Katoomba

We peeked out our bedroom window early on Thursday morning and were disappointed to see only fog. Nonetheless, after breakfast, we walked into town and bought inexpensive tickets for the Katoomba hop-on-hop-off trolley/bus. We used the bus to take us around the area, walked in the rain at an interesting garden, and, over lunch, rightly imagined a break in the weather.

Katoomba is known for the beautiful Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters rock formations, and an area called Scenic World. We found the options of Scenic World somewhat confusing. It offered packages including a cableway, an incredibly steep railroad, and a sky tram as ways to get to and see the sights in the Jamison Valley below. We finally opted for walking the 900 steps of the Giant Stairway to the bottom of the valley.

our view of one Sister

The Stairway is carved into the side of one of the Sisters and zig-zags down the cliff. As we descended, the shifting fog and persistent calls of insects and birds made us imagine that we were in the Jurassic age. The rain stopped and the fog lifted slightly. It was wonderfully primeval.

At the bottom, we set out to hike across the valley towards (what we discovered was the unimpressive) Katoomba Falls. We had hoped to explore the historical coal mining area at the base of the cliffs but being once again blessed with pouring rain, we opted for the scenic railway ride up to the top instead. This railway was initially used to take coal up to the top and travels up a 52 degree incline. The ride was steep and quick and over before we could get our cameras out!  We did get our cameras out for a few birds at the top, though.

We took the trolley back to town, did a little shopping, and walked back to our guest house. Once again in the evening we walked into town for dinner. We felt like we had made the best of the day given us.