A rugged but beautiful park, Barrington Tops is a great destination for visitors interested in exploring recreational activities during their Australian vacation. Made up of an ancient volcano and extending down to sea level, the park encompasses a wide variety of environments from subtropical rainforests to windy mountain peaks. The highest point in the park is 1586 meters, making it the second highest point Australia. Although beautiful at any time of year, if you are planning a winter visit be prepared for snowy conditions. Hikers should also be aware that mountain weather can change rapidly at any time of the year, and should be prepared for all possibilities.
Walking tracks range from the easy, wheelchair accessible Devils Hole Lookout Walk to the ten hour, very challenging Corker trail that takes hikers to the summit of the Barrington Tops Plateau. The majority of the day use areas have free barbecues available, and three in particular are wheelchair accessible. The Gloucester River day use area is a great place to view local wildlife. Bicycles are not allowed on walking tracks, but several trails are open to cyclists. Additionally, the fifteen kilometer Barrington Trail is a popular four wheel drive track. Fishing is also popular in the park, but be sure to obtain a current fishing license if you plan on doing any angling. Swimming is not recommended as streams are cold and swift flowing, however if you do decide to swim be aware of rocky shores and submerged logs.
There are several routes into the park, however be prepared for unpaved roads in all areas of the park. Most are accessible by two wheel drive (except Barrington Trail), however heavy rain can cause some areas to flood or wash out. Camping is located throughout the park.
A hiker’s paradise, Blue Mountains National Park is located just an hour and a half outside Sydney. The park covers almost 250,000 hectares, and has a large variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult, with some even wheelchair accessible. Of particular note is the Grand Canyon Track, a medium difficulty hike that takes you right into the canyon, offering spectacular views. The Blue Pool Track takes visitors on an easy stroll to a beautiful swimming hole, and the Red Hands Cave Track explores an ancient cave with Aboriginal hand paintings. Guided tours are also available, including night time spotlight tours.
Although not permitted on the walking trails, bicycles are also a good way to explore the park. Additionally, four wheel drive and trail bike tours are available, and the park is home to horse trails as well. Canoeing and rock climbing are also favorite activities. The adventurous might want to check out the Katoomba Scenic Skyway, where visitors ride a cable car suspended three hundred and five meters above the valley floor. Tours can be taken to the Jenolan Caves, and visitors can also explore the ghost town of Hartley with its historic buildings. Katoomba has a six storey movie cinema that shows film footage of the Blue Mountains area.
How long to stay in the Blue Mountains depends upon how much you intend on doing there. A leisurely car trip can be undertaken, round trip from Sydney, in a day, and includes the tour through the park. However, if you plan on enjoying recreational opportunities, you’ll probably want to find local accommodations. There are several campgrounds and trailer sites in the park, or you can stay at one of the many private hotels located throughout the park.
Hosting an Olympic games leaves an indelible mark on a city, and Sydney is certainly no exception. Beginning as an urban renewal project in the 1980s, the original site contained the Australia Center, Bicentennial Park, and Sports Center. Now however, the 640 hectare site is a full township built with green initiatives including solar powered light standards and narrow streets designed for pedestrian use.
The park remains a favorite destination for tourists to the city who want to capture for themselves some of the excitement of the Olympics. Because of the size of the park, the best idea is to stop off at the visitor center first to obtain information, maps, and book your guided tours. One of the best ways to start is with the self-guided audio tour that acquaints you with the major attractions and also includes entry into the Aquatic Centre and the 17th Floor Observation Deck where visitors can take in some astonishing views of the area. This tour can also be combined with a bike rental if you prefer to get around on two wheels rather than on foot. Other unique tours include a tour of the Aquatics Centre where you can test the pool out for yourself, the Explorer Tour which highlights the way the area has been designed, and the Games Trail Walking Tour that explores in more depth the Olympic heritage of the venue. Be aware that you’ll need to call ahead to pre-book some of the tours.
In addition to the tours, visitors can also check out the multiple recreational opportunities, including the trapeze lessons that take place near Telstra Stadium. The park contains quality accommodations and dining options and is also home to many fantastic arts and culture events. For those who prefer the natural world, bring a picnic and enjoy some birdwatching. With no shortage of things to see and do, the Olympic Park is an excellent destination for anyone visiting Sydney!
