The three peaks
Above the valley.
Unknown — CC BY-SA 2.5 · Dietmar Rabich — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cqui — CC BY-SA 3.0
Three sandstone peaks standing side by side above the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains, the best-known sight of this UNESCO-listed range, visited by more than six hundred thousand people a year. The Echo Point platform looks out on the three peaks and a sea of eucalyptus forest stretching to the horizon. The trees release a fine mist of oil into the air that scatters sunlight, so the mountains appear a hazy blue, which gave them their name. An Aboriginal legend tells that the peaks are three sisters turned to stone. From the platform a path leads to a small bridge onto the first peak, then the Giant Stairway of hundreds of steps descends to the valley floor for those fit enough. Viewing is free at any time, and the peaks are lit at night. Early morning or just before sunset is loveliest; mist sometimes fills the valley in winter. It pairs with nearby Scenic World.
Above the valley.
To the valley floor.
Behind the name.
Echo Point, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, about 100 km west of Sydney
Eucalyptus trees release fine oil droplets that scatter light, so the mountains look hazy blue.
