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The City of Sydney is probably one of the most-visited, if not one of the busiest cities in the world. Located in the state of New South Wales (NSW), it is a melting pot of cultures that boasts of busy coastlines and modern infrastructure, not to mention the infamous Sydney Opera House. Just an 8-hour flight away from Manila, Sydney is the easiest and fastest way to have some change of scenery, far from the extreme temperatures we have in the country.

It has been a while since my last trip to Sydney but I can still remember every detail of it. I traveled with my sisters and unlike the usual tourists who stay in the city, we stayed in the suburb of Westmead. Riding the train was the cheapest and most-convenient method of transportation, taking only about 45 minutes to reach the hustle and bustle of the city. The nearest and only mall I frequented was called Westfield, located in Parramatta.

But it was not until our Blue Mountains tour, several days after our arrival, when I truly appreciated the beauty of the place. From Westmead, my sisters and I had to stay in the city just so we can catch our bus early in the morning. Upon arriving at Katoomba, we had the chance to ride the Katoomba Scenic Railway, constructed between 1878 and 1900, which also holds the Guinness World Record as the steepest railway in the world. At first it may sound absurd, but it is the only way to see the Three Sisters, a famous rock formation in that region.

see the

And then finally, we were off to the Jenolan Caves. Having been submerged under water for thousands of years, the early aboriginals called it “Binoomea,“ which means “dark places.” More than 250,000 visitors each year go to these caves and they have the privilege to choose whether to take the usual package of a walking tour inside, or a more adventurous route where they will get to wander and have a more in-depth exploration of the nooks and crannies of the said “dark” caves. But because time is of the essence, my sisters and I decided to just go with the former.

It was still the spring season when we arrived in Sydney but the chilliness of the city was nothing compared to the freezing temperature inside the caves! With the help of our tour guide and trusty flashlights, we were finally able to make our first few steps inside that hollowed piece of earth. Inside was an extensive cave system, with over 14 types and some being not accessible to tourists.

Immersed in between stalagmites and stalactites, one can truly feel the wonders of nature and the way it took its course throughout these years just so people, like us, can have a genuine breath-taking experience. Among the prominent formations are “The Grand Column” that looks like an ancient Ionic Greek pillar, and “The Cathedral,” a series of inter-lapping stones, forming a sort of organ-looking figure and infused with lights for a more dramatic view.

now I know why Rudolph has a red nose for staying in a cold place like the North Pole! haha! ;)

During this finale, we were requested to turn off our flashlights, to be blinded by complete and utter darkness, until a spectacular show of lights can be seen from the aforementioned figure. It was such an awe-inspiring and spectacular moment; a perfect end to a one-of-a-kind spelunking journey.

simply amazing! ;)

With its busy streets, people from all walks of life, and with my discovery of a splendid group of caves just west from it, Sydney has truly found a special place in my heart. And there is no doubt that that would not be my first and last trip to Australia, especially when the rest of NSW and other states still have a lot more to offer.

From “Down Under” with love,
Mika <3