The Three Sisters are such an iconic rock formation that almost every tourist visiting Sydney makes the trip into the Blue Mountains to view it. Indeed, D and I are positive that we visited as children with our families many years ago, but neither of us have the vaguest recollection of it.

So, in the Blue Mountains area with a couple of hours to spare before the Christmas dinner for D’s workplace, we freshen our memory with 21st century views of the rocks.

But not before a quick trip to the town centre for a quick look at the shops. The quietness and openness of the town and the quaint alleys linking streets reminded us of the small towns we’d visited in Japan, like Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture.

After a quick stop at Hominy Bakery, we’re drawn to the aroma of spices and herbs coming from this Food Co-op at the top of the alley.

And inside, we find nuts and grains of all kinds as well as an almond butter machine and a peanut butter machine. D and I were of half a mind to buy some so we could see the machines churn some butter.

After walking around the town centre at Katoomba, we drive down to Echo Point Lookout to view the Three Sisters. There’s metered parking in the immediate vicinity but just a short 500 meters away there’s free two-hour parking on Cliff Road near Forster Rd.

It’s clear weather without too much mist or cloud cover obscuring the view. There were plenty of tourists, but not too many groups with leaders brandishing a flag.

The distinct shape of the Three Sisters was formed by land erosion by wind, rain and rivers of the soft sandstone in the Jamison Valley.

There are bushwalking trails that bring you closer to the Three Sisters. We briefly taking a walk into the bushes before we see the distance involved and realise we’re happy with the view from the lower platform.

The views towards the horizon with clouds casting dramatic shadows onto the Jamison Valley are spectacular.

With the Three Sisters fresh in our adolescent memories, we head back towards the Tourist Information Centre.

We spot these cute albino koalas for $23.00. I’ve never seen an albino koala in Real Life, though the only koalas I’ve seen have been in a zoo.

After visiting Katoomba, D and I make a quick drive through Leura and take a quick walk around Wentworth Falls Lake before heading back to Woodford to freshen up before dinner. On the way to the lake is a road lined beautifully with lush green leafy trees to form an archway.

We weren’t quite sure what to expect from the lake, but I’m happy that its size exceeded my expectations!

The lake has amenities for barbequing and paths for walking dogs, as well as sculptures here and there.

D and I weren’t sure if this doubled as a seat as the accompanying plaque has been worn away.

By the end of the day, we’re quite ready to rest at home – our natural habitat – like these ducks. Sight-seeing is tiring. I don’t know how we do it for 3 weeks in Japan – must be the street food stalls or shops every 100 meters or so.