Stretching out for almost 250,000 hectares, the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales, Australia, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. With a wide range of outdoor attractions, from walking trails to Aboriginal rock art, this park is the ideal place to explore some of Eastern Australia’s natural beauty.
Walking Tracks
The Blue Mountains National Park is home to an almost seemingly-endless trail of walking tracks, but if you are only visiting the park for a short time, the Cliff Top Walking Track, between Evans and Govetts Leap, is where you will find the most breathtaking views in the area, along with native birds and colorful wildflowers. If you are visiting the park with young children, then it is important that you pick a walk that is not too long, and will appeal to their ages. The Jellybean Track is perfect for this, as it leads you to the magical-feeling Jellybean Pool, where you can swim or lilo in the calm waters. For those who are visiting with history buffs, the Charles Darwin Walk is a must, as this allows you to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Charles Darwin, who walked this same path in 1836.
Cycle Routes
Other than walking, cycling is one of the most popular ways to explore the park, and the Burramoko Ridge Hanging Rock Cycle Trail is one of the most dramatic routes that you could choose, making it ideal for more adventurous cyclists. The Narrow Neck Trail is another one for those who are seeking an adrenaline rush, as it is quite an elevated platform, but also has picture-perfect views.
Camping
Camping is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park, and the Ingar Campground is one of the most family friendly options available. Located near Wentworth Falls, this campground offers a wide range of activities, from mountain biking to paddling to canoeing. For those that want to spend the night close to some native wildlife, the Euroka Campground, which is located near Glenbrook, has always been extremely popular with the local kangaroo population, while the Murphys Glen Campground, near Woodford, is home to a diverse array of bird life.
Points of Interest
If you are visiting Australia for the first time, the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath should be your first point of call, as not only does this provide in-depth information on activities available within the park, but it also boasts some truly educational displays on Aboriginal heritage, as well as the park itself. One of the most popular points of interest within the park is the Blue Gum Forest, which features grand eucalyptus trees, is the perfect example of a closed forest, and is a haven for birds and other wildlife. The Red Hands Cave is also worth checking out, as this is where you will find one of the best examples of Aboriginal rock art in the entire park.
The Blue Mountains National Park has so many significant geographic, botanic and cultural highlights that it is really worth trying to spend as much time as possible exploring it. This is a park that dates all the way back to 1825, providing you with the ideal opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of Australia.
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