The Blue Mountains

The views from Echo Point are stunning, and the descent down the 900 steps of the Grand Staircase to the valley are almost worth it.  The few miles of fairly pristine bush along the bottom are interesting, but the slog back up the Furber steps is definitely a test.

White-browed Scrub-wren

This Scrub-wren popped up on a rock as we were walking along and was as surprised to see us, as we were it.  One occasion when I just happened to have the right lens on.

Satin Bower Bird

The female bower bird was more stunning in flight with her chestnut brown primary and tail feathers spread out.  She had just been fighting with a much bigger Currawong, so she may well have been protecting a nearby nest.

At the top of the cliff we were rewarded with the sight of this attractive butterfly.  It wasn't keen on opening its wings but it was just as beautiful with the wings closed.

On another occasion we went for a walk at Glenbrook at the other side of the Blue Mountains.  The wildlife highlights were this yellow-tailed black cockatoo...

And this large beetle with his warning colours on.

The historical highlight was a view of the Red Hand Cave.  This is where about 1600 years ago, aborigines used red ochre to make hand prints on the wall of a cave.  As primitive art goes, it's nothing special, but the fact that it has lasted for 1600 years in the open is mind-blowing and it felt a privilege just to be there and to see it.