HISTORY OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Nestled just west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a region of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage that attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2018 8.4 million visited the Blue Mountains, that averages out at 23,013 visitors each day of the year in 2018.
Named for the blue haze created by the eucalyptus trees that blanket the region, the Blue Mountains offer a mix of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and vibrant history. This a must visit for nature lovers, adventurers, tourists and those seeking a serene escape from the hustle bustle of city life.
The Blue Mountains were formed around 300 million to 470 million years ago. Meaning the mountains were built from sediment deposited by ancient rivers. A movement in earth meant the quartzite landscape flooded by a shallow sea from the east. The large streams flowed into the sea carrying huge amounts of sediment, which were deposited in horizontal layers.
The Greater Blue Mountains was World Heritage Listed Area by UNESCO on 29th November 2000, becoming the fourth area in New South Wales to be listed. The estimated area is 10,312 square kilometres that includes seven national parks. This prestigious recognition highlighted the region’s outstanding universal value, emphasising its diverse ecosystems, ancient geological formations, and significant cultural heritage. The World Heritage Listing has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains stretches over one million hectares of sandstone plateaus, escarpments and deep valleys. This vast and varied landscape is home to a unique ecosystem that includes more than 400 species of animals and over 1,000 species of plants.
One of the most striking features of the Blue Mountains is the extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the entire region, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore its natural beauty.
24th of March 2024 The Grand Cliff Top Walk in Blue Mountains was officially opened in the Blue Mountains. The 19km trek begins at Darwin’s Park from Wilson Park picnic area, and follows around Wentworth Falls, through the ancient forest and along cliff edge tracks. The trek ends at Scenic World in Katoomba.
KATOOMBA HISTORY
Katoomba is a town in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. The name “Katoomba” is derived from the Aboriginal word “Kedumba”, which means “shiny, falling water” or “water tumbling over hill”. This is a reference to the numerous waterfalls in the area, such as the famous Katoomba Falls.
The town is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Three Sisters rock formation and the scenic views from Echo Point and Queen Elizabeth Lookout.
Katoomba, located in Blue Mountains of New South Wale, Australia, has a rich history. Originally inhabited by the Aboriginal Gundungurra and Darug people, European settlement began in the early 19th century with the arrival of explorers and then the development of coal mining and logging industries.
The opening of the railway in 1874 transformed Katoomba into a popular tourist destination, leading to the construction of grand hotels and the establishment of Scenic World attractions.
The annual Winter Magic Festival in Katoomba, which began in the 1990s, is a testament to the vibrant cultural life of the Blue Mountains. This event brings together the community and visitors form a celebration of music, art and performance showcasing the region’s creative spirit and strong sense of community.
Today, Katoomba remains a vibrant hub for tourism and outdoor activities, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and heritage sites.
THE THREE SISTERS HOW THEY WERE FORMED AND CURRENT APPEARANCE
The Three Sisters were formed by the natural processes of erosion and weathering over millions of years ago during the Triassic period when the sandstone of the Blue Mountains was eroded over time by wind, rain and erosion.
The Three Sisters were formed as erosion gradually separated the peaks from the main escarpment. The distinct shapes of the sisters are due to differential weathering.
The Three Sisters is one of Australia’s most iconic and recognisable natural landmarks located in the Blue Mountains near Katoomba, New South Wales.
Each height of the Three Sisters has a unique height: Meehni is 922 metres (3,025 feet) tall, Wimlah is 918 metres (3,011 feet) and Gunnedoo is 906 metres (2,972 feet).
WHERE DID THE NAME ECHO POINT COME FROM AT KATOOMBA
Echo Point is named for the natural acoustic phenomenon of an echo that occurs in the area. When sounds, such as clapping or shouting are produced, they reflect off surrounding surfaces, such as cliffs, mountains or other geological formations, creating an echo effect. Also, visitors not only hear the auditory experience but also the the magnificent spectacular surrounding views of the Three Sisters, Queen Elizabeth Lookout, Jamison Valley, Mt Solitary, Ruined Castle and Scenic World, from Echo Point Katoomba in the Blue Mountains Australia.
WHY IS THE BLUE MOUNTAINS BLUE
The Blue Mountains is renowned for its distinctive blue haze, which blankets the region and gives the mountains their name. The reason for this blue lies in in the forests of eucalyptus gum trees that cover the area. These trees release oil droplets from their leaves.
The blue haze occurs due to a process called “Rayleigh Scattering.” This optical phenomenon is named after the British scientist Lord Rayleigh, who discovered that these trees release oil droplets from their leaves. This oil, combined with water vapour and dust particles, create a mist that fills the atmosphere and scatters short-wave lengths of light which are predominantly blue in colour.
Modern day appreciation, the blue haze continues to enchant visitors to the Blue Mountains. It adds that mystical quality to the beautiful landscapes, enhancing the beauty of the lush forests, deep valleys, huge cliffs, scenic lookouts, such as Echo Point, Queen Elizabeth Lookout, Jamison Valley, Mt Solitary, Ruined Castle and Scenic World, from Echo Point Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.
THE HIGHEST POINT IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS AUSTRALIA
BLUE MOUNTAINS POPULATION
The latest update, the population of the Blue Mountains region in Australia is around 78,446 people.
There is 27 towns and villages located over 100 kilometres of mountain terrain, the two main centres are Katoomba and Springwood.
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