Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters

About two hours west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a UNESCO-listed wilderness of sandstone cliffs, deep valleys and eucalyptus forest. The blue haze that gives them their name comes from fine droplets of oil released by the gum trees.

Echo Point in Katoomba looks straight across to the Three Sisters, three weathered sandstone pillars linked to an Aboriginal legend. Nearby Scenic World has a steep railway, a glass-floored skyway and a cableway down into the rainforest, all suited to families and senior travellers who prefer not to hike.

Go on a weekday if you can, and carry a light jacket, as the mountains are noticeably cooler than Sydney. On the way back, a stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park lets children meet koalas and kangaroos up close.