Just an hours drive from the heart of Sydney, lies the beautiful rock formations called the Thee Sisters. Located in the Blue Mountains at Katoomba, a visit to this panoramic region is a must for a refreshing break out of the city.
A World Heritage site and consisting of mainly a sandstone plateau dissected by gorges up to 760 metres deep, the Blue Mountains is home to the famous Three Sisters. Towering over the Jamison Valley, the Tree Sisters were formed over time by erosion of wind and rain. However, the locals have a different tale…
The legend speaks of three beautiful sisters called Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo who lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. When they fell in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, problems arose for tribal law forbade them to marry. With the intention to kidnap the sisters, a battle ensued. The tribe’s witchdoctor turned the sisters into stone with the intention to reverse the spell when the battle was over. However, having been killed in battle, the sisters remain in stone forever.
There are several other versions of this legend on the reason for the rock formations in aboriginal lore. Weather you choose to believe them or otherwise, the beauty of the Three Sisters set against the breath-taking backdrop of the Blue Mountains and the Jamison Valley below will not fail to impress. Standing at 922m, 918m and 906m respectively, the colours of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as sunlight shines upon them.
Scenic World Blue Mountains in Katoomba offers visitors many ways to gaze upon the Three Sisters. The following options can be found at the park: The Scenic Skyway, Cableway and Railway.
An ideal way down to the rainforest floor would be to descent 301 metres with the steepest incline railway in the world. The ride will not offer you views of the Three Sisters but it is an exhilarating ride nonetheless. Once at the bottom, you can enjoy the Scenic Wallkway that immerses you into the rich flora and fauna of the rainforest floor along with the beauty of the rock formations from a different angle.
To return, choose the Scenic Cableway that will take you out of the rainforest in a much slower and smoother journey to enjoy the views of the Three Sisters one more time. The Scenic Skyway on the other hand offers a 360 degree bird’s eye view of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and the never ending expanse of the Jamison Valley.
The best time to visit would be in the mornings when the fog blankets over the valley creating a very dreamlike perspective.
The Scenic Railway
The Scenic Walkway
The Scenic Cableway
The valley covered in fog
For more information on cost of tickets, click HERE. Located at 1 Violet Street, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Australia, Scenic World Blue Mountains is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Text & Photography by Rosemarie John © All Rights Reserved
I love this!! Cannot wait to visit. Especially love the last picture.
Hi Charu, the fog is most prevalent in the mornings.
Hi Rosemary, looks beautiful! I am from Western Australia but have ventured to the Three sisters. Love your photos, they look amazing!
Thank you Sarah! I would have loved to have been able to stay longer to explore but we were on a tight schedule.
Wow!! What gorgeous pics my friend!! And oh how much I want to ride that scenic cableway!! The scenery is just spectacular! Thank you for introducing me to some place new!!