I took some much needed break from any running activities after Cameron Ultra and spent slightly over one week in Melbourne and Sydney. I could write a million things about Australia – the coffee and café culture, the koalas, kangaroos, and natural wildlife, the multinational population… but my most favourite part of the trip was the Great Ocean Road and Blue Mountains National Park.
- Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road (GOR) is not just any stretch of road. Spanning over 243km, it is actually a war memorial, built by soldiers dedicated to their comrades who died in World War 1. It is located along the coastal line, and along the highway there are several points of interest and historical significance. It is perfect for families, surfers, and even runners as there is a pedestrian walkway too.
However, from my personal point of view, the main attraction for GOR is it’s diverse natural formations. From dramatic cliffs, to unique limestone formations, friendly campsite and beaches, surfer waves…one could not get enough of the beauty that surrounds GOR. I wish we had more time to complete all 243km. We did not even make it to the 12 Apostles, but on the bright side, I have reason to return again soon!
Natural formations carved by wind, water, and time
- Blue Mountains National Park
When in Sydney, the first image that comes to your mind is the iconic Sydney Opera House. However, after about 1 hour 45 minutes of train ride from Central Sydney, just off the Katoomba train station, lies the magnificent Blue Mountains National Park. Inside the Blue Mountains National Park is the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, and various trails and hikes. I wish I came there prepared in my trail running shoes with a few hours of trekking supplies. There was just so much to explore!
Three Sisters
Since time was also limited, the best way to enjoy was taking the train, cable car, and moving “skydeck” at Scenic World. Just like it’s name, Scenic World offers a panoramic view of the national park, and it also leads to trails of various difficulty levels. Scenic World is also a live museum dedicated to the pioneering European settlers who worked as coal miners, working several meters deep into the mountains. On a bright, sunny day, you can view for miles away and even spot the ‘blue haze’ that this region is famous for. I wonder what it’s like to go for a trail run among the trees and behind the waterfalls. Once again, it gives me a reason to return again soon!
“Blue Haze” that gives Blue Mountains its name
Remnants of past mining activities
Australia has left me with a bigger hunger for adventure and a renewed appreciation for nature, and the only cure is to start planning for the next vacation.
Until next week,
The Weekend Runner.