Sunday, May 19, 2024

Today was our first day in Sydney. We started the morning off traveling through the Great Dividing Range into the Blue Mountains National Park, some 3000 feet above sea level. While on the bus ride today, Ron provided us with some background information on the history of convicts being brought to Australia from Great Britain after the Revolutionary War. They settled in Sydney and used the skills of the soldiers and convicts to build up the city. As they moved further west, they came to an abrupt stop when they hit the intricate Great Dividing Range, we would soon find out why that was. It would take them 60 years to find a path through the mountain range to explore the rest of the country.

Upon arrival at Scenic World, we were greeted by a brisk 50 degree morning. There were many attractions that the group saw at Scenic World. We rode down the world’s steepest railway which had a 206 meter vertical drop of 52 degrees. Once at the bottom we were able to overlook the Jameson Valley and the Three Sisters.

Original scenic railway going down the Blue Mountains

Students riding the steepest inline railway in the world

The view deeper into the valley

We were able to walk around on the scenic trails through the park and see the natural vegetation. On the trail we saw the Katoomba Coal Mine that was built in 1878.

 

Katoomba coal mine entrance

A majestic waterfall found by some students

The view from atop of the Three Sisters

After walking the trails, we got to ride back up to the top in the southern hemisphere’s steepest aerial cable car. Students were able to go in multiple directions on the various hiking trails that were offered and could view the mountains from angles at the top and bottom of the mountain. Some took in the views from atop the Three Sisters, while others hiked lower into the valley. We were able to view the mountains and valley from a unique angle in a skyway car that had a glass floor. 

Overlooking the Jamison Valley from the cable car

Our second stop for the day was Featherdale Wildlife Park. This park has over 2,000 Australian native animals including over 60 threatened species. Students got to explore the park and all it had to offer on their own. Some students took advantage of the photo service with some of the parks koalas.

Park keeper feeding penguins at Featherdale Wildlife Park

Students were able to get up close with other wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies to pet and feed them. Some other interesting animals that were seen while there included dingos, echidnas, wombats, macaws, penguins, and many others.

Students petting kangaroos at Featherdale Wildlife Park

Students got the chance to take photos with koalas

While students had some free time at the hotel, they found many different shops and cuisines. The Great Southern Hotel is in the center of Sydney’s China Town District. Many students explored around to many of the markets and food stops.

 

Dylan Brandt and Hayley Daubert