Photo. A close-up view of the Three Sisters, showing the unique shapes of the three rock formations. © Travel Explorations.
The Three Sisters is a striking rock formation located in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia - just two hours outside of Sydney. The formation is about 200 million years old and was shaped over millions of years by erosion. The sandstone layers have been worn down by wind and rain, revealing the Three Sisters, each standing over 900 meters tall (source: Wikipedia about the Three Sisters).
Finally the clouds cleared in the Blue Mountains so we could admire the Three Sisters from the lookouts (in 1987). A surreal scenery was revealed. Throughout the year and under varying weather conditions, the ridges and sharp contours of the Three Sisters reveal distinct and ever-changing personalities. The Three Sisters can be viewed from various platforms. We spent much of our time admiring the natural wonder from the Echo Point platform, where we got a wide view of this stunning rock formation and the expansive Jamison Valley.
Standing in the front of the towering rock formations, surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Mountains, felt awe-inspiring and peaceful. The ancient rocks, shaped over a so long period, gave also a sense of timelessness.
There are numerous walking paths in the area, including the Giant Stairway, which allows visitors to descend into the valley and get closer to the rock formations.
The Three Sisters hold significant cultural importance to the local Gundungurra people, with Aboriginal guides often offering insights into their legends and the deep connection to the land.
The most famous story surrounding the Three Sisters comes from Aboriginal Dreamtime. According to legend, three sisters named Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo were turned to stone by a tribal elder to protect them during a tribal war. However, the elder was killed in the battle, and no one else could reverse the spell, leaving them frozen in time as the Three Sisters.
The area around the Blue Mountains host various Aboriginal rock carvings and sacred sites, some of which remain unexplored by modern archaeologists. These hidden carvings and sites add an air of mystery to the region, hinting at an ancient history that has yet to be fully understood.
The combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and intriguing legends made the Three Sisters and surroundings a rich experience for us.
Stein Morten Lund, 2nd October 2024
Additional information
The Three Sisters Aboriginal Place is recognised as a place of special cultural significance to Aboriginal people.
The Blue Mountains were added to the World Heritage list in 2000 and to the National Heritage List seven years later.
The Visitor Information Centre at Echo Point is a good place for local information and to pick up maps.
Website with extensive information about the Three Sisters.
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