by Gary Tate
We awake to a beautiful sunny Perth day ready to head to Katoomba for four days. Our son kindly picks us up in his very new automobile for a short trip to the local train station. Our WA Seniors card provides us with free train transport all the way to Perth airport. The train ride was comfortable and efficient.
Our Boeing 737–800 bound for Sydney departs on time, the seats are comfortable, but narrow and we have just sufficient legroom for taller people. After about an hour of flying time a tortellini lunch is served in an eco-friendly cardboard container with eco-bamboo cutlery. It is adequate, not outstanding. After drinks service, a refreshing mango frozen treat, is forthcoming, that was enjoyed as we wing our way above this vast sunburnt country that we so love. Approaching Sydney, after a four-hour flight, an announcement informs us that 80 bags have not left Perth. Stressful discussions fill the cabin above the noise of the jet engines.
Upon arrival the attendants at the luggage carousel inform us that the luggage was not loaded due to the weight of the plane and it will be forwarded on the next two flights leaving Perth later tonight. At least that has saved us dragging our rather large bag with us.
We walk to the Sydney airport train and enter the station using the NSW seniors Opal card. These can be purchased online and loaded with credit. The fare from the airport into Circular Quay cost us just $16.97.
The Seniors Opal card entitles you to daily discounted fares of only $2.50, which is valid all the way to Katoomba, Newcastle and as far south as Kiama, it includes trains, bus and ferries. On a previous trip we really enjoyed the ferry journey right up to Parramatta and back, just $2.50.
Checked into our hotel near Circular Quay we go to sleep without our main suitcase, upon awakening we find that the missing case has just been delivered.
The next leg of the trip is taking the Cityloop train to Central Station where we connect with the Intercity Lithgow train which delivers us to Katoomba in the beautiful Blue Mountains, just $2.50, amazing value. The friendly train conductor informs us that to best view the scenery we should sit upstairs and on the left side of the train. We depart Central at 11.24am. Seats are comfortable and windows are a good size for viewing the passing world.
The train heads west, winding past historical terrace homes and some delightful old and charming stations. Passing through the city of Parramatta, in early November, jacaranda trees are flowering stunningly with their prolific purple blooms. Beyond Blacktown there are fewer homes, a smattering of new housing estates and some semi-rural areas bordering the railway line. Approaching Penrith the Great Dividing Range appears in the distance, after Emu Plains the train begins its ascent into the foothills. The conductor was right about the left side being the scenic side as we travel over and alongside some stunning sandstone gorges. We are travelling through some narrow cuttings as we approach Blaxland up on a plateau. Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson villages are named after those early 1813 explorers.
Due to track maintenance the train journey ceases at Springwood where we board a comfortable coach to continue onto Katoomba along the Great Western Highway. The highway meanders alongside the train tracks most of the way, passing interesting villages punctuated with cool climate European vegetation and picturesque Aussie bushland with vivid red blooming bottlebrush. After two hours, a distance of 110km, we arrive at Katoomba and take a short walk to our hotel.
The hill-top Carrington Hotel is a well preserved Victorian heritage-listed former spa, power station and hotel built 1882–1913. In 1908 Edward, Prince of Wales stayed at the hotel, the Duke and Duchess of York in 1927 along with many other famous people over the past 93 years.
Our premier room faces east with a large balustraded balcony overlooking the colourful flowering gardens. The two-night seniors package included continental breakfast, one night’s two course-dinner and Devonshire tea. The Devonshire tea, with two warm delicious scones each, was very much enjoyed on our first afternoon. We stayed four nights.
The hop-on-hop-off bus was our choice for sightseeing. Staying at the Carrington entitled us to a three-day ticket for the price of one day, only $55 each. A comprehensive guidebook is supplied with the cover being the ticket. The bus departed directly in front of the hotel, hourly. Greeting the passengers onboard was Angus, the cheeriest, most delightful and entertaining driver we have ever encountered. The full loop takes about an hour, there are 23 stops from which to choose for sightseeing, beautiful bushwalks and stunning photo opportunities.
At least three days are needed to take in the best of the wonders that the Blue Mountains have to offer. Bushwalking, birdwatching, wildflowers and photography filled in our days. After four amazing days, that included some variable weather, a return visit to Katoomba in the not-too-distant future has now been added to our bucket list.
