Four ways to experience an incredible Blue Mountains winter

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With crisp air and vast landscapes, winter is the perfect time for a Blue Mountains adventure. Here’s four reasons why you need to visit.

1. Come out of your winter hibernation

Things only get better here during winter – the days may be cold and crisp but the sky is usually blue and clear, with visibility out to the Great Dividing Range. In the upper villages, ice and frost cover the ground with the occasional snowfall, creating a winter wonderland (and the perfect excuse to cosy up in front of a fire!). But when you get out and about, the best winter day is spent exploring Scenic World.

Start with an early ride on the Scenic Skyway to see the amazing views over Katoomba Falls and the Jamison Valley. Hop off at the Skyway’s eastern anchorage to get some photos from the lookout and stroll along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Echo Point to see the famous Three Sisters. Return to the main building by Skyway and from here take the steep iconic Scenic Railway down to the valley.

At the bottom walk along the Scenic Walkway over the Jamison Valley floor – during the colder months, and even in the rain, the colours of the rainforest surrounding the walkway are magnificent: mist shrouds the towering cliffs above, raindrops cling to the lush green leaves and birdlife is more active. From here, take the 545-metre ride up the Scenic Cableway to the top of the escarpment, enjoying views of the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls as you go.

Steep: the Scenic Railway, Blue Mountains.
Steep: the Scenic Railway, Blue Mountains.

2. Get your walking shoes on

Take advantage of the free all-day parking at Scenic World, a great base to have an all-day walking adventure! Take the Scenic Skyway from the main building across the valley (suspended 270 metres in the air) to the east anchorage and enjoy the leisurely Prince Henry Cliff Walk.

Take in the spectacular views of the Jamison Valley as you meander along the escarpment which leads to the iconic Three Sisters. From here, take the Giant Staircase which winds down alongside the Three Sisters to the Jamison Valley floor. The Federal Pass in the Blue Mountains National Park will take you from here through the rainforest, via Katoomba Falls, and ends at the base of Scenic World.

From here, you can either get your heart pumping and climb the 1000 Furber Steps or take the Scenic Railway to the top. It will take around two hours from start to finish, though you may take longer when you see the views.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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3. Celebrate a milestone

September marks the 70th anniversary of the Blue Mountains’ iconic Scenic World, which first opened in 1945 when Harry Hammon acquired the lease of the former historic Katoomba Coal Mine. Driven by visitors’ fascination of the steep railway that led into the rainforest, Hammon saw a wonderful opportunity to convert the old coal skips and tracks into a passenger train, which was to be the steepest in the world.

It still holds that esteemed title today, giving visitors unparalleled access to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Run by the same family, now in their third generation, Scenic World is the country’s most visited privately owned tourist attraction. To celebrate over 25 million visitors creating memories here, there are a number of special events planned to acknowledge this wonderful occasion.

Enveloped by rain forest canopy, Blue Mountains.
Enveloped by rain forest canopy, Blue Mountains.

4. Capture the perfect shot

If you’re a keen amateur photographer, the Blue Mountains is the perfect backdrop to test out your skills. Blue Mountains local and professional photographer Gary P. Hayes suggests the best spots to get snap happy on Scenic World’s blog. But we’ve listed our favourites here:

 

Middle Platform, Katoomba Falls: A great spot for sunset photos as the cliffs glow red – you get the close-up of the falls on your left and views into Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary.

Sublime Point, Leura: An easily accessible lookout which is great at sunrise, which lights up Mt Solitary and the back of the Three Sisters on the right.

Govett’s Leap, Blackheath: Hayes suggests this is the easiest but best vista lookouts with spectacular views, again best photographed at sunrise when the rays highlight the frequent valley mist.

Valley of the Waters, near Wentworth Falls: Take the descent into a deep gorge along the ridge from Conservation Hut for stunning waterfalls and great vistas. It’s an all-day walk but worth it!

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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.