Blue Mountains located in New South Wales, is a mountainous region. It lies on the border of the metropolitan area of Sydney. The region is made up of sandstone plateau, divided by gorges. While the highest point of the range is 1,190 metres above sea level, the depth of the gorges can extend to 760 metres. Majority of the Blue Mountains range is part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site. A conservation reserve and seven national park areas make up the World Heritage Site.
The Blue Mountains region attracts visitors for a number of activities including rock climbing, bicycle rides, walking tracks, country drives, picnics and cruising. The mountains offer natural scenic beauty and the national parks feature several flora and fauna.
The Edge Cinema offers a vantage point to glimpse the picturesque Blue Mountains. Katoomba is located in the central area of Blue Mountains. The Katoomba Scenic Railway, listed by Guinness Book of World Records as the steepest railway in the world is a major attraction. The cable railway line slides down 415 metres through sandstone cliffs. With a maximum gradient of 52 degrees, it passes through a rock tunnel.
The steepest aerial cable car, called the ‘Scenic Cableway’ is also operated in Katoomba. It has a glass-bottom and covers an arm of the Jamison Valley on the route. Another attraction is The Giant Staircase walking track, which includes going down a cliff into the Jamison Valley. It allows nature lovers to go on walks, exploring the valley.
Jenolan Caves, located south – west of Katoomba boasts of a series of limestone caves. The Toy Museum at Leura and the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum, located at Faulconbridge are other key attractions of Blue Mountains.