The Blue Mountains' best bushwalks and lookouts

My favourite thing about staying in the Blue Mountains (second only to the amazing hospitality of my friend and her family) is the abundance of bushwalks and breathtaking lookouts. Some are a part of bigger walks, some you drive up to, some are fenced off, clearly anticipating the tourists, and others rely on your own good sense to decipher how close to the edge to venture.

So, don your trainers, spritz on your bug spray - the mozzies are unforgiving here and will bite through clothes unless you have sprayed - and get ready for a beautiful hour or two; here are the best bushwalks and lookouts in the Blue Mountains (in my opinion… ask a local, they may say different!)

Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Katoomba

Starting at the famous Echo Point, take in the glorious view of the Three Sisters, a rock formation steeped an intriguing Aboriginal legend of love, battle and spells. The next 45 minutes walking will take you through the bush, along a signposted, mostly accessible, path, from which you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Jamison Valley along the way, marvelling at the towering mountains and tables, and the blue haze.

Govetts Leap, Blackheath

Drink in the panoramic views of valley after valley from Govetts Leap. The Mountains honestly look endless from this vantage point. Its eponymous blue haze is more obvious here; and, honestly, I could not imagine ever tiring of this view.

Flat Rock, Wentworth Falls

It’s in the name! It is literally a flat rock with stunning views like Govetts Leap, except there are no barriers to keep you from falling! Officially called Lincoln’s Rock, it’s predominantly visited by locals, especially at sunset; however, more and more tourists are starting to discover its beauty.

Martin’s Lookout, Springwood

Martin’s Lookout is an easy 40- 50-minute amble (with ample ‘soak in the views’) time. The rocks around the area make the views even more picturesque!

Chalmers Lookout, Glenbrook

Another fabulous spot to catch the sunset. The view took my breath away; it looked like a spread of rainforest below, as far as the eye could see! Once you return to the car park, take the other pathway for a wonderful bushland walk, where a natural stone pathway, blanket of trees, and obstacles to climb ensure you earn any breathtaking views.

Red Hand Cave, Glenbrook

If you want a true ‘bush’ adventure, this is the one for you. Roughly two and a half hours’ round trip from the walk’s entrance (if you don’t stop too much), this hike to Red Hand Cave will see you climb over fallen tree trunks, traverse brooks, and battle against bugs, plants, and inclines. I felt like Robin Hood, or Shrek and Donkey on another whirlwind adventure! I chose to do this one without any headphones as the natural sounds were soundtrack enough. You can hear the babbling stream below you, the tweets of the birds, a constant buzz of what sounded like a bees’ or flies’ nest and, dare I say, the unsettling movement of leaves near you… lizards, not snakes, I hoped!

Nepean Lookout, Glenbrook

After my hike to the caves and back, I hopped in the car and we drove around eight kilometres to the Nepean Lookout. I’m going to run out of synonyms for ‘beautiful’ soon, but… WOW. Compared to some of the other lookouts, this one isn’t as lofty, so while there are stunning valleys before you, they surround you too. The focal point though: snaking through the stark green is the Nepean River.

Evans Lookout, Blackheath

Australia’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Evans Lookout is one of my favourites. Defined by its low valleys, and soaring mountains, exactly like the GC, but with trees galore, it is very impressive. If you’ve got a couple of hours, take the Grand Canyon bushwalk to or from this epic vantage point.

Scenic World, Katoomba

If you’re on a day trip and want a quick tourist experience, Scenic World is the way to go. Adapted to fulfil COVID regulations, a ticket to Scenic World gets you a cable car ride that boasts fantastic views of the Three Sisters and the valley below (stand on the glass bottom if you’re brave enough); a ride on the world’s steepest train (where you’re at such an angle that you’re practically lying down when you first take off); and a gondola-type ride. The views are absolutely spellbinding!

Megalong Tea Rooms, Megalong Valley

Okay, technically, this one isn’t a lookout nor bushwalk, as the view is enjoyed from ground level and you can only access it by car, but wow. I couldn’t miss it off this list. Enjoy a quintessentially British cream tea, set against a luscious green backdrop, at Megalong Tea Rooms. The scones are so soft on the inside and beautifully baked on the outside, and the Lamingtons - an Aussie sponge cake with chocolate, coconut flakes, jam and cream - well, they are divine. My Aussie family quipped it was one of the best Lamingtons they’d had; it was so light and fluffy!

And…

My first spell in the Mountains was during the initial COVID lockdown and, as such, all the above were closed off to the public. However, right on our doorstep was an abundance of smaller, but just as stunning, bushwalks with astounding views and lookouts just waiting to be explored. So, in whatever town you’re staying in the Mountains, be sure to ask a local for their recommendations. Chances are, they’ll know some unnamed paths that they’ve been frequenting for decades, with not a tourist in sight!

Moving to Australia: what to apply for and when

For an over-planner like me, it can feel a tad overwhelming moving abroad and not instinctively knowing the daily nuances, like how to access healthcare, what you need to open a bank account, or even, what you need to pass through immigration once you arrive! I had visions of being turned away from the airport after 24+ hours travelling for forgetting something vital… awks.

Despite my ramblings below, what you need to apply for is a pretty short, straight-forward list…

*The below information is based on being a temporary resident on the working holiday visa - some advice may differ between visas.

Before you get here

Your visa: You can’t get into the country without it! If you’re coming over on a temporary resident/working holiday visa as I did, it’s pretty easy to sort it out by yourself, without the need for an agent or middle man. Read the eligibility information and follow the steps on the official website to apply here.

You’ll be asked to present your visa countless times while you’re here - basically, any time you’re asked to present your passport, unless it’s at the bottle-o - so print it out and keep it with your passport.

In your first week

Medicare card: Your Medicare card is the Aussie version of your NHS number, and will save you a lot in medical fees, should you need medical attention. Fill in the forms online here, then print out and take to your nearest Centrelink/Medicare centre (be prepared with your Oz address, passport and visa). Now, this is the home of most benefits systems, so be prepared for a little wait; go and sign in at the front desk, registering why you are there, and then sit and wait until you’re called. You can also fill out the forms I referenced above on the centre’s computers, but it means even more waiting time.

On the day, you’ll receive a Medicare number on a piece of paper, which you can use if you need the docs while you wait for your actual card to arrive in the post. When you do go to the doctors, it’ll be free if you visit a ‘bulk billing’ GP. Partial bulk build and totally private healthcare are also available, increasing in price, of course. The price fluctuations also apply when it comes to pharmacies. I opt for Chemist Warehouse (think of it like when you go to Superdrug to get your prescription).

Bank account: Now, I didn’t actually apply for a bank account in my first week, because I had a Monzo account. Monzo doesn’t charge any fees for using the card abroad, I was able to see what I was spending both in dollars and pounds. It also meant I could budget and transfer my Oz savings from my UK account bit by bit. However, if your bank charges you for foreign currency purchases, this is definitely one to apply for asap. Research the right bank for you; there are a couple that are a bit more temporary-resident-friendly. I opted to go into the branch, but some banks allow you to apply online; you’ll need proof of address, passport and visa again here.

It is worth me pointing out I did this stuff having already secured a permanent address; if you’re living in a hostel, hotel or AirBnb, you can get your Medicare card sent to a friend’s permanent address and apply for a bank account from some banks while you’re still in the UK.

Before you start working

Tax file number: Once you secure a job, one of the things you’ll be asked for is your tax file number. It is unique to you and yours for life, whether you move jobs, countries, etc, and makes sure you’re paying the right tax (without it, you’ll end up paying more). I applied before I started working, but it arrives fairly quickly, so depending on how quickly you start your role, you can even apply once you accept your job. Apply for your tax file number here. Don’t forget: you MUST file your taxes (whether you’re permanent, contract, or freelance) between 1st July and 31st October.

Super: As a temporary resident, you’re probably not thinking about retiring here, but your super is your pension, and a portion of your earnings goes into a super automatically. You can research the best super for your circumstances, or just go with the default super offered by your company once you start working.

Once you leave the country, you can apply for your super back. The stinger though, they tax you SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT. Yup. Just gotta swallow that one. 35% is better than 0% though, right?

Any other pointers?

‘Supporting yourself’ funds: Looking at the forums and blogs on moving to Australia, it is recommended you travel with proof of being able to support yourself here, and funds/ticket for a return flight. The general rule of thumb is at least $5,000 (circa £2,500).

I printed an excessive amount of proof of funds, flights, and address, ready to be scrutinised at the airport, but border control let me through with just the simple passport and visa check. Within Facebook group comments in ex-pat groups, I found this is not uncommon, however it is best to be prepared, just in case.

Glasses/contacts prescription: For fellow blind bats, come armed with a print-out of your official prescription in case you need to visit the optician or order contact lenses. Once you have that, it’s the same process to get sorted as the UK.

Honestly, everything else you can do as and when it arises. I was surprised how easy and smooth it was to set up everything.

Moving abroad: planning without making a plan

A new year always brings bold claims from people; how they're going to totally overhaul their lives, their outlook, their routine. And now it’s a new decade? Prepare yourselves for an influx of unbearable Instagram and Facebook proclamations of #newyearnewme #veganuary, etc, etc. And me? Hello, cliches, because I am doing the very same. Me - someone who always knows her next step, who plans things down to a T - will be stepping on a plane in just under a month, headed to the other side of the world, with no plan at all. No job, no home base. Me - who managed to fill out the same bag I took for two weeks in Cuba and New York with stuff for just one night in Kent - will have only a suitcase and a backpack with a few memories and many clothes. Scared? A little.

I guess this piece is semi 'blind leading the blind' (pretty sure there is a 2020/20:20 vision pun somewhere here, but I cba to *look* for it), but also a reassurance article of how to step out of your comfort zone and be an over-planner who lets go a little for once:

Get the big things in check

Unlike the Hollywood blockbusters where people just roll up or land in a foreign country, there are some things you really do need to do a little prep for - no matter how devil-may-care you’re trying to be. Sort your stuff out with HMRC (namely get your P45 from you last place of work and fill out the P85 form, so the powers that be know what to do with your tax and NI contributions), contact the Student Loan Company about what you’re going to do with your repayments while you’re out of the UK, and get familiar with the ins and outs of your visa: how much money minimum do you need to travel with? What kind of documents should you bring to the airport?

It might also be worth getting travel insurance; dependent on where you're moving to, you may only need it for the flight, or you could cover yourself for a month or two to give yourself some time to get familiar with the healthcare system wherever you’re headed. Oh, and make sure you have adaptor plugs (why not take two or three, then just use a regular extension lead?)

Find out what to apply for and when, when moving to Australia.

Chat, chat, and chat some more

You’re not the first person moving abroad, and you definitely won’t be the last. I am lucky to have a fair few friends and ex-colleagues who have done the UK-Australia move (or vice-versa); in fact, I also have two friends moving at around the same time (through to different parts of the country). Talk to them, get their advice, hell, ask for their help! I have one friend who has been meticulous with her planning, meaning any questions I have, she has the answer straight away, while others also set my mind at ease with “honestly, this is easy to sort when you’re here.” People love to help - just be sure to show some gratitude to those taking time passing on their wisdom. To those who have sent me emails, WhatsApps, voicenotes, Google Docs - THANK YOU! (Although a slightly different point, I also wanna say thank you here to my parents for letting me stay with them for a month, so I can save a month’s rent, and my bro for forcing me to the gym for that bikini bod.)

It’s not just your friends you can rely on either; you have a whole network out there that you may not even realise. Put a blast on Instagram stories a la Gossip Girl, calling for any recommendations, jobs, even spare beds. There are countless Facebook groups dedicated to moving abroad where you can find people going through the same upheaval as you, so can offer a kind word and, also, maybe point you in the direction of a job.

Speaking of jobs, whether you’re planning on travelling first, or just taking some time out, fire away emails and LinkedIn messages like it’s no one’s business. Send them to recruiters, send them to acquaintances, send them to your dream company. Now is the time to be bold - and you never know who might have a role going.

Have a Plan B

Okay, so I know the whole point of this post is saying to let things happen as they do without planning, but allow me this one thing, eh? I have a return flight booked for four months' time, in case it all goes tits up and I need to return to my… ahem… sanctuary (aka one of the busiest and brightest cities of the western world). However, I have also bought a flexi-pass, so I can change this easily if everything does go to plan.

Embrace the excitement

The main point, really. We all know I love to travel and best believe I have been making a checklist of the places I want to visit; like we have Europe on our doorstep, make the most of what will be on your new doorstep - and try not to get hung up on budget and money (where possible). For the most part, we live a monotonous life: we know what to expect from every part of the day (especially to expect unexpected delays on the London underground), so enjoy the thrill of not knowing what is around the corner for you. It's pretty liberating when people ask you your plan and you respond without one - the awe on their faces, the envy. And as you assure them that this normally isn't you, you become in awe of yourself - what you're doing is brilliant. If this pays off, your ambition will know no bounds.

Do you have any tips for moving abroad? Send them my way - I need them!