Blue Mountains

file:Blue_Mountains_Banner.jpg|1280px]] This Muslim Friendly Travel Guide is part of eHalal.io Travel Group

The Blue Mountains, instantly to the West of the sprawling metropolitan area of Sydney, constitute one of the most accessible areas of relatively unspoilt natural highland beauty in New South Wales. Although not particularly high as a mountain range and the Blue Mountains are nonetheless famous for their majestic scenery of a unique kind and their cultural attractions and a relatively tranquil, alternative mode of life.

Part of Australia's Great Dividing Range and the Blue Mountains region was n/list/917 inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage Area by UNESCO in 2000.

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Cities

Up in the mountains are: -33.799 |150.301|zoom=10

• GPS -33.712,150.312|zoom=11 Katoomba - the largest and most visited town, with Echo Point, Scenic World and shopping. Known for its artsy, hippie population.
• GPS -33.716,150.333|zoom=11 Leura - right next to Katoomba, is a quaint craft shops and boutique shopping.
• GPS -33.716,150.366|zoom=11 Wentworth Falls - close to Katoomba, bush, views and Bed and Breakfasts.
• GPS -33.6311,150.2911|zoom=11 Blackheath - genuinely pretty mountain town, surrounded by parks and scenic walks.
• GPS -33.5833,150.250|zoom=11 Mount Victoria - the highest point of the mountains.
• GPS -33.666667,150.28333|zoom=11 Medlow Bath - the home of the Hydro-Majestic and its sweeping views along the Megalong.

In the lower mountains:

• GPS -33.70,150.56|zoom=11 Springwood (New South Wales) | Springwood - in the lower mountains at the edge of Sydney
• GPS -33.766667|,150.619444|zoom=11 Glenbrook (New South Wales) | Glenbrook =

More Destinations

The Blue Mountains range is most famous for its three National Parks and other sites of natural beauty:

• GPS -33.967778,150.304167|zoom=11 Blue Mountains National Park =* GPS -33.937778,150.090833|zoom=11 Kanangra Boyd National Park =
• GPS -33.8167,150.0333|zoom=11 Jenolan Caves and Oberon

Blue Mountains Halal Travel Guide

Echo Point - The Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley, from Echo Point, Katoomba

History

The Blue Mountains have been inhabited for several thousand years by the Gundungurra people.

The European invadors found that the Blue Mountains cliffs were sufficiently challenging to prevent explorers from penetrating the inland of New South Wales from Sydney for some time. Attempts to cross the mountains began in the very early 1800s and it was not until 1813 when Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson found a way across the mountains by following the ridges rather than the watercourses.

Once the route was found, roads, railway and development followed rapidly. The roads and railways today follow almost exactly the route taken by the original explorers. A visit to many of the scenic vistas, cliffs and waterfalls in the mountains will give you some appreciation of the challenges anyone would face trying to follow the rivers and creeks across the mountains.

The People of Blue Mountains

The mountains are a major weekend destination for Sydneysiders, but also have a passionate local community. Making your way up involves passing through many villages.

The lower villages are almost an extension of the Sydney urban area, but the higher you go the more a mountain way of life becomes evident.

Locals of the Blue Mountains tend to be Retirees, folks looking for an alternative lifestyle, including a large and active community, Artists (including, in the past and the infamous Norman Lindsay) and people who want to get back to nature.

There are also the Gundungurra Indigenous People people, who are now represented by the Gundungurra Tribal Council Indigenous People Corporation, based in Katoomba. It is a not for profit organisation representing the Gundungurra traditional owners, promoting legacy and culture and providing a support for Gundungurra people connecting back to Country.

The Blue Mountains local residents have resisted much development - you'll only find two fast food restaurants (McDonalds/Hungry Jacks) between Glenbrook and Lithgow.

If you stay long enough to get to know the place, you'll find an interesting mix of 1860, 1960 and last year.

Weather in Blue Mountains

The temperature is a few degrees cooler in the mountains, but it can be up to 10°C colder than on the coast during the day and drop even further overnight. There is probably only one or two days of snow every one or two years, but there are many more winters days where it feels like it might snow!

If you're in Sydney for a week or so and planning a day trip to the mountains, it pays to check the weather forecast for each region before deciding which day to travel. A hot day in Sydney can make the mountains a pleasant escape and coastal showers in Sydney can also see the mountains still dry and sunny. However, cold winter rainy days can see mountain views completely obscured by fog for the entire day.

Orientation

The main visitor neighborhood of the mountains centres around Katoomba, with Echo Point (Three Sisters), Scenic World, Wentworth Falls and Leura all within a few kilometers each direction. The towns of Blackheath and Mount Victoria are smaller tourist centres in their own right, only around 15 minutes trip from Katoomba. Jenolan Caves are a significant distance further, over an hour to trip from Katoomba.

Travel to Blue Mountains

Travellers visiting Sydney are often faced with the dilemma of how to best get to the mountains to spend a day or a couple of days. It is quite feasible to visit for a day and to see many of the main sights.

The closest airport is Sydney Airport.

How to travel to Blue Mountains by car

Take the M4 out of Sydney and then continue as the M4 becomes the Great Western Highway (A32) on Lapstone hill. Sydney to Katoomba is 103 km and takes about one hour and fifty minutes in good traffic. The traffic is much worse leaving Sydney on a Friday night, or returning to Sydney on a Sunday afternoon. Your travel duration can double. After a long weekend, traffic can come to a standstill coming down the mountains into Sydney.

Hiring a vehicle from Sydney to spend a day or two in the mountains is a popular option for visitors to Sydney, however an issue often encountered by people staying in the downtown is that automobile rental services along the city strip generally close before 6PM and can obtain queues when they open at 9AM. This can make for a very short day in the mountains. The alternative is paying for an extra days vehicle hire and for overnight parking in the city for two nights, which can add considerably to the cost.

Travel by train to Blue Mountains

Trains run every hour or two to the Blue Mountains from Sydney Central and can also connect at major stations along the way, like Parramatta. Standard trains are used with no seating reservations. Trains run every hour or so as far as Mount Victoria and every second one will proceed to Lithgow. While the train will get you to the mountains, you need to determine how to get around when you get there, as there are a number of locations that you won't be able to reach without a car. That said, most of the main towns in the Blue Mountains are linked together by the rail line and the prime tourist spots are walkable or accessible by visitor friendly bus services. See how to Get Around below.

By tour

Many tour companies operate single- or multi-day tours up to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. A number of companies operate chartered tours that offer tour guides and coaches with modern facilities such as toilets and air conditioning. Expect a rushed trip, to take in all the sights and the usual wildlife park stop on the way.

How to get around in Blue Mountains

By vehicle

Once you get up the mountains, it is easy to get around the mountains by vehicle and congestion or parking is generally not a problem. Popular vehicle parks like Wentworth Falls can fill on summer weekends, but travel on the street until you find an available spot. The Great Western Highway (A32) crosses the Mountains east to west and most places aren't far from it. Expect to pay for parking at Echo Point (The Three Sisters) at $4 per hour, but everywhere else is free of charge. There are large free multi-storey parking lots at Scenic World. if you are going to Scenic World and Echo Point and then park at Scenic World and walk from the Skyway east station to echo point, to save the drive and parking costs.

• Local Car Rental is available in Katoomba from Hertz. You pay a premium to hire in the mountains - but after considering the additional fuel, vehicle parking in Sydney and inconvenient opening times, you may still end up ahead.

By public bus

The Blue Mountains Bus Company operates public bus services in the mountains under a service contract to the state government. Their routes are extensive, but can be infrequent - especially on weekends. Check the timetables before deciding to get around the mountains by public bus.

The most useful bus is the 686, that runs between Katoomba station, Echo Point and scenic world every 30 minutes. This route is actually the same bus as the express trolley, that forms part of the Trolley Tours Hop-on Hop-off service. It is a real bus, just painted on the outside to resemble a trolley. Other useful buses are the 685 Wentworth Falls Katoomba loop that will take you near to Wentworth Falls.

All the Blue Mountains public buses use the same tickets and ticketing structure as Sydney. You can pay cash fares or use an Opal Card.

If you are taking the train from Sydney for the day and using an Opal Card, you'll probably already have hit your day-cap and using the public buses in the mountains comes at no incremental cost.

By trolley

The Blue Mountains Trolley consists of two routes: An express route, that is the same as the route 686 bus above and a second longer route, which isn't a public route service that takes in Leura and some areas more remote from the station. Opal card isn't valid on this second service. You can buy an all-day ticket for $25 that includes unlimited use of both trolleys. The trolley is actually a bus.

By Blue Mountains Explorer bus

You can buy tickets just for the bus for $36 that includes travel for up to 7 days. The route covered is almost identical to the Trolley Bus.

By train

If travelling between towns in the mountains (like from Katoomba to Leura, Blackheath, Medlow Bath, or Mount Victoria), train is also available. Trains generally run every hour or so east of Mount Victoria, more frequently during peak times.

By foot

If you are travelling by train and wish to have a mountains experience around Katoomba, you can walk in about 30 minutes to Echo Point and then descend the Giant Staircase at the Three Sisters, walk along the valley floor to Scenic World, come back up the Scenic Railway and then walk along the top of the cliff back towards Echo Point and then back to Katoomba.

Wentworth Falls is about an hours walk along the Charles Darwin Walk from Wentworth Falls station, however if you can skip this part and allow more time to do the National Pass walk that is more worthwhile. (The National Pass is closed due to rockfall risk).

By taxi

If you are without a car, taxi is an excellent option to see worthwhile destinations like Wentworth Falls and Leura Cascades that are away from the stations.

What to see in Blue Mountains

Lookouts

• Echo Point | -33.732, 150.312Free, but parking close to the point is expensive - The most popular attraction near Katoomba, a major lookout with incredible views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. There's also an information centre here with displays about the environment of the area, so its a good place to start your visit to the mountains. Maps and souvenirs available for sale. Come back at night to see the area lit up. There is an easy walk down to a bridge where you can walk to the base of the sisters.
• Govett's Leap | -33.628, 150.315 A lookout at Blackheath with fantastic views over the Grose Valley. A number of walking tracks around the edge of the escarpment start here

• Cliff Drive, around Katoomba and Leura has many pull-offs for admiring the view.
• Kanangra Walls at Kanangra Boyd National Park.
• Wentworth Falls | -33.728, 150.374

Attractions

• Watch a IMAX movie at The Edge Cinema in Katoomba - its giant screen has somewhat regular showings of 'The Edge Movie', which is a documentary about the Blue Mountains, but check times on their website first, to make sure they aren't showing the latest Disney feature when you plan to visit. The cinema is about 10 minutes walk from Katoomba Station and the other direction from Echo Point.

Monuments

• In the more residential lower Mountains commuter belt and there are a couple of mildly interesting tourist sites at Faulconbridge - the Corridor of Oaks, which has oak trees planted by many Australian Prime Ministers and Sir Henry Parkes' Grave the final resting place of a man considered to be the 'Father of Federation'.
• Explorers Tree

Top Travel Tips

• Megalong Australian Heritage Farm - 1 Megalong Road, Megalong Valley - 30 Minutes from Katoomba ☎ +61 47 878 188 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM A unique venue offering rural experiences. Set in 2000 acres the venue has a restaurant, horse riding, 4WD, bushwalking, children's petting farm, wilderness camping sites and Bed & Breakfast lodging.

Walks

Giant stairway - Giant stairway

There are literally hundreds of walking opportunities in the mountains, from short 1 km trips to lookouts, to multi-day walks and the famous Six Foot Track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. They will have all the details at the visitor information at Echo Point.

• The Giant Stairway descends to the bottom of the Jamison Valley, right next to the Three Sisters at Echo Point. You can walk along the base of the valley for around 2 km to get to Scenic World, at take the Scenic Railway back up the hill. From here you can walk to 2 km back along the top of the cliff, by following the Price Henry Cliff Walk back to Echo Point, via Katoomba Falls. There is food at Echo Point, at Scenic World and at a kiosk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The track is well marked, (you will see the signs to Scenic Railway) and well traversed, so you don't need to be too prepared to do this one. If you are driving and then consider parking at Scenic World and doing the Prince Henry Walk first, that way you can avoid the parking charges at Echo Point. If you want to test your fitness, go down the scenic railway and then up the thousand steps.
• National Pass Trail at Wentworth Falls opened originally over 100 years ago. Running along the cliff line at Wentworth Falls and not as steep as it may sound, it can be conquered as a challenge by someone of average fitness. There is about 3 hours of walking in all. If you choose to only do a section of the walk be aware that but the steep sections are at the very beginning and end of the track, with the centre being largely level along the cliff line. It really is best to plan to do the entire length of the walk if you can. The shortcut track at the top of the cliff will get you back to the start in only 30 minutes or so. Many sections of the walk are fenced, but many steep sections are not. If you are travelling with young children and then you may not be comfortable on sections of this walk. The walk is closed due to risk of rock fall (2022).
• Faulconbridge Point Lookout/Grose River.
• Govett's Leap.
• To get away from the crowds in "scenic" Katoomba, get a bus (or taxi) to Leura falls and walk down the steps to the wedding veil falls and along Federal Pass - a fantastic walk, not too hard and loads of wildlife!

Mountain bike

• Ride the Oaks Trail on your mountain bike. Thit is a classic mountain ride, through bushland fire trail well away from the highway. It goes from Woodford to Lapstone, almost all downhill. You can get the train from Lapstone back up the hill to the start.
• Ride on one of the scenic rides into the Jamison Valley from Katoomba.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Blue Mountains, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Blue Mountains. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Blue Mountains and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Blue Mountains. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Blue Mountains. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Blue Mountains: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Blue Mountains.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Blue Mountains: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Blue Mountains, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Blue Mountains.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Blue Mountains, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Blue Mountains, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Blue Mountains and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Blue Mountains, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Blue Mountains, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Blue Mountains without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Blue Mountains is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Blue Mountains.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Blue Mountains is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Blue Mountains, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Blue Mountains Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Blue Mountains

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Ramadan Celebrations in Blue Mountains

Ramadan 2025 in Blue Mountains

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are many lodging options in the mountains, including resorts, bed and breakfasts (popular, but can be expensive, especially on weekends), guest houses, motels, pubs (many have been gentrified, but not all) and camping.

Stay Safe

People have died when they have lost the trail while bushwalking in the Blue Mountains. There is a large variation in the signposting and difficulty of walks. Know your limits and check with visitor information. Also note that getting lost is easy to do and can prove fatal.

There are a number of walks you can take in the mountains to experience them, where the tracks are well marked and well traversed. You can walk from Echo Point to the Scenic Railway, down the steps at the Three Sisters and take the Scenic Railway back to the top. You can also walk the National Pass walk. These walks have some mobile reception and you will have no problem following the tracks and signs if you are careful. However, even on the cliff walks near civilisation some places do not have any mobile phone coverage whatsoever. There are shorter walks at Echo Point too. Check at visitor information.

Personal locator beacons are available free of charge from Katoomba Police when undertaking more remote walks. Always let someone you trust know your route and when you will be back. Take a mobile phone (not always in range) and a GPS.

Some cliff edges are unfenced. Cliff edges near creeks and water may be slippery and losing your footing can prove fatal.

Although the Blue Mountains are a large nature reserve and the wildlife is not particularly dangerous. However, if you see snakes on the path, stay clear until they move away. Don't disturb rocks and branches with your bare hands for spiders and insects.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Blue Mountains

• Tour the show caves at Jenolan Caves. Note that thit is quite a long way from the Blue Mountains proper and is probably a full day affair. If you don't have a car, you'll need to join a bus tour.

Most people return to Sydney, as you will realise if you try leaving Katoomba by vehicle at 4PM on a Sunday (a guarantee for you to be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic from Leura down the hill). To avoid the traffic, go west! To Oberon or the historic Gold rush towns of Bathurst (New South Wales) | Bathurst and Sofala (New South Wales) | Sofala, or even Mudgee.

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