Blue Mountains with Australian Wild Escapes

Monday, March 2
Today was spent touring the Blue Mountians with Craig from Australian Wild Escapes. I have used AWE for quite some time now but have never had the opportunity to tour with them before. It had been about 10 years since I had been in the Blue Mountains as well.
The day was really wonderful! There were 10 people on tour and Craig was an amazing guide. Grant always seems to find some of the most knowledgeable people with wonderful customer service skills. Craig was actually a Kiwi and has only been living in Australia for about 2 1/2 years now - you would never have known (except for the accent) - he really knew an amazing amount about Australia's wildlife, history, flora and the Blue Mountains in particular. Several of the other passengers commented on the fact that he was one of the best guides they have had so far.
We did some of the usual Blue Mountain stops like Euroka for morning tea and kangaroo spotting. But what I really liked was the fact that Grant obviously lets the guides somewhat create their own favorites so that the tour is a little personalized even though a stock tour. They view the Three Sisters from a vantage point that is much less used then the usual stop in Katoomba - so there were only a few other people there instead of the tour bus crowds at the Katoomba location. The viewing was really wonderful from this vantage point as well.

Then we went to several other unique viewing spots - places I had never been on previous trips. We ended with one of Craig, our guides favorites, and I am not sure anyone else visited this spot on a regular basis. It was an incredible location called Anvil Rock and it has the added bonus of a spectacular wind cave.

Lunch was also a special treat. It consisted of steaks, corn on the cob, potatoes, a wonderful salad, some appetizers of cheese, crackers and fruit all accompanied by Australian Wine of course. This was all served and prepared out in the bush at a great Eco Lodge called Jemby-Rinjah just outside of Blackheath.

All in all it was a wonderful day outside the hustle and bustle of Sydney....still something I will continue to include in every itinerary for clients staying in Sydney.

I noted that I have not commented on the Sofitel Wentworth where I am staying. It is a really nice hotel with a great location - easy walking distance to both Circular Quay and Darling Harbor. Just up Philips Street from the Intercontinental. The rooms are very nicely appointed and well planned out. Not real big but well equiped with all the amenities you would expect in a hotel in this category. Very nice and attentive staff as well. I would definitely recommend it and will be using it in the future. The only thing it is lacking is that Sydney Harbor View and as we all know that is certainly not a priority for everyone.

Well I am off to Cruise Like A Local - something I am really excited about. I will let you know tomorrow about this newer product that DUA has brochured this year. I just found out that it is also available thru AWE as a full day tour with City Sights in the AM and then Cruise Like a Local with lunch in the afternoon.