Three Sisters

Three Sisters

Three Sisters is a rock formation in Australia, located in the state of New South Wales, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The Three Sisters are three rocky peaks that have their own names: Michni (922 meters), Wimla (918 meters), and Gunnedoo (906 meters). They rise above the Jemison Valley, located half a kilometer from the town of Katoomba. The cliffs, composed of soft sandstone, have acquired their present appearance due to centuries of erosion.

Video: Three Sisters

Travelers

To appreciate the panorama of these places and to see the famous blue haze that gave its name to the mountains, which is caused by the evaporation of the oils of the eucalyptus forests, visit the Tourist Information Center and the Echo Point Lookout. The appearance and color of the Three Sisters changes depending on the time of day and season. In addition, the Three Sisters are illuminated every evening – a stunning sight against the night sky. The Eco Point Lookout is also the starting point for numerous eco-trails and activities, including abseiling, rock climbing, and cave tours. Enjoy nature, see rushing rivers, waterfalls, forests, gorges and sheer cliffs: the total length of hiking trails in the region is 140 kilometers.

.

You can descend to the bottom of the valley on the so-called Giant’s Staircase; it is a trail of over 800 steps that leads to the foot of the Three Sisters. At the bottom, you can take the Scenic Walkway trail. These are 2.4km long looping bridges that lead you to an ancient rainforest that has existed since the time of the dinosaurs. If you don’t feel like walking, you can ride up and down the Scenic Railway, view the cliff tops and tropical trees through the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway or from the windows of the large Scenic Cableway cabins.

There are so many interesting places and ways to explore the Blue Mountains! For example, The Greater Blue Mountains Drive consists of 18 amazing routes to explore the World Heritage Sites; these routes take you through unspoiled wilderness areas, quaint villages, farms, and of course, past the Three Sisters. You can also take a three-day guided walking tour on the Six Foot Track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves.

The legend of the Three Sisters’ appearance

The rocks are said to have gotten their name from the ancient Aborigines. For centuries a sad story about three beautiful girls from the Katumba tribe has been passed from mouth to mouth. Their names were Mihni, Vimla and Gunnedu. The beauties would have lived happily ever after if they had not been attracted to three brothers from a foreign tribe. Since such marriages were strictly forbidden, the young men decided to seize their lovers by force and went to war against the Katumbas. The girls’ father was a sorcerer. Wanting to save his daughters, he brought them to the top of the mountain and turned them into rocks. The old man was going to perform a spell on the children after the war, but he himself was killed in battle. No one ever broke the spell. The three rocks are still standing, gazing sadly into the distance and waiting hopefully for their deliverer.