There are quite a number of interesting attractions around Sydney, from mountainous areas to coastal drive.
Hiking Blue Mountain with A View
An easy day trip from Sydney, Blue Mountain is easily accessible via car or public transport via train. The train is an easy (and cheap alternative) taking about 2 hours from central Sydney to Katoomba stop. Once at Katoomba, there are public buses to the various tourist attractions. Or you can just take a hop-on hop-off bus which takes a loop around the major tourist attractions. Grab a cup of coffee, and head up the bus to beautiful sceneries.
Our first stop is the Three Sisters, with a short 20 minutes trail easily accessible on the left side of the tourist office. There are viewing platform to the beautiful sceneries of the green mountains, with the rock formation on the left side.
Next stop is the popular but touristy Scenic World. It is recommended to go to Scenic World earlier as there will be less crowd earlier in the morning. Katoomba originates from a mining community, whereby the idea of turning the mining town into a touristy attractions give birth to Scenic World. Cable car, ropeway, mining tunnels. And an easy trail going through the bushes as well.
There are other trails and hikes with different difficulties for various hikers. The lazy me takes a short walk towards scenic spot of nearby waterfall and Leura town. Leura town is a short distance from Katoomba, famous for its beautiful flowers and gardens. Leura has two rows of shops facing one another near Leura train station with its options of shopping & food.
Port Stephens coastal drive
After a day trip to the mountain, we took a 2-hour drive up north towards Port Stephens. And what a wonderful surprise we get at the wonderful Port Stephens and surrounding area. The route is mainly on a highway, unless you take a detour towards the coastal drive. There are a number of interesting points that you can choose to stop by. We took a short stop for lunch at the top of Lake Macquarie, stopping by for fish & chips. The lake is so near to the sea, but looks extremely calm on a blue-sky spring afternoon.
Our next stop is Birubi Beach, which leads to one of the entrance towards the Worimi National Park. The beach is beautiful, with many surfers in the morning (less in the evening). The main surprise is really the sand dunes sitting just next to the sea. And that is the beauty of Worimi, the natural occurrence of an ever-changing sand dunes next to the sea. With camel-rides and beautiful landscape of the sand dunes. There are 4-wheel drives to try out if you are into seeking thrills and adventure. I am happy just to stroll along the beach & sand dunes, admiring the magnificent of nature’s changes.
Another nice place to see the sunset is Soldier’s Point. Nelson’s Bay give access to many boats to chase after whales, dolphins, sharks and even seals. Although there are lots dolphins and seals to look at, the whale-watching is a little bit more challenging. Especially for one with motion sickness. The stability of the ferry (even if bigger ones) once it reaches the open sea is really off the chart, even for a calm day with good weather.
Port Stephens is quite dispersed, whereby the main shopping areas with restaurants are located at the main city centre. There are a few resorts near to the centre. But it will be easier with a car to travel to all the bays and various beaches along the area. There are so many other areas that you can explore – Fingal Beach, Anna Bay, Tomaree, Salamander Bay, Oyster Cove. Too many to mention!
What wonderful trips outskirt of Sydney!
Cheng's Musings 