Views, Brews and Two Yarn Shops

Kevtoberfest #15 The Blue Mountains

The first place we went to after arriving at Katoomba was the Visitor Information Centre at Echo Point. We collected tourist magazines, maps and brochures, which we used to plan our next few days. Every day we followed our itinerary, but some of our discoveries along the way weren’t on the maps or in the brochures!

The Blue Mountains National Park covers an area of 2,680 square kilometres and dozens of vantage points and lookouts are marked on the maps. Although the majesty and expanse of the mountains and valleys is revealed from every one, each view is a little different.

From Govett’s Leap Lookout, the densely forested Grose Valley disappeared into the early morning mist. The lookout was named for the surveyor William Govett, who we hoped didn’t actually leap from the cliff into the valley below.

Looking across from Gordon Falls to Sublime Point, we could see homes surrounded by bushland on top of the ridge. Opposite them on the other side of the valley were the Three Sisters, a different perspective from that seen at Echo Point.

The best lookout we visited wasn’t on any of our maps; it was by chance we followed a weathered sign off the main road. Anvil Rock is a weathered sandstone outcrop located at the end of a walking track along a narrow ridge.

From the top of the rock we had 360° views of the mountains, escarpments and gorges.

Near the lookout is a large wind-eroded cave, easily reached along another sandy track. It was fascinating to see up close the formations which make up much of the natural beauty of the national park.

Not all our discoveries were of the natural kind. Driving through Blackheath on our way to the Campbell Rhododendron Garden, I was quick to spot two craft shops next door to each other, and even quicker to suggest we stop to investigate. I went first to The House of Wool and then to Blackheath Haberdashery and Fabrics. With so much beautiful yarn it wasn’t easy to select just a few, and Glen was happy to help.

Another day in Katoomba, I noticed a sign pointing the way to the Katoomba Brewing Company. Located in a converted power station behind the iconic Carrington Hotel, the brewery makes several beers which are served on tap next door at the Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie. Of course Glen ordered a glass of Oktoberfest Lager, in preparation for Kevtoberfest.

It’s great to make plans and get the best out of each day, but we’re always prepared to abandon the plan when something unexpected comes up.

Road Trip Tally: Breweries 6/Craft shops 3