Three Sisters (Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Three SistersStratigraphic range: Triassic |
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|---|---|
The Three Sisters towering above the Jamison Valley. |
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| Type | Rock formation |
| Unit of | Great Dividing Range |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Sandstone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 33°44′8″S 150°18′52″E / 33.73556°S 150.31444°E |
| Region | Blue Mountains |
| Country | Australia |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Indigenous mythology |
The Three Sisters are a famous rock formation found in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. These impressive rocks stand tall on the northern edge of the Jamison Valley. They are very close to the town of Katoomba and are one of the most well-known sights in the Blue Mountains.
The three rock pillars are named Meehni, which is 922 meters high, Wimlah, at 918 meters, and Gunnedoo, standing 906 meters tall. Every year, more than 600,000 people visit this amazing natural wonder.
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How the Three Sisters Were Formed
The Three Sisters were shaped by natural forces over a very long time. About 200 million years ago, during a period called the Triassic period, the area was made of sandstone. Over millions of years, wind, rain, and rivers slowly wore away this sandstone. This process, called erosion, gradually broke down the cliffs around the Jamison Valley, creating the distinct shapes we see today. The lighter parts of the rocks show where new rock has been exposed by recent erosion.
The Legend of the Three Sisters
There is a popular story about how the Three Sisters came to be. It tells of three sisters named Wimalah, Meeni, and Gunedoo, who lived in the Jamison Valley. They belonged to the Katoomba tribe. The sisters fell in love with three brothers from a nearby tribe. However, the rules of their tribes said they could not marry.
This disagreement led to tension between the tribes. To protect the sisters from any harm, a wise elder from their tribe used his magic to turn them into stone. Sadly, the elder was then unable to turn them back. And so, the three sisters remain as stone pillars, watching over the valley forever.
It is important to know that while this story is often shared, it is believed to have been created by a non-Indigenous schoolgirl named Patricia Stone many years ago. The Aboriginal traditional owners of this land, the Gundungurra, have their own ancient and sacred stories about the land and its formations.
In January 2014, the Three Sisters area was officially recognized as an Aboriginal Place. This means it is a very important cultural site for Indigenous Australians in New South Wales.
Exploring the Giant Stairway
Near the Three Sisters is a famous viewpoint called Echo Point. From here, you can start a walking adventure! A bushwalking trail leads right to the Three Sisters and then down into the valley. This path includes the "Giant Stairway," which has 998 steps. It takes you to an upper lookout and then further down.
If you continue walking for about 1.5 hours on The Federal Pass trail, you will reach the bottom of Katoomba Falls and the Katoomba Scenic Railway. If you don't want to climb all those steps back up, you can take the Scenic Railway. It will carry you back to the top of the plateau for a small fee, offering amazing views along the way.
See also
