The Three Sisters - Katoomba NSW

Bev Woodman

The Three Sisters - Katoomba NSW

The Legend of the Three Sisters
Long ago in the Blue Mountains there lived three Aboriginal sisters. They were Meenhi, Wimlah and Gunnedoo, whose Witch Doctor father was called Tyawan. Only one creature was feared by all … the Bunyip who lived in a deep hole. When Tyawan had to pass the hole, he would leave his daughters safely on the cliff behind the rocky wall. One day, waving goodbye to his daughters, he descended the cliff steps. On top of the cliff a big centipede suddenly appeared and frightened Meenhi, who threw a stone at it. The stone rolled over the cliff and crashed into the valley. Birds, animals and fairies stopped still as the rocks behind the three sisters split open, leaving them on a thin ledge. The angy Bunyip emerged to see the terrified sisters in the valley. Tyawan saw the Bunyip close to his daughters so he pointed his magic bone at the girls and turned them to stone. They would be safe there until the Bunyip had gone and then Tyawan would return them to their former selves. The Bunyip then chased Tyawan who found himself trapped, so he changed himself into a Lyre Bird. Everyone was safe, but Tyawan had dropped his magic bone. After the Bunyip had gone, Tyawan searched and searched for his bone … and he is still searching.

The Three Sisters stand silently watching him from their ledge, hoping he’ll find the bone and turn them back to Aboriginal girls. As you look at the Three Sisters, you can hear Tyawan … the Lyre Bird … calling his daughters as his search for the lost bone continues….........

This view is from one of the many lookouts on Cliff Drive at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains NSW Australia. It looks directly at the Three Sisters with the Skyway and Katoomba Falls (out of view) located to the left of the picture. The Three Sisters can be accessed from Echo Point and are the icon figure of the Blue Mountains. In the background you will see the typical blue haze attributed to the eucalypt mist that is present most days in this area and from which the area was originally named – The Blue Mountains.

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The Three Sisters - Katoomba NSW by Bev Woodman
The Three Sisters - Katoomba NSW by Bev Woodman
  • Corinne Pouzet

    Corinne Pouzet

    Marvelous, the way you have captured the three sisters ! I’ve been there several times, took many shots but NEVER like you did o this one !
    Bravo Bev I love that one very much

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thanks Corinne for the lovely comment. It was a bit of a challenge trying to capture any of the scenery this week as we ran into rain and fog but got the one day of sunlight and this was taken then. So I am thrilled with what I have come home with – I’m pleased you liked the legend too … I have always enjoyed it … it somehow brings the rocks to life.

  • Corinne Pouzet

    Corinne Pouzet

    ...along with the legend !

  • kalaryder

    kalaryder

    Fabulous shot and a great story telling of the legend

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you so much for this comment – I love the legend and thought it appropriate to add.

  • Donovan wilson

    Donovan wilson

    well done your a legend..

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Oh Donovan – thank you for the comment – I don’t think I’ve been called a legend before!!

  • hilarydougill

    hilarydougill

    wonderful legend, so enjoyed that. and glorious capture and imagery of the sisters. Beautiful picture of a beautiful place. hugsxxx (I have a friend ;ives in Australia in Fosterton via Dungog, One day I will visit her and see these wonderful places for myself.) love and hugsxxx

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Hilary for the comment … and for the hugs. Make sure you put this on the list of places to go – you will find many beautiful spots around Dungog too in the forest up there (but not rocks like these). Let me know if you ever come over as I’m not too far away – I have relatives who live in Dungog.

  • jadeast

    jadeast

    LIke the legend, love the image!

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thanks Jade for the comment – I thought you would like this one.

  • IRISHPIX

    IRISHPIX

    Superb Creation & such detail in your picture Bev.

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thanks Joe – I love your comment.

  • JKKimball

    JKKimball

    This reminds me so much of the Grand Canyon Sedona area of thew US, such lovely images Bev!

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thanks Joe. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon (both sides) and often can see small similarities. The Blue Mountains are not on as large a scale as there and we also have huge forests in the valleys that make it different but I must admit the rock faces in some places do remind me of there too. One thing they both share though is the WOW factor.

  • HELUA

    HELUA

    Wonderful image and story!! Great work, Bev !!!

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Helua – the Three Sisters are the main symbol of the Blue Mountains.

  • Katagram

    Katagram

    fabulous shot and story to go with it ! !

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Kat – this legend has been passed around for years now and it seemed so natural to include it in the image.

  • Anna D'Accione

    Anna D'Accione

    Superb capture, Instant favourite, thank you for the legend as well . I can imagine how the story would have sounded around a campfire told by an elder to young children

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Anna for the comment and the favourite. I remember hearing this legend many years ago and was pleased I could find it to add here – it makes the image complete.

  • debsphotos

    debsphotos

    What a wonderful image Bev!!! Stunning detail and place!!! Good on you!! *-)

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Deb. We couldn’t get near Echo Point to get a shot from there as there were bus loads of tourists all running over the place so we chose to try from this spot and I’m so glad I did.

  • GloriaDK

    GloriaDK

    Bev this is really good and the legend as well. I was up there many years ago at a college for one night and during the winter. The central heating failed in the great building and I wrapped myself up tight in blankets.

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thanks Gloria. We actually lit the fire two of the nights we were there and this is autumn. I know only too well how cold it can get there in winter though so you did well to survive without heating.

  • JeffStockton

    JeffStockton

    Great thought of capture with the b/ground playing a big part of the comp,well done Bev

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Jeff – I always value your comment. I must admit I liked the background and hoped others would understand the blue haze.

  • shakey

    shakey

    Great image and story Bev.

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Hi Paul – thank you. I thought I’d like to share this one with everyone. We all take pictures of the three sisters when we go to Katoomba – I tried to do it a little different.

  • Katagram

    Katagram

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Kat and to all the girls for featuring this image – it means so much to me as this is a very special image.

  • Enivea

    Enivea

    Fabulous image Bev, very well done, and thanks for the Legend of the Three Sisters. Hearty congratulations on your feature, very well deserved! I haven’t been there for over hrmmpp….many years (!) and am yearning for another visit, especially after seeing this:-)

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Enivea for the wonderful comment – we had a great visit. I’ve got heaps more to put on so keep watching!!

  • NordicBlackbird

    NordicBlackbird

    lovely capture and narrative, Bev :)))))))
    AND congrats on your feature!!!

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Nat for this – its soooo appreciated!!

  • Scott d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida

    fabulous;

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Hi Scott and thank you for the comment. Feedback is what keeps me going.

  • Shaun Whiteman

    Shaun Whiteman

    Wow what an amzing landscape, stunning shot!

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thank you Shaun for the wonderful comment – I’m pleased you liked thisone.

  • Tessa Bishop

    Tessa Bishop

    How very beautiful – and I love the legend!

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thanks Tessa – you would love it here, so many tracks and such beautiful scenery.

  • reflector

    reflector

    An incredible view, very well caught !

  • Bev Woodman replied

    Thanks James – the Three Sisters are probably one of Australia’s most photographed icons but everyone’s interpretation is different … and the weather also dictates the outcome too – I was lucky to get a hint of sun on the rocks to bring out the colours.

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Tags:

blue and mountains