Okay, I was in Australia for a month last year, based in the posh part of Sydney – Balgowlah Heights, I suppose like Beverly Hills but with more barbecues and poisonous wildlife. Having limited funds I was forced to be thrifty (I love that word) with the dollars I had. Taking a reasonably priced train to Katoomba City in the Blue Mountains, I was perfectly situated for the mountain sports on offer in the area. There are a few good hostels in Katoomba, I stayed in the Flying Fox. And all I’m going to say about that is that it was a little offbeat.

I was with some mates for this particular trip, although none of us had any real mountaineering training. For myself I had some experience in climbing from an artificial wall my school installed years ago, although due to British health and safety regulations it was just under four foot high. Extreme.

We decided then to hire out a guide from the Blue Mountains Adventure Company. He had a set course which involved climbing and abseiling around the Boar’s Head area, followed by a trek through the bush back to the car. If you love hanging precariously from a cliff face trying to remember the safety checks: A for Anchor, through other stuff I forgot to F, then it’s for you.

The scenery is typically incredible for Australia, and even though it was the winter there it got quite hot by midday. The trip was immensely fun and well worth the money. My suggestions would be to find a different hostel, and keep in mind that there a precious few places to eat, unless you have a car and a good knowledge of the area. I’m back down under in a couple of months so maybe with some positive feedback this could be my travel blog? Comments?