Yes, we depart from Central Station, Bay No.9 on the Western Concourse at 8am. And yes we do a pick up at the Holiday Inn at Darling Harbour. Everyone onboard, good. Seat belts on, sit back, relax and as they said in the old Hollywood westerns “Go west young man and woman” and that’s what we are going to do. However, in a luxury air conditioned modern coach as opposed to a horse drawn covered wagon. Ironically even though we are heading west along the M4, our first stop is at Eastern Creek, home to Sydney’s world famous new ‘Sydney Zoo”.
The zoo opened December 2019 and has delighted hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors since opening. Sydney zoo is home to over 4000 animals. As you enter the zoo your first encounter is usually with the with giant western grey kangaroo which hail from the appropriately named Kangaroo Island in South Australia. You will be provided feed from the zookeepers to be able to hand feed the ‘Roo’s’. Please don’t feed our babies any junk food, only food that is provided to you from the zoo staff. You will also see Australia’s largest flightless bird, the Emu hanging with the roos in this precinct. The Emu and the Kangaroo are the only native animals on Australia’s coat of arms, supposedly selected because they don’t walk backwards, and it is said this is reflective of the Australian character. One of the all-time favourites for all visitors is Australia’s most loved marsupial the Koala. That’s right the Koala Bear is not actually a bear. The Koala is the most loved member of the marsupial family which needs to be protected for all time. There are plenty photo opportunities by the zoo staff to capture the Koalas perched in the fork of a eucalyptus tree, its most favoured resting place, with yourself sitting or standing below the Kola. Smile you are on ‘Koala Camera!’ As you wander down the path of the zoo you will see the Lion kings in all their splendour. Three of them usually lazing in the morning sun. You will marvel at these regal animals of the African savanna. And just like the African savanna you will see giraffes, zebras and even Rhinos in the same spacious plain.
Now you will come to my favourite, the Asian Elephants in their open range precinct. Alas we must push on westward to the mountains, so everyone back board. The Blue Mountains are called the Blue Mountains due the blue mist or blue tinge that is emitted by the thousands and thousands of eucalyptus trees or gum trees as they are colloquially known. Droplets of eucalyptus oil and dust mix together with the spectrum of the sunlight to create a beautiful blue haze over the mountains. When in the mountains breathe, breathe in the air. People literally visit the mountains to cleanse their lungs and soul. It is a magical place with rich pure clean air, rainforest walks, stunning vistas, and the innocence of village lifestyle. And that is why it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our first stop in the mountains is the beautiful village of Leura. This village is home to hip cafes, artisans, bookstores, and great places to enjoy your lunch. After lunch we travel the world famous Three Sisters as seen from Echo Point. The three sisters are Hawkesbury sandstone formations dated back to 250 million years ago. The whole Blue Mountains area was once under a shallow sea hence the formation of sandstone outcrops. However, the Aboriginal dreamtime version of their formation is a lot more interesting. Three brothers had the fallen in love with three beautiful sisters from another tribe. Under tribal law It was forbidden for three brothers to marry the three sisters. An Aboriginal elder with magical powers turned the three sisters into rock to protect them from the three brothers. The three sisters Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo remain with us until day and for all eternity. Our last stop for the day is Scenic World. Some say we saved the best to last and it’s not called Scenic World for nothing. This is a combination of breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley, the heart pumping Scenic Railway the world’s steepest railway, cable car rides and tranquil rainforest walks. It certainly is the best till last.
Now that you have breathed in the mountain air and cleansed your mind, body and soul it is time to head back down the mountain to the city of Sydney. Hopefully see you next time on our coast wonderland tour of Port Stephens ‘One Perfect Day’ or on our ‘Night City Tour!”.
