Early History

The Blue Mountains and the Great Dividing Range presented a formidable obstacle to the early European pioneers who sought to settle and explore Sydney and its surrounding areas. These settlers viewed the range as an intimidating wall of sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and thick vegetation. Due to the challenging terrain, settlements were limited to coastal areas, and the seemingly impenetrable mountains made it difficult if not impossible for pioneers to venture beyond these areas. Consequently, the Blue Mountains remained largely unexplored for many years.

This all changed, however, when in 1813, Gregory Blaxland, William Charles Wentworth, and William Lawson set out to cross the Blue Mountains to find a way into the unknown interior of Australia. Unlike many before them, they successfully crossed the mountains, completely the journey in only three weeks and reached the western plains. Thus becoming the first Europeans to do so. Previous explorers had looked for a route through the valleys. Unlike previous explorers, Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson’s expedition crossed the mountains by traversing the ridges rather than the valleys. Their journey opened the interior to further exploration and settlement, eventually leading to the development of new towns and communities beyond the mountains.

World Heritage Listing

The Blue Mountains was added to the World Heritage Register in 2000 due to it’s exceptional natural beauty, biodiversity and outstanding examples of global geological processes. The site also includes the Blue Mountains National Park and several adjacent conservation reserves, covering approximately 1.03 million hectares.

The region is well-known for its rugged sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and eucalyptus forests. It boasts a rich biodiversity with diverse plant and animal species. The Blue Mountains is also home to numerous Indigenous cultural sites, such as rock art, ceremonial grounds, and scarred trees, which hold significant cultural value for the area.

The Three Sisters

The iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point are three sandstone peaks that rise from the Jamison Valley below. The peaks are named Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo and are said to be named after three Indigenous sisters. According to local legend, the sisters were turned to stone by a witch doctor to protect them from an unwanted marriage. The Three Sisters is a significant Indigenous cultural site, and the local Indigenous community consider it a sacred site. It is also a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing, and visitors can take a scenic walk to the base of the formation.

The Jenolan Caves

The caves are a complex system of twenty-two limestone caves and are over 340 million years old. Apart from being considered one of the most spectacular cave systems in the world, they are also the oldest caves in Australia. Within Jenolan Caves are an extensive network of underground passageways and limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites.

The caves were first discovered by Europeans in the early 1800s, and before long, became a popular tourist destination. Today, the Jenolan Caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Blue Mountains. Visitors can take various guided tours and activities, including self-guided, adventure-caving, and lantern-lit tours. The caves are also a significant site for speleology and have been the subject of much scientific study.

Lennox Bridge

The Lennox Bridge is a historic sandstone arch in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed and built by Scottish stonemason David Lennox between 1833 and 1837. Significantly, the bridge is the oldest surviving stone bridge on mainland Australia and spans the historic Mitchell’s Pass over the Coxs River. It is a particularly popular spot for tourists and photographers. The bridge is also listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel

The Hydro Majestic Hotel is an iconic hotel situated in Medlow Bath. Constructed by Mark Foy, a prosperous Australian businessman and theatrical impresario, in 1904. The hotel boasts an Edwardian style of architecture with a blend of Art Nouveau and Federation designs. It’s grandeur and unique architecture make it a significant landmark. The United States Department of Defence occupied the Hydro for a brief period during WWII, and it served as a hospital for American casualties from battles in the Coral Sea and South Pacific.

The hotel underwent several renovations over the years. Today it continues to operate as a hotel, offering accommodation, dining, and spa services. The Hydro Majestic Hotel is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register for its architectural and historical significance. It is undoubtedly considered one of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic heritage buildings.

The Katoomba Scenic Railway

The scenic railway is a historic railway forming part of the Blue Mountains Line, connecting Katoomba to the Jamison Valley below. Known for its 52° steep gradient, it descends over 300 meters (984 feet) through a cliff-side tunnel. It is one of the steepest railways in the world.

The railway was constructed in the early 1900s for the transportation of passengers and goods. As of now, it still functions as a tourist attraction, providing visitors with a picturesque journey through the Blue Mountains.

Govetts Leap

Govetts Leap is a scenic lookout in the Blue Mountains’ Blackheath area. The lookout offers a panoramic view of the Grose Valley, a deep gorge carved by the Grose River, named after William Romaine Govett, a surveyor who was the first European to discover the viewpoint in 1831. Govetts Leap lookout is a popular spot for tourists and hikers, offering a range of short and long walks.

Govetts Leap also offers breathtaking views of the Bridal Veil waterfall, a popular photography spot. The view of the valley is considered one of the most spectacular in the Blue Mountains. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the area.

Waterfalls

Within the Blue Mountains are several beautiful waterfalls. Some of the most popular waterfalls in the area are the following:

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia, depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do.

• Spring (September-November): The weather is mild, and the wildflowers bloom. It is also an excellent time for bushwalking and enjoying the area’s natural beauty.
• Summer (December-February): The weather is warm, and the days are long, making it the perfect time for swimming and picnicking.
• Autumn (March-May) – The weather is mild, and the trees are changing colours. It’s an excellent time for photography and scenic drives (and also a perfect time to pop over to Mount Wilson)
• Winter (June-August): The weather can be cold, but the crowds are minimal. However, it is an excellent time for those cosy fireside and log cabin holidays and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

The Blue Mountains provide a diverse range of experiences throughout the year, with each season offering something special. It is essential to remember that peak season can get quite busy, so it’s wise to consider this when organising your trip.

The post The Blue Mountains: A World of Scenic Views and Natural Beauty appeared first on Bevlea Ross Photography.

Autumn colours

During the autumn months, many trees undergo a process called leaf senescence, in which they lose their chlorophyll, and their leaves change colour before falling off the tree.  The exact process that causes the leaves to change colour varies depending on the tree species, but it is usually caused by decreasing daylight hours and temperatures.

The most common colours in autumn leaves are red, orange and yellow.  However, as the chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments in the leaves, such as carotenoids, which produce yellow and orange hues, and anthocyanins which produce red, purple and blue hues,, become more visible.  This process creates a beautiful display of fall foliage lasting for several weeks.  Some of the most popular trees known for their autumn leaves are maple, oak, aspen, and dogwood.

Spring

During the spring months, the gardens in Mount Wilson come to life with vibrant colours as the flowers bloom.  The gardens in Mount Wilson offer a wide variety of flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.  The village is also a popular destination for tourists during spring, as many visitors come to see the gardens in full bloom.

Autumn

The gardens in Mount Wilson also offer a different view during autumn, where the fall colours of the leaves and flowers are on full display, making it an ideal place for photography enthusiasts.

Private Gardens

All the gardens at Mount Wilson are private; consequently, not all are open year-round, nor do they offer free entry.  The cost varies from garden to garden but on average, it’s around $10 pp.

Breenhold Gardens

One of the best gardens, if not the best, at Mount Wilson is the heritage-listed Breenhold Gardens.   The garden was established in the early 1900s and covers an area of about 45 hectares.  It is known for its extensive collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias.  The garden is also home to many other exotic and native plants, including an extensive collection of ferns, a rock garden, and a lily pond.

Breenhold Garden is open to the public during spring and autumn, when the garden is at its best and most plants bloom.  The garden has won several awards for its beauty and has been featured in many gardening magazines.  Breenhold Garden is also a well-known wedding venue in NSW.

An autumn favourite for us when we visited Breenhold was the Laburnum steps and the row of conifers near the entrance.

Featured on better homes and gardens show

29 The Avenue, Mount Wilson NSW 2786, open 10 am to 4 pm daily during autumn and spring

Autumn and spring gardens

Merry Garth: Along Davies Lane to Galwey Lane, Mount Wilson
Open Wednesdays and weekends during April

Nooroo: Church Lane, Mount Wilson 

Sefton Cottage: 21 Church Lane, Mount Wilson

Yengo Sculpture Garden:  11 Queens Ave, Mount Wilson

Open most of the year is Bebeah (with the famous little red gate) at The Avenue, Mt Wilson and Windyridge in Queens Ave, Mt Wilson.   The Cathedral Reserve is also worth a visit with rows of plane trees, limes, elms, beeches, liquid ambers and pink cherries.

The post The Beauty of Mount Wilson, NSW appeared first on Bevlea Ross Photography.