This past weekend I had the opportunity to go on a trip to the Blue Mountains in Australia. I am currently studying abroad at the University of New South Wales. The Blue Mountains are a mountain range/national park located just west of Sydney. One of the most famous landmarks in the Blue Mountains are the Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation at Echo Point in Katoomba. They are named after the aboriginal legend of the three sisters, "Meehni," "Wimlah" and "Gunnedoo." There is also a Scenic Railway at the Blue Mountains, known as the steepest passenger railway in the world. It was originally used for coal mining and later became a tourist attraction. This provides a great view of the Jamison Valley.
A tour guide then led us through the rainforest. He explained the history of the Blue Mountains as well as the impact of the recent bushfires on the ecosystem in the valley. The trip ended with a stop at the Featherdale Wildlife Park. While there, I was able to both feed and pet a Quokka and Kangaroo. Some other animals at the wildlife park included dingos, cassowaries, and wombats.
Luca Caruso
Fall 2023
GW Exchange - University of New South Wales
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Biomedical Engineering Major