I'd just like to say that in Australia and particularly in Katoomba where you parked with trees covering you is not a safe place to spend the night if it gets windy. Many people die here when branches or whole trees blow down onto your car or tent without you having the time to react. Sadly even the local fire commander died when a tree fell onto her car that was being driven by her son. Also lightning is a problem when hiding from the rain under trees and never park your car on the lovely grassy flats near a dry stream or running river, as the upstream rains can cause flash floods that will wash you away during the night.
Thank you for this. You’re right, it’s so important to know the risks when camping and talking about them is a big step toward educating campers! (Including us) - James
You picked exactly the right walk at Grand Canyon. I walked the Blue Mountains for many years and it is always my 'go to' for a first walk for newbies. It's fairly short, circular (no retracing your steps), with a variety of landforms and vegetation, OK for most levels of fitness, gives a good introduction to steep trails, and (as you discovered) is like a wild fantasy land. Did you notice how the bush gets wetter as you descend and dryer as you ascend The area, and much more, was comprehensively burned out several years ago. You can see how the bush is adapted to fire by the way it has recovered from it. Some species there actually need flames to trigger their reproduction. If you know what to look for you can see the signs of past fires in the vegetation and the landscape. I usually do it the other way so I 'earn' the view at the end. For serious bushwalkers it's a bit 'easy and 'touristy', but its a great introduction to the feel, sounds and smells of the Australian bush. Very unlikely to see snakes there. They can sense footsteps and get well out of way. Plus it's winter, so not perfect for cold-blooded animals. It's interesting how many people visiting from overseas do all the Sydney Harbour things but only a few venture into the bush. Those that do often come back again just to do more of it. You could spend a lifetime exploring just the Blue Mountains, but you've experienced a good sample. Might have been too cold to notice, but many people say they feel this strange 'calm' or 'mellow' feeling after walking in the Australian bush. The serious walkers who mostly go off-track get something even more. In places the constant contact of the shrubs against skin and clothes leaves them with a delightful smell, especially in areas with lots of tea-tree. You're a delightful couple. Best wishes for the rest of your trip. One caution, check with locals if you camp under or near trees. Some types are known to drop branches, especially if it's windy.
Wow this comment is great!! Thank you so much for all this information! You should take up a hobby as a tour guide for the blue mountains, you have so much knowledge to share 🤩 We absolutely loved the Grand Canyon walk it was so magical and we agree it’s a great introduction to the blue mountains for first timers! We noticed the difference in bush throughout the walk and it was super cool how it changed! However we didn’t notice the evidence of fire but this is really interesting Good news about the snakes haha! I think next time we visit we will definitely do some longer and more challenging walks now we have a feel for what it’s like! Any recommendations? 😃 We definitely felt a lovely sense of serenity even in the cold and smelt a lot of lovely smells too! Thank you so much for watching and for the comment, we’re so glad you found our channel 😊 thank you for the tips! - Josie
I love the Grand Canyon loop and I love Lockley Pylon and Butter Box Point loop track . It is stunning and peaceful but there is no fencing ! I love the drive along the cliff line with great views of the valley .I am so glad you picked Cenetennial Glen which is less visited than say the three sisters . Fantastic vlog thank you !
The Grand Canyon was amazing. It was SO beautiful! Centennial Glen was great too, we think more people should visit! Do you visit the Blue Mountains often? We feel like there is so much to do there! 😁 - James
The Blue Mountains is at my doorstep. I live in Penrith at the bottom of the mountains. It's a great spot in Sydney to escape and just be one with nature
At the 2 minute mark, or just before that, you show the view looking down into the Valley. That quite clearly shows a creek or river at the foot of the Valley. That's part of the headwaters of the Warragamba Dam, which is the main source of Sydney's water supply system. and in a few months the water you see will have been filtered and found its way into my morning shower - or even a cup of tea. The Mountains are a great place to visit apart from little pieces of information. Beautifully clean air is an added bonus.
Jenolan Caves is a must! Great video, and Centennial Glen was very special. Don't worry, if you stay long enough you will see loads of snakes and spiders 🤠
When we were there Jenolan Caves were closed due to severe flooding, we were so sad 😢 we must go back to see it! Thank you so much for the support! Hahah maybe we will spend longer next time to spot some creepy crawlies 🐍 - Josie
@@JamesandJosieTravel I have visited there twice 👌 I started working and travelling around Australia over 12 years ago, there is MUCH to see! Happy and safe travels to you both 🙏
Another good day trip is to McMahon's Lookout - you turn south just after climbing Bodington Hill and drive 20 or so kilometres. Most of the road is unsurfaced, but in good condition. When you get to the Lookout, you can see into the Jamieson Valley from the south-east as you turn right. Straight opposite you is one branch of Lake Warragamba, while the main lake is to your left. On the drive out, stop at Battleship Tops, and walk a few metres to see what remains of what would have been a magnificent rock painting by the First People who lived on the Plateau. Sadly, some years ago, louts stole a car, pushed it into the cave, and set it alight. Much of the painting remains, enough to give a good idea just how great it would have been. Fortunately the louts received gaol sentences for the theft and the vandalism.
In Strayah [Australia] snakes go into brumation in winter, as they rely on the sun to keep warm and spiders are not fans of the cold either. If you want to see them come back in summer and you won't be disappointed. Enjoying your vids a lot
Okay, that’s good information to know! Thank you. We won’t have to be on the constant lookout for any dangerous snakes/spiders now 😅 We’re glad to have you here! Thank you for following the journey 😊 - Josie
Lovely area for bushwalking. The overnighter to the Bluegum Forest is well worth it. The comment about the water is not unfounded, as the groundwater in places has become contaminated by old leaking sceptic tanks.
Regarding your comments about snakes and spiders in the winter months they are not particularly active, but you probably passed hundreds of them over the day. In summer they are most active and the types in the Blue Mountains include brown snakes, black snakes, copperheads, some pythons etc. The Eastern Brown is probably the worst one but you really have to be unlucky if you were ever bitten by one. As for spiders, yep, they are also around. In the Blue Mountains there are funnel webs that live on the ground, under logs etc. Extremely dangerous but we haven't had a death from one of these things for a very long time. Seriously, no one has to worry about our wild-life but if you lift up logs etc don't be surprised if you encounter them.
Okay, this is good to hear and will put Josie at ease! They’re very cool to see, but not when they sneak up on you!! We haven’t actually seen many snakes or spiders but that’s probably because of the cold, as you mentioned! - James
Do NOT stick your hand into the cracks in the rocks, behind the leaf litter, grass, ferns, etc (Funnel-Webs in particular are endemic in the sandstone cliffs...) - that's where the spiders hole up for the winter. Note this does NOT mean hibernate!
In Australia, we are always hearing about tourists that get stuck in the mountains somewhere overnight with out food and suitable clothing. SO, my advice is the same as professional rescuers will always tell you, you SHOULD ALWAYS take SOME food Chocolate and Jelly babies or beans as these give you plenty of energy) and drinking water with you in case you get lost, sidetracked, diverted, separated, stuck between a rock and a hard place (rock fall, etc.), or pinned by thunderstorms under a ledge (and light fades and you have to stay overnight on a ledge or after a short slip/fall and you've broken a leg, etc. etc. It is good practice to let people know where you are going and how long you expect to be as well. OK, perhaps not on this maga touristy track, but the rule can't hurt you, can it? I'm glad you enjoyed your walk and got to see our own Grand Canyon, not as impressive as the real one, but close. If you do this again, try the ANVIL ROCK lookout after 1PM.
Oh dear! Yes, you have to be SO careful. Thank you for the advice, I’m sure it will be helpful to lots of people! We tend to be over careful, but it’s definitely better to be overly careful than not, we think! Anvil Rock, okay. We will check it out next time! Thank you 😊
@@JamesandJosieTravelI think that all the Police Stations in the Blue Mountains area have emergency beacons that you can borrow/ hire for your journey. Worth some research!
I'd just like to say that in Australia and particularly in Katoomba where you parked with trees covering you is not a safe place to spend the night if it gets windy. Many people die here when branches or whole trees blow down onto your car or tent without you having the time to react. Sadly even the local fire commander died when a tree fell onto her car that was being driven by her son. Also lightning is a problem when hiding from the rain under trees and never park your car on the lovely grassy flats near a dry stream or running river, as the upstream rains can cause flash floods that will wash you away during the night.
Thank you for this. You’re right, it’s so important to know the risks when camping and talking about them is a big step toward educating campers! (Including us) - James
You picked exactly the right walk at Grand Canyon. I walked the Blue Mountains for many years and it is always my 'go to' for a first walk for newbies. It's fairly short, circular (no retracing your steps), with a variety of landforms and vegetation, OK for most levels of fitness, gives a good introduction to steep trails, and (as you discovered) is like a wild fantasy land. Did you notice how the bush gets wetter as you descend and dryer as you ascend
The area, and much more, was comprehensively burned out several years ago. You can see how the bush is adapted to fire by the way it has recovered from it. Some species there actually need flames to trigger their reproduction. If you know what to look for you can see the signs of past fires in the vegetation and the landscape.
I usually do it the other way so I 'earn' the view at the end. For serious bushwalkers it's a bit 'easy and 'touristy', but its a great introduction to the feel, sounds and smells of the Australian bush. Very unlikely to see snakes there. They can sense footsteps and get well out of way. Plus it's winter, so not perfect for cold-blooded animals.
It's interesting how many people visiting from overseas do all the Sydney Harbour things but only a few venture into the bush. Those that do often come back again just to do more of it. You could spend a lifetime exploring just the Blue Mountains, but you've experienced a good sample.
Might have been too cold to notice, but many people say they feel this strange 'calm' or 'mellow' feeling after walking in the Australian bush. The serious walkers who mostly go off-track get something even more. In places the constant contact of the shrubs against skin and clothes leaves them with a delightful smell, especially in areas with lots of tea-tree.
You're a delightful couple. Best wishes for the rest of your trip. One caution, check with locals if you camp under or near trees. Some types are known to drop branches, especially if it's windy.
Wow this comment is great!! Thank you so much for all this information! You should take up a hobby as a tour guide for the blue mountains, you have so much knowledge to share 🤩
We absolutely loved the Grand Canyon walk it was so magical and we agree it’s a great introduction to the blue mountains for first timers! We noticed the difference in bush throughout the walk and it was super cool how it changed! However we didn’t notice the evidence of fire but this is really interesting
Good news about the snakes haha! I think next time we visit we will definitely do some longer and more challenging walks now we have a feel for what it’s like! Any recommendations? 😃
We definitely felt a lovely sense of serenity even in the cold and smelt a lot of lovely smells too! Thank you so much for watching and for the comment, we’re so glad you found our channel 😊 thank you for the tips! - Josie
I love the Grand Canyon loop and I love Lockley Pylon and Butter Box Point loop track . It is stunning and peaceful but there is no fencing ! I love the drive along the cliff line with great views of the valley .I am so glad you picked Cenetennial Glen which is less visited than say the three sisters . Fantastic vlog thank you !
The Grand Canyon was amazing. It was SO beautiful! Centennial Glen was great too, we think more people should visit! Do you visit the Blue Mountains often? We feel like there is so much to do there! 😁 - James
The Blue Mountains is at my doorstep. I live in Penrith at the bottom of the mountains. It's a great spot in Sydney to escape and just be one with nature
Wow, that’s amazing. What a place to live! Do you have a favourite walk?! - James
At the 2 minute mark, or just before that, you show the view looking down into the Valley. That quite clearly shows a creek or river at the foot of the Valley. That's part of the headwaters of the Warragamba Dam, which is the main source of Sydney's water supply system. and in a few months the water you see will have been filtered and found its way into my morning shower - or even a cup of tea. The Mountains are a great place to visit apart from little pieces of information. Beautifully clean air is an added bonus.
Wow, the main source?! That’s so interesting. Yes, you’re right. We felt like we could breathe well! 😄 - James
@@JamesandJosieTravel Glad you enjoyed your trip.
Thank you!
Jenolan Caves is a must! Great video, and Centennial Glen was very special.
Don't worry, if you stay long enough you will see loads of snakes and spiders 🤠
When we were there Jenolan Caves were closed due to severe flooding, we were so sad 😢 we must go back to see it!
Thank you so much for the support! Hahah maybe we will spend longer next time to spot some creepy crawlies 🐍 - Josie
@@JamesandJosieTravel I have visited there twice 👌 I started working and travelling around Australia over 12 years ago, there is MUCH to see! Happy and safe travels to you both 🙏
Thank you!!!
Another good day trip is to McMahon's Lookout - you turn south just after climbing Bodington Hill and drive 20 or so kilometres. Most of the road is unsurfaced, but in good condition. When you get to the Lookout, you can see into the Jamieson Valley from the south-east as you turn right. Straight opposite you is one branch of Lake Warragamba, while the main lake is to your left. On the drive out, stop at Battleship Tops, and walk a few metres to see what remains of what would have been a magnificent rock painting by the First People who lived on the Plateau. Sadly, some years ago, louts stole a car, pushed it into the cave, and set it alight. Much of the painting remains, enough to give a good idea just how great it would have been. Fortunately the louts received gaol sentences for the theft and the vandalism.
Thank you for the recommendations, we will try and have a look! 😊
In Strayah [Australia] snakes go into brumation in winter, as they rely on the sun to keep warm and spiders are not fans of the cold either. If you want to see them come back in summer and you won't be disappointed. Enjoying your vids a lot
Okay, that’s good information to know! Thank you. We won’t have to be on the constant lookout for any dangerous snakes/spiders now 😅
We’re glad to have you here! Thank you for following the journey 😊 - Josie
Lovely area for bushwalking. The overnighter to the Bluegum Forest is well worth it. The comment about the water is not unfounded, as the groundwater in places has become contaminated by old leaking sceptic tanks.
Okay, we’ll keep that in mind. Thank you! Oh really? Damn. That’s not good - James
Hiya!!really stunning done- James! )
Thank you!!
Regarding your comments about snakes and spiders in the winter months they are not particularly active, but you probably passed hundreds of them over the day. In summer they are most active and the types in the Blue Mountains include brown snakes, black snakes, copperheads, some pythons etc. The Eastern Brown is probably the worst one but you really have to be unlucky if you were ever bitten by one. As for spiders, yep, they are also around. In the Blue Mountains there are funnel webs that live on the ground, under logs etc. Extremely dangerous but we haven't had a death from one of these things for a very long time. Seriously, no one has to worry about our wild-life but if you lift up logs etc don't be surprised if you encounter them.
Okay, this is good to hear and will put Josie at ease! They’re very cool to see, but not when they sneak up on you!! We haven’t actually seen many snakes or spiders but that’s probably because of the cold, as you mentioned! - James
Do NOT stick your hand into the cracks in the rocks, behind the leaf litter, grass, ferns, etc (Funnel-Webs in particular are endemic in the sandstone cliffs...) - that's where the spiders hole up for the winter. Note this does NOT mean hibernate!
We avoid touching anything at all costs, but especially these things… I wish they had the time to hibernate! 😅 - James
Don't drink the water???!!! It's probably the cleanest/best you'll ever come across!
That’s what I thought, but Josie scared me 😂 - James
Please take food and water. Anything can and does happen.
Thank you! This is very important - James
its too cold for snakes, summer is snake time and they are in the blue mtns but it is cooler so they lie low there.
That’s good to hear! - James
In Australia, we are always hearing about tourists that get stuck in the mountains somewhere overnight with out food and suitable clothing. SO, my advice is the same as professional rescuers will always tell you, you SHOULD ALWAYS take SOME food Chocolate and Jelly babies or beans as these give you plenty of energy) and drinking water with you in case you get lost, sidetracked, diverted, separated, stuck between a rock and a hard place (rock fall, etc.), or pinned by thunderstorms under a ledge (and light fades and you have to stay overnight on a ledge or after a short slip/fall and you've broken a leg, etc. etc. It is good practice to let people know where you are going and how long you expect to be as well. OK, perhaps not on this maga touristy track, but the rule can't hurt you, can it? I'm glad you enjoyed your walk and got to see our own Grand Canyon, not as impressive as the real one, but close. If you do this again, try the ANVIL ROCK lookout after 1PM.
Oh dear! Yes, you have to be SO careful. Thank you for the advice, I’m sure it will be helpful to lots of people! We tend to be over careful, but it’s definitely better to be overly careful than not, we think!
Anvil Rock, okay. We will check it out next time! Thank you 😊
@@JamesandJosieTravelI think that all the Police Stations in the Blue Mountains area have emergency beacons that you can borrow/ hire for your journey. Worth some research!
This is amazing information. Everyone should know this! We have no idea. Thank you! - James