It is very well connected with local and regional train service, and the best part was that the journey would cost me only AU $2.60 as I traveled on a Saturday. But despite of all this the trains run empty in Australia so I had this six seat cabin at my disposal.
It was the first week of January when I started my journey from Penrith station by the 8.30 AM fast train, which took me via Glenbrook, Linden, Hazelbrook, and Wentworth Falls. I got down at Katoomba at approximately 9.30 AM and came out of the station.
I can tell you I was enjoying taking the photos from running train which was a great experience in itself
I soon crossed different rail stations on my way to Katoomba
I got down at railway station and came out to find a place to stay.
I had a choice of taking a taxi to Katoomba Falls or taking the famous tourist double-Decker bus service, known by the name Hop-On Hop-Off.
But I decided to walk into the nearest lodging facility, YHA Katoomba, which was only $60 compared to the $150 that I would have paid if I stayed in the Carrington Hotel.
Day- 1
I left my backpack in the room and came out. I decided to walk to Katoomba Falls immediately. I walked past at a brisk pace the beautiful Katoomba church and reached the intersection on the Blue Mountain Drive to Katoomba Falls.
I walked past local church
There was no hint of rain when I started from Penrith, but the sky was cloudy in Katoomba, and by the time I reached the intersection, it was slightly drizzling but there was no shelter, so I kept walking. But it stopped soon, and the weather became kind of pleasant.
I should mention here that the months of January and December are considered the height of summer in this area, so the temperature around 20 °C was quite pleasant, especially when there was a cloud cover saving you from the harsh sun.
I saw the signs of the sun by the time I reached Katoomba Falls only half a kilometer from where I was standing at that time. The weather was better now.
I finally reached Katoomba Falls Tourist Park and on to the Falls-
Oh no, I was disappointed with what I saw. But I request that you please don’t feel disappointed watching the falls, as locals say that during the summer (January is the top summer month in Australia) the falls reduce in size.
But I was disappointed at first glance because Falls was too small. I was expecting probably a Niagara-like fall, but maybe the summer season. I learned later that, during the rainy season, it gets much bigger than what I saw then.
I soon realized there was a lot more to see here. And what I saw was mesmerizing. I went down the stream, walked about 1 km, and then came back to Tourist Park. I proceeded to a place with a sign that read:
<45 MINUTES ROUND WALK
SCENIC RAILWAY>
VANI MANS LOG WITCHES LEAP>
SKYWAY>
Then I proceeded to the much sought-after SKYWAY the Ropeway across the two hills. I had no advance reservation for that, but I was lucky to have one seat in the first trolley itself. It’s all about 30 minutes between two cliffs with wonderful views.
This World Heritage rope trolley journey of a little over 700 meters provides such scenic beauty that I will remember it for the rest of my life. Amazing views of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and Mt. Solitary, and of course, Jamison Valley. I ended my Day 1 at this point to return the next day.
I met a wonderful couple, Steven and his partner, Jany, from Sydney, during Skyway sightseeing, and we were soon on good terms. They had been traveling in the Blue Mountains for the last three days and staying in Katoomba too. So, they offered me a lift to Katoomba, which I gladly accepted. We drove back to Katoomba Town.
Day-2
I tried that 45-minute round walk first and covered it in an hour. Maybe I walked too slowly or spent a lot of time taking photos. It was all mist or fog, but later I was corrected that it was neither mist nor fog but an optical illusion that made it look misty.
I asked a fellow tourist to take a picture of mine, Steven and Jenny and he did it with all smiles.
We three spent some more time there and then they left
I took the local bus to Katoomba Falls Tourist Park, which dropped me close to Katoomba Falls Reserve and on my way to Blue Mountains National Park, Three Sisters, and Echo Point. A great walking experience and wonderful scenic beauty.
Had I returned the same day, it would still have cost me the same since Saturdays and Sundays for me are weekends; therefore, any distance, any public transport, including train, bus, ferry, and light train, are included in a one-time deduction of $2.60 (but it has increased a little since) from your Opel travel card.
Let me add that Australia has a rich aboriginal history, and the Blue Mountains area has a lot to show too.
There was so much more to see but I wanted to go back home so my journey ended there.
Thank you for sparing your precious time for my humble effort!
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