The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, Katoomba, NSW
The Three Sisters, Echo Point, Katoomba
On our holiday last Christmas in Sydney we went for a family drive to the Blue Mountains. One place I really wanted to visit was Echo Point, mainly to get some good digital photos of the Three Sisters. For readers who are not aware of this beautiful natural feature an hour’s drive west of Sydney, the Three Sisters are three sandstone stacks that have been formed through water and wind erosion over thousands of years. The three stacks are right next to each other, hence the name.
This amazing physical feature is one of Australia’s most photographed spots. Tens of thousands of visitors come to the lookout every day, most with cameras clicking wildly. I had to be one of them!
Click on the photos to enlarge the image.
The Three Sisters, Echo Point, Katoomba
The Three Sisters, Echo Point, Katoomba
Katoomba and the Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Katoomba, NSW
On our holiday in Sydney last Christmas we went for a family drive to Leura and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. We stopped for short while at Echo Point and the Three Sisters lookout.
I had a debate with my son after our visit. We discussed whether this – or somewhere else in Australia – was the most photographed natural feature in Australia. Uluru would have to be right up there in the top few, but I contended that for sheer numbers, the Three Sisters at Katoomba would have to be close to the top. There must have been close to a thousand people in the half hour we were there, and the stream was relentless. Most people would have taken dozens of shots while there.
Click on the photos to enlarge the image.
Echo Point, Katoomba, NSW
Echo Point, Katoomba, NSW
The Three Sisters, Echo Point, Katoomba, NSW
A visit to Leura in the Blue Mountains
Leura, Blue Mountains, NSW
When we were in Sydney at Christmas time for a holiday we took a day trip up into the Blue Mountains. Our son came with us but our daughter-in-law had to work. This meant that just the four of us went driving for the first time in many years. It was good. We were heading for Katoomba but spent an hour or so exploring the shops in the small town of Leura nearby.
While we were there it was time for lunch. We searched the main street for a suitable place, or rather a place with a spare table for four. Not easy during the height of the Christmas-New Year tourist season. We eventually found a table in a wonderfully named cafe called the Loaves and Dishes. We had a wonderful meal which was spoiled by me feeling the absolute pits due to a diabetic low blood sugar level while waiting for our meal to arrive. Despite them being quite quick, I’d let my levels drop too quickly. It had been far too long since my last food intake. After an hour I was back to normal again, thankfully.
An amusing little incident occurred as we walked up the main street. The traffic here probably only crawls along at the best of times. Suddenly one car came to an abrupt halt, the female driver got out and went to the car behind hers and she then proceeded to hurl verbal abuse at the female driver in that car. It was a case of road rage and something that is starting to be far too common here in Australia. The impatience of some people concerns me.
I actually felt like going over to the person and applauding, but thought better of it. I would certainly have received an earful – or worse. Eventually they moved off very slowly up the street, followed by the long line of cars, the drivers of which had been waiting patiently.
Leura, Blue Mountains, NSW
Art Galley of NSW, Sydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
One of the things we all wanted to see while on holiday in Sydney was the special exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This exhibition was of the works of Monet and the Impressionists. It was a once in a lifetime chance to see many of the works in this exhibition.
We all enjoyed the experience. After seeing the special exhibition we spent about an hour looking at other galleries. I have a feeling that this is my favourite art gallery. My daughter assures me that when we get the chance to travel to Europe we will be amazed at the art galleries throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot show you any of the paintings. They wouldn’t let me take my camera into the exhibition. Pity about that.
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Flowers outside the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
On our holiday in Sydney late last year our son suggested that we have a look at the Queen Victoria Building in the city. This historic building contains dozens of interesting specialty shops. I was more interested in the building, the beautiful architecture and the wonderful ambiance of the whole building. Not many shopping centres present in this way, especially modern buildings.
Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
After a very pleasant time in this building and its interesting shops, we found a nearby food mall. Sure it was like feeding time at the zoo with every man and his family trying to find a table to use.
Admittedly we were rather optimistic seeing it was between Christmas and New Year. Actually we didn’t have all that much trouble finding a table for four which was surprising. I had a large plate of delicious pasta which more than made up for the crowded conditions.
I’ve included several more photos of the Queen Victoria Building below. Click on the photos to enlarge the image.
For more information click here.
Leadlight windows, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
World Clock, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
Detail, floor tiles, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney