Blue Mountains National Park outside Sydney

I spent the day with a delightful group of fellow travelers, led by Don, our knowledgeable and affable host.

Don, Arthur, Sherida, Jennifer, Jackie, Denay, Gary, and Cathy

This excursion was to the Blue Mountains National Park, another World Heritage Area, located an hour west of Sydney. The blue haze, and the reason for the name, is caused by eucalyptus trees.

Blue haze caused by eucalyptus

Scenic overlook

Legendary "Three Sisters" rock formation*

Scenic overlooks, a lovely walk in the woods, a tasty lunch, and perfect weather added to the enjoyment.

A pleasant walk in the woods

On the way, we stopped at a wildlife park and saw native Australian animals, some of which I hadn't seen before, including a wombat and a close-up view of an echidna (aka spiny anteater), which resembles a hedgehog but is really an egg-laying mammal.

Wombat

Echidna, which I had seen briefly in the wild previously

On the way back we spent time at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.







AEA Tours website: www.aealuxury.com.au

* An Aboriginal legend about three sisters turned to stone