Whether your first visit, or just one of many, the Blue Mountains Region always seems to have something new to discover. It's one of Australia's special natural places ... so let your senses come alive.

Take the time to breath in some wonderful mountain air and walk to waterfalls, valleys, antiques shops and cafes, play golf, water ski, fish or simply relax and take in the magnificent scenery and delightful gardens.

The distinctive blue haze which as earned the Blue Mountains their name is quite different and of a deeper hue than that found in any other part of the world.

Although constantly varying in intensity, this attractive haze is always present. Known as "Rayleigh Scattering" after Lord Rayleigh, who first investigated the phenomenon, it is caused by scattered rays of light coming in contact with fine dust particles and droplets of oil dispersed from the eucalyptus trees in the valleys.

 The first official use of the name "Blue Mountains" is attributed to Captain William Paterson, of the New South Wales Corps, in his dispatch describing his attempted crossing of the mountains through the Grose River Valley in 1793.