Blue Mountains
After two defeats, we met at Wollongong hoping and praying that the blues would redeem themselves for NSW in the final Sydney State of Origin match.
But we would find out about that on Wednesday night, until then we were going to enjoy a jam-packed active holiday.
Our first destination was the Blue Mountains in Gundungurra country.
We started off with some siteseeing at Echo Point to see the spectacular Three Sisters. According to the local Indigenous Dreaming, they were turned to stone by a witchdoctor to keep them safe but he couldn’t later turn them back, so they remain stone forever.
Next, we went to the amazing Scenic World. Here our travellers braved all three scenic rides, the world’s steepest railway, the awesome cableway, and the see through floor of the incredibly high skyway,
We also explored the 2.4km scenic walkway at the bottom of the Jamison Valley playing “spot the Gruffalo”, an interactive exhibit. While on the valley floor we also explored the historic mining displays.
Game Day
Next day we went to the historic Newington Armoury, the former Australian Naval Armament Depot with over 100 heritage buildings. While we didn’t visit all 100 we went to quite a few and were able to climb over hills, go through tunnels and manually move the train tracks which was all great fun.
We were also lucky enough to be there on a day the Birdlife Australia Discovery Centre was open, to learn from the guides, see and touch the bird displays and view the fabulous Eagle Cam with it’s live streaming of newly born White Bellied Sea Eagle chicks being looked after by their parents.
Later we visited the amazing Brick-pit ring walk, not for the feint hearted, it’s a 550m walk, 18.5m above the Brickpit, which is now like a gigantic pond habitat for endangered Green and Golden Bell frogs and other animals.
Ok, then it was time. Back to the hotel, early dinner, and out to see the match. Could our beloved Blues deliver?
Catching the train and walking into the ground with 80,000 people and you can feel the energy. We take our seats, there are fireworks, explosions, music and finally here come the teams.
What a game! A 24 to 10 win and we all wonder what could have been if they picked this team before. After a late night we go back to the hotel and enjoy some sleep.
More Fun
Our final day we have a later start before heading out to Penrith Panthers.
We enjoy a round of Aqua Golf, play a bit at Timezone and all find out we aren’t really that good at snooker on a full-sized table, before enjoying lunch and heading home.
What a result for NSW, and what a fabulous trip.