Hiking in the spectacular Blue Mountains
Where the bloody hell are you? Unless you want to emulate British backpacker Jamie Neale and spend 12 very cold days wandering in the Aussie bush, then some simple precautions can make sure you don’t go wandering permanently.
It’s less than two hours from Sydney by train, but it only takes 10 minutes to walk through the streets of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains and reach the start of bush tracks leading into this spectacular World Heritage-listed area.
From a quick stroll through to multi-day hikes, there are lots of options for getting out into the bush, but here’s some tips for ensuring that you survive the experience:
• Research the walks available – there’s good information at your hostel, leaflets and maps at the Visitor Information Centre.
• Plan your walk to your capabilities. Just because you can stagger home from the pub after the last bus doesn’t mean you should necessarily take on a full day trek on bush tracks.
• Fill in the walks register at your hostel or info centre – even for day walks. Then they know to come looking for you!
• Investigate taking an emergency beacon from the police or national parks, especially if you are camping out overnight – they are free and can save your life.
• Take your mobile phone – but don’t rely on always having reception.
• Take more food and water than you think you will use. In summer, water is absolutely critical.
• Slip, slop, slap – hat and sun block are essential.
• Don’t walk alone – try and hook up with some walking companions at your hostel.
Finally, just do it. Don’t come all the way to Australia, and not get out there and explore it.
Jamie Neale stayed at the award-winning Blue Mountains YHA in Katoomba (02) 4782 1416.
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