Our third and final day in Sydney was an early one, taking the light rail down a few stops to meet at the pickup spot for Anderson’s Tours. Although we left out for the train at 6am we still made time for coffee from the McDonalds that just happened to be open across the street. Yum!!!
After boarding the shuttle, we headed west out of Sydney into the Blue Mountains. Our driver Kat was great, not only did she drive smooth but also was a wealth of information about the areas we drove through, was super informative.
Once inside the Blue Mountains National Park we started getting a glimpse of the beauty, and what a perfect day it was as there was a layer of fog blanketing the bottom, as far as the eyes could see. Katoomba was the last town to drive through, it’s situated on the edge of what looks like the Grand Canyon of the Southern Hemisphere. What sets this part of the Blue Mountains apart is instead of a river at the bottom there is a thriving rainforest.
Shortly after driving through Katoomba we made it to Scenic World, a park that showcases the Blue Mountains using cables cars with glass bottoms, as well as steep trams and railways that take passengers to the very bottom into the rainforest. So much unique flora and fauna to see as was the rich history of the coal mining many years before.
Once our time was complete, we made our way to a couple more sightseeing stops including a traditional waterfall and fake waterfall… What is that you ask? A blanket of clouds pouring over a ridge by the blowing of the wind. Very cool!!
After lunch we made our way to Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to over 250 native Aussie species of animals. What makes it even cooler is the ability to get up close with them, including pet and touch. Highlight of the visit was with a koala and a kangaroo, both awesome animals and so very cute.
We took a water taxi back to Sydney Harbour then hopped a train to our hotel. I stayed in while Tammy and Alex went to what’s commonly known as “Spice Street” to indulged in a tasty Asian dinner that tickled the taste buds.
Today was another early day, but this time a travel day, as we were leaving Sydney and heading 1,500 miles north to a warm Cairns. Yes, you read that correct, it’s warmer as you head north, all opposite here in the southern hemisphere.
Upon arriving we immediately felt the toasty warm air and sunshine, was quite the difference as the last day in Sydney was cold. After a sightseeing shuttle to our resort, along with warnings to stay away from the inland waterways (Australia has the most aggressive species of crocodile), we arrived at our resort. Crystalbrook Riley is great, multiple pools and a great view of the bay.
Tomorrow we head to Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef, should be fun!!!
Full album of pictures: https://jeffgibson.smugmug.com/Where-the-wild-things-are
