Travel + Leisure

When we visited Australia’s Blue Mountains a few months ago, we couldn’t have imagined the devastation the region would face in the weeks to come. This World Heritage Site was unfortunately one of the many areas affected by the bushfires. What travelers may not realize, however, is that the mountains are still open for tourism and beautiful as ever. Just take it from local Dan Lewis: “You can still descend through a fragrant eucalypt forest, spared by the fires, to experience the magic thrill of Empress Falls Canyon. Its cool, deep pools, its sculpted rock walls, its water jumps and its waterfall abseil are unchanged. On the cliffs above the Megalong Valley, you can still embark on adrenalin-filled rock climbing adventures. In the Jamison Valley, you can still take iconic bushwalks that include stunning clifftop vistas, babbling creeks, cascades and more.” Lewis adds, “Even the blackened bush looks beautiful as it begins its regeneration. Come see for yourself!”