautiful and strange little town. Its right bang in the middle of the blue mountains - It snows, it rains, its ice cold during winter - but it just seems to still have this magical charm.

Its hypnotising, to a point.

Everything is slower up here. People are friendly and say 'hello' to you as you stroll down the almost abandoned streets.

But, through all this 'stillness' there is still a bustling town underneath it that thrives on tourism and nature lovers.

Katoomba is about a 1.5 hour drive west of Sydney. This is a great weekend get-away spot. It is often frequented by outdoor adventure/bush-walking folk or those looking for a romantic weekend away.

There are plenty of choices for accommodation and eating out for all budgets - from awesome little hostels and guest houses to 5 star spa experiences that celebrities flock to.

Katoomba has it all.

Bring your bush walking shows - you will not want to come up here without exploring the Australia bush!

While we were up here we ate at Paragon - If you have a chance to try it - go - Its stuck in a time warp from the 1930's - Its my absolute heaven! Art Deco design, a lovely menu and tux-dressed waiters! Amazing!