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5 posts tagged train
The Truly Brilliant Blue Mountains
In which I visit the beautiful and amazing Blue Mountains and have a surprising and jaw-dropping ornithological encounter.
22 March 2011 - 0935 Sydney, Australia
So finally, I’m off to Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Well, not right now I’m not. I’m waiting at platform 5 of Central Station for the departure of my train. The return ticket cost an unbelievable $7.60, a total bargain in expensive Sydney. The train is already waiting in front of me, doors open expectantly. It’s an ageing corrugated metal affair, the sort you’d expect to see on New York’s subway. Plenty of character, though if the seats are anything like those on the last train from Circular Quay to here, I’m in for an uncomfortable 2 hour ride.
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Seats a way better. This is the sort of train-ing I like. Plenty of character inside too. Driver is doing pre-journey checks on the outside of the train. Despite rolling stock on opposite platforms moving about, he’s strolling along the side of the train opening panels and looking at whatever’s inside. Wouldn’t get that in Britain.
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Forget to mention, this is a double-decker train. I’m on the lower deck, facing forward and on the left as the Lonely Planet guide to Sydney suggests. Amazing views to be had from this position apparently.
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Wow! This passenger just came on and did something amazing! He reversed the facing direction the seat he wanted. With a quick pull on a handle, he could sit down and face the direction of travel. Ace!!!!
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Wow! Finally Australia pulls out all the stops. I’ve arrived at Echo Point to stunning views. I then descended the Giant’s Stairway, 900 precarious steps clinging to side of the gorge. Water drips from the rocks and down the narrow, steep stairs. The steps eventually led me to a category 1 rainforest dating back to the Jurassic period. During the 2km walk, I encountered muddy tracks, streams, and the majestic Katoomba Falls, a roaring torrent 500m high. Then, into Scenic World, the Disneyland version of the rainforest with well-constructed boardwalks and species markers and information and displays on the mining history of the region. Then, the ascent of the gorge by Swiss built cablecar.
But way above all that was being able to see Superb Lyrebird in the wild. In fact, I saw two Lyrebird in the wild. Beautiful, nimble creatures with a unrivalled and staggering vocal range, able to mimic any sound 100% accurately. I stared open mouthed when Sir David Attenborough went to see Lyrebird on one of his BBC natural history shows, but to unexpectedly happen open one in the wild, scratching about in the trees was extraordinary and something I’ll never forget.
As I write this, a Red Wattlebird has just landed in the seat next to mine. Seems my status as ‘friend of birds’ has been renewed.
