This morning I woke up extra early to catch the 8.18 am train from Central direct to Katoomba however I missed it at Central Station by a few minutes therefore had to wait for the next train at 9.18 am.
The trip to Katoomba is 2 hours long as I have previously mentioned in my blogs therefore the 8.18 am train would have got me to Katoomba by 10.18 am with a liitle more then an hour to look around Katoomba before the Grand Parade started at 11.30 am. The 9.18 am train arrived on time at Central Station but all carriages were full getting me to Katoomba at 11.36 am , however the Grand Parade didn't arrive at the top of Main Street opposite the station until a little later therefore I didn't miss any of it. Half an hour later it was over. I had a great spot along the parade route to watch the parade from.
After the parade I ventured off to Park Street behind the Carrington Hotel where the parade ended. I took a few more photos before going into the Cultural Centre to sit down and have some lunch (which I had packed) and blog. Must find toliet facilities and a power point to recharge my phone. Found in the Library. The view from the library is spectacular. If you haven't been inside the library or Cultural Center it is a must do. Take the stairs or the lift to the 2nd floor mezzanine level of the Library when it is open or take in the view from the viewing platform at the back of the Cultural Center's courtyard. Great photo opportunity. Photos attached below.
View from inside the library 2nd floor mezzanine level.
View from the Cultural Centre viewing platform behind court yard.
Rating : 7/10 - if you like wierd things such as market stalls , people and costumes then this is an annual Winter event for you. Greenies would also fit right in. An event for kids and families but beware of crowds.
Photos of parade attached below at end of blog . Part 1 First 11 minutes or so of the Grand Parade video has been uploaded onto Youtube.
There are suppose to be 6.30 pm fireworks from above The Carrington Hotel - unsure if I will stay as I am a little tired.
I decided to stay for the 6.30 pm fireworks to end the Winter Magic Festival. I am very tired but decide to wait another hour for the next train back to Sydney rather then take the train that departs Katoomba station at 6.26 pm meaning I catch that train and miss the fireworks by 4 minutes. The next train back to Sydney is at 7.26 pm. Although there are trains direct to Penrith at more regular intervals I did not want to have to transfer onto another train in the dark from Penrith. The temperature is rapidly dropping in Katoomba and it is freezing cold already.
The fireworks commence at 6.30 pm on the dot and the front of the Carrington Hotel is quickly becoming a sea of people - glowing gloves and animal beanies are amongst the people. I don't know what is worse VIVID or this event.
The fireworks are so close above us , ending with 2 very large sparklers followed by a fireball which looks as if it could set the hotel on fire.
Photos attached below and a video of the fireworks has been uploaded onto Youtube although the fireball at the end has been cut off after the 2 giant sparklers ontop of the Carrington Hotel.
Outside The Carrington Hotel as day turns to night the crowds of people start to gather for a spot to watch the 6.30 pm fireworks.
Food stalls range from "Chip on a Stick" to Mediterranean Lamb koftas with sweet potato chips or chicken with potato chips with salad and sauce on a wrap.
Pre fireworks music and crowds outside the Carrington Hotel
From the very first blue flare from the rooftop of The Carrington Hotel at 6.30 pm to the full fireworks display ending with the fireball .
The sea of people arriving at Katoomba Station at around 11.30 am.
My favourite photos taken during the Grand parade - the tumbling dancers and the taikwondo air kicks.
The Grand Parade along Main Street Katoomba
End of the Grand Parade photo opportunities in Park Street Katoomba
The Blue Mountains Cultural Center court yard kids activities
Another 1st time event attended done and dusted.
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