A witch doctor turns his three daughters to stone to keep them safe from an evil monster.

The Aborigine legend behind the Three Sisters rock formation in Australia's Blue Mountains west of Sydney might not sound family-friendly, but the location is a great outing for all ages.

The mountains are named for the permanent blue haze created by light striking the eucalyptus trees' oil particles in the air.

Part of a landscape thought to be inhabited more than 14,000 years ago, the Sisters are best viewed from the Katoomba Lookout. The area trails favor cliff tops, ravines and waterfalls but less energetic visitors to the Blue Mountains will also find gardens, cafes, antique shops and other diversions.

WHAT TO SEE

Three Sisters: A giant triple rock formation near Echo Point.

Jenolan Caves: Spectacular underground caves with icy blue rivers and limestone formations; the caves were discovered in 1838, and today host classical music and other concerts.

Grose Valley from Govetts leap: The famous panorama — a series of ridges extending far into the horizon — is considered the most impressive view in the Blue Mountains.

Zig Zag Railroad: Built in 1866-69, a steam train travels through tunnels and over three major viaducts.

Cathedral of Ferns: A reminder of the temperate rainforest that once blanketed the entire region.

Wentworth Falls: An impressive double waterfall, plummeting 614 feet.

Getting there: By car, the entrance to the Blue Mountains at Glenbrook/Lapstone is about a 50-minute drive west from Sydney on the M4.

By rail, the Blue Mountains ExplorerLink combines City-Rail travel to Katoomba Station and day access to the get-on-get-off Explorer bus, a red double-decker that drives between 30 attractions around the Blue Mountains. Tickets are $51 per person (concessions for children, students and seniors).www.cityrail.info /fares/link_tickets.jsp.

Coach day tours leave from Circular Quay in Sydney, from around $50 per person. www.sydneysightseeing.net/tours.