Three Sisters Katoomba

The Three Sisters Katoomba is the world famous rock pillars located at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. Towering above the Jamison Valley, these prominent and illustrious natural formations have gained legendary status as a renowned Australian tourist attraction. At an imposing height of 922 m, 918 m and 906 m respectively they present an overwhelming sight for anyone visiting the Blue Mountains. They have been given the Aboriginal names Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo,

Getting to Katoomba to view these highlights is only 100kilometers drive or so from Sydney on the Great Western Highway. Visitors can also catch a train on the western rail line to Katoomba from Sydney’s Central Railway Station, this make for a great day trip or family outing and if you’re catching a train then it easy to use the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus which runs in and around Katoomba and operates to the major attractions.

Accordingly the legend varies a little but the story goes somewhat as follows; there were three beautiful sisters of a Katoomba tribe who fell in love with three brothers of a neighboring Napean tribe. But the tribal law refused to accept their relationship. As a result, a major tribal war was commenced by the brothers to capture the three ladies. Meanwhile, a witch doctor turned the girls into stone in order to protect their lives. But unfortunately, he himself was killed and could not reverse his spell from the sisters. So the three sisters remain trapped in their illustrious rock formation.

Pretty cool story huh? Well it certainly adds character to this local landmark and at least it gets people interested enough to visit and photograph them, after all, the whole area truly is awe inspiring to view. Don’t believe me? Take a trip there sometime and view them for yourself.

Science offers the explanation that the Three Sisters were formed by wind and water erosion over many centuries. Of course as time passes the erosion continues to constantly change the configuration of many rocky outcrops. The soft Triassic sandstone of the Blue Mountains swells with water and along with the wind the stone gradually breaks up and falls apart when water enters into the cracks of the rock and enlarges them.

The captivating view of the Three Sisters Katoomba is best seen from Echo Point. Stretched out above the rainforests below, this marvelous vantage point offers an overwhelming sight of the rock formations and views across the Jamison Valley. If you want to enjoy a much closer view of the Three Sisters, take a walk along the Honeymoon Bridge through the giant staircase.

Apart from this scenic attraction, you can also witness many other sightseeing places close by. There is the wonderful glass bottomed Scenic Skyway Cable car that is suspended horizontally at a height of 270 m above the ground and travel out over the valley below, definitely not for the faint hearted.

The Scenic Railway which is the steepest rail line in the world drops a whopping 415 m down to the valley floor in the rain forest below the Three Sisters. Take a six hour walk from this site further on and you can end up at the Ruined Castle which is another fascinating rock formation. There are plenty of bush walking opportunities which includes the six foot track, the cliff walk and Giant Stairway which is a series of 900 steps built in 1909. Below the staircase, you can also experience hiking amongst the natural beauty of lush green rainforest in the World Heritage Listed National Park.

The Three Sisters Katoomba are one of the most favored and unique tourist destinations among the Blue Mountains and have become an iconic landmark to be visited not just by Australians only but also by people from all over the world. So next time you want to experience a day out, a romantic weekend or maybe your next family vacation come, explore discover enjoy what Blue Mountains getaways are famous for. This is among the best attractions New South Wales has to offers.