Features - The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters (originally called "tri...") are internationally famous and are at the centre of tourism for the Katoomba area. Interestingly they weren't the original attraction for early visitors. That honour belongs to Orphan Rock.
The Legend of the Three Sisters[1]
Long ago in the Blue Mountains, three sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo lived with their witch-doctor father, Tyawan. They lived happily in the mountains but shared one fear - the bunyip, who lived in ta deep hole nearby. So, to protect his daughters when he was away, Tyawan would leave them high on a cliff behind a rock wall.
One day, after waving goodbye to his daughters, Tyawan descended into the valley. However, when a large centipede appeared on the cliff top sanctuary, it so frightened Meehni that she threw a rock at it. But the stone rolled over the cliff.
Suddenly, all the animal were silent and the rock behind the three sisters split open, leaving them isolated on a thin ledge. There was a rumble below and all the creatures began to flee yelling 'quick, here comes the bunyip!' Horrified, the three frightened sisters huddled together.
The angry bunyip, who had emerged from his sleep, looked up to see what had rudely awakened him. When he spotted the sisters, perched on the thin ledge, he lurched furiously towards them.
In the valley, Tyawan had heard the commotion and looked up to see that the bunyip had almost reached his daughters. Frantic, the witch-doctor pointed his magic bone at his daughters and turned them into stone. It would keep them safe until the bunyip had gone, after which Tyawan would return them to their former selves.
The bunyip became even more enraged when he saw what had happened. He turned on Tywawn and chased him. While fleeing, Tyawan became trapped by a rock which he could neither climb nor circle, so he quickly changed himself into a lyrebird and disappeared into a small cave. But alas, although everyone was safe, Tyawan has lost his magic bone!
After the bunyip returned home, Tyawan crept out of the cave to search for his magic bone. And he is still looking for it to this day.
Meanwhile, the three sisters stand silently watching from their mountain ledge, hoping he will one day find the magic bone to bring them back to life.
Another version...
The commonly told legend of the Three Sisters is that three sisters (Meehni', 'Wimlah' and Gunnedoo') lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. They fell in love with three men from a neighbouring tribe (the Nepean tribe), but marriage was forbidden by tribal law. The brothers were not happy to accept this law and so decided to use force to capture the three sisters. A major tribal battle ensued, and the sisters were turned to stone by an elder to protect them, but he was killed in the fighting and no one else could turn them back. This legend is claimed to be an Indigenous Australian Dreamtime legend.[2]
It must be noted that there is some conjecture as to the authenticity of the two stories which purport to be of Indigenous origin.[3]
Comments...
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.