Empress Falls in the Blue Mountains

Today we got ready to head to the Blue Mountains — something I was particularly excited about.

Before that, we stopped at the Kangaroo Valley Lookout, followed by… several more lookouts whose names have completely escaped me by now. 😄 I do remember driving through Wollongong, though, and I’m fairly sure that’s where I treated myself to a coconut mochi ice cream and a matcha. Naturally. 😄

By afternoon, we finally reached the Blue Mountains — not without a crucial stop for famous pies along the way. Famous, yes. Tasty? Well… if bland and tasteless is your thing, you’d have been thrilled.

Pie disappointment aside, we headed out on a waterfall hike (Empress Falls and Sylvia Falls). Sadly, the trail was blocked after about two kilometres (no idea why), but what we did get to see was absolutely stupendous. I love waterfalls!

The hike back involved climbing endless stairs, leaving us slightly wrecked and suddenly very tolerant of the chlorine-heavy tap water waiting at the top.

We then drove to our free campsite for the night and experienced a strong sense of déjà vu. Despite all prior research claiming no booking was required, it turned out — again — that online booking was necessary. Naturally, reception disappeared right at that moment. The sign warned of a gate blocking entry for anyone without a booking… but luck was on our side. The gate stood open, with a note explaining it stayed that way due to past access issues.

In we went — and somehow snagged one of the last remaining spots, only later noticing they were numbered and nearly all taken. Getting there late worked in our favour. The ground, however, was less cooperative: boulder-like gravel that clearly hadn’t been designed with tents in mind. Still, we made it work.

And a small victory to end the day: a surprisingly affordable sleeping bag from Aldi, bought just hours earlier, that even unzips into a quilt. What can I say — best night yet. I didn’t freeze. 🎉

The last six pics/videos are from lookout points along the way to the Blue Mountains from our campsite in Kangaroo Valley.Read more