BLUE MOUNTAINS (NSW)
The Three Sisters

  

Return distance : 1 km ; Time : 30 minutes

The Blue Mountains National Park is situated some two hours west of Sydney by road or rail. Anyone arriving at the central town of Katoomba (population 8000) soon finishes up at Echo Point where there are some stunning views out over Jamison Valley.  There are over a million hectares of National Park in the Blue Mountains, so there are expansive views.

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The view to the left of the Lookout takes in the famous rock formation, the Three Sisters.  There is an Aboriginal legend that the three sisters were Aboriginal maidens turned into stone by the tribal witch doctor to protect them in a battle of frustrated lovers.  Shapely young ladies!

A wide and easy concrete path leads off from behind the kiosk, and follows down through some pretty bush.  

The Blue Mountains have a long and involved geological history, but are made up largely of sandstone.

This poor old tree is really clinging to life.

We soon come to a viewing platform overlooking the first Sister (or is it the third?).

It is amazing how the bush grows and even flourishes in this environment.

From this lookout we can begin a descent of the Giant Stairway (910 stone steps and 32 steel staircases) to the valley floor.

Of course I didn't do this.  (I might be silly, but ... !)  If we climb down 122 steps we come to Honeymoon Bridge, which leads across to Honeymoon Cave – a shallow depression in the first Sister.  This path doesn't lead anywhere: not a good honeymoon symbol.

On the other hand, there is a great view of the cliffs from the bridge.

Now, remember those 122 steps?  You will!

This is a good introductory limbering-up walk, in preparation for greater challenges!