Named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo, the Three Sisters are located near the mountain town of Katoomba, 110 kilometers west of Sydney. Ranging in height from 906 meters to 922 meters, they make an impressive sight and their rich, earthy colors and unusual shapes are popular with amateur and professional photographers alike.
The Legend of the Three Sisters
Like many natural wonders in Australia, the Three Sisters formation is steeped in legend. According to Aboriginal Dream Time stories, three beautiful sisters from the Katoomba area fell in love with three brothers from a neighboring tribe. Forbidden to marry under tribal law, the brothers decided to kidnap the sisters and a tribal battle ensued. To keep the girls safe, an elder turned them to stone. However, when he was later killed in the battle, nobody else could turn them back and so the sisters remain trapped in their rocky state.
How the Three Sisters were Formed
The Three Sisters were created through erosion. According to the Australian Museum, the pinnacles are made of Triassic sandstone and were formed when wind and rain caused perpendicular joins in the rock to wear away, leaving the three blocks of sandstone separated by steep vertical cliffs.
Viewing the Three Sisters
The most popular place to view the Three Sisters is at Echo Point. Two viewing platforms extend out over the valley, offering panoramic views of the rock formations. Both platforms are wheelchair friendly. Tourist boards around the platforms provide information about the Three Sisters, as well as other details about the area. The Katoomba Visitor Information Centre and shop is located nearby.
Those wanting a close up view of the rock formations can take the Three Sisters Walk, a walking track that crosses Honeymoon Bridge to the top of the Three Sisters themselves.
The Three Sisters can be viewed at any time of the day or night. The formation is floodlit from sunset to 10:30pm every evening.
Other Attractions at Echo Point
While the Three Sisters are the most popular attraction in this part of Katoomba, there are plenty of other things to see and do. At nearby Scenic World, the glass-bottomed Skyway offers visitors dizzying views as it rides over the Jamison Valley, while the Scenic Railway (the world’s steepest incline railway) plunges 415 meters down the escarpment to the valley floor below.
Echo Point is also a popular starting point for several bush walks, including the Giant Stairway. This staircase of 900 steps was originally constructed in 1909 and some of the original chisel marks are still visible. At the bottom, walkers can enjoy the lush rainforest of the Jamison Valley.
Getting There
The Three Sisters are located near Katoomba, about two hours drive from Sydney along the Great Western Highway. Trains to Katoomba are available from Sydney’s Central Station. Many tour operators also run day trips to Katoomba from the central city.
In Katoomba, the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus offers a ‘hop on, hop off’ service to many Katoomba attractions, including the Three Sisters. The service operates every 30 minutes, starting from the Katoomba Railway Station. Look out for other specially marked stops around the town. Katoomba Trolley Tours offers a similar service, starting outside the Carrington Hotel.
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