Just west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains of New South Wales contain spectacular beauty. The approximately 75,000 people who call the region of Blue Mountains home are truly a fortunate lot. They reside in one of the most pristine regions of Australia, with precipitous valleys, sandstone plateaux, steep cliffs and scores of lakes and rivers on the doorstep. Indeed, the topography is so singular that in 2000, the Greater Blue Mountains Area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Home to incredible biodiversity, the Blue Mountains represent what makes Australia so special. With unusual fauna, exotic flora and ephemeral microclimates, the Blue Mountains area is well worth the short trek from Sydney. Aside from the region of Blue Mountains, the area also contains the Three Sisters rock formation of Blue Mountains National Park, impressive Jenolan Caves, Gardens of Stone National Park and Thirlmere Lakes. For great views of the region's famous blue haze, head to Jamison Valley.

• Blue Mountains National Park
• Featherdale Wildlife Park
• Misty Ridge Cuddly Animal Farm
• Blue Mountains Sparadise
• Mount Tomah Botanic Garden

Activities

• Blue Mountains Mystery Tours
• Scenic World
• Jenolan Caves
• Oberon Summer Festival
• Blue Mountains Fine Food Festival

Restaurants

• Ashcrofts Restaurant
• Café Bon Ton
• Silk's Brasserie
• Trails Bistro
• Darley's

Nightlife

• The Blaxland Tavern
• The Apple Bar
• The Imperial Hotel
• Winmalee Tavern
• Oriental Hotel

Climate

The Blue Mountains have a temperate climate, with cooler conditions than Sydney, on average.

• Summer (November to February) 11-23°C

• Fall (March to May) 6-21°C

• Winter (June to August) 3-11°C

• Spring (September to October) 5-17°C

Breathtaking Blue Mountains

Australia’s Blue Mountains are well-named, because they really do appear blue – from a distance, at least. Up close they’re more brown, red and green, but with towering rock formations, majestic waterfalls and sprawling, biting and bouncing wildlife, they are no less stunning.

Less than 100km (62 miles) out of Sydney, it’s the scenery that draws most people to the Blue Mountains. A multitude of walking trails ranging from the simple to the ‘are you serious?!’ reveal natural wonders, including Govetts Leap overlooking Grose Valley, the Bridal Veil Waterfalland the breathtaking Wentworth Falls. Take a rest in the cafés and tourist boutiques of Leura and soak up the alternative vibe and art deco architecture of Katoomba. And make sure you do the Blue Mountains after doing Sydney – the Opera House won’t look nearly as fascinating if you do it the other way around!

BLUE MOUNTAINS’ TOP 10

BLUE MOUNTAINS EVENTS

March’s Blue Mountains Folk, Blues and Roots Festival is slowly starting to attract some of the biggest names in music.

Experience food with altitude at the Blue Mountains Fine Food and Wine Festival in April.

A chilly winter in the mountains isn’t usually anything to celebrate, but June’s Winter Magic Festival is the exception.

November’s Blackheath Rhododendron Festival makes flowers exciting with art exhibitions, bikes, model trains and entertainment.

WHEN TO GO

· The Blue Mountains has a much cooler climate than Sydney, offering relief from a sticky city summer.

· Upper Mountains temperatures average around 5°C (41°F) in winter and 18°C (64°F) in summer.

· The Blue Mountains gets more rain, but only around five snow days a year.

GETTING AROUND

· Driving is the best way to get from place to place.

· Regular trains link Sydney and the Mountains. The trip to Katoomba takes about two hours and costs less $10.

· Once in the Blue Mountains, the hop on/off Explorer Bus visits most of the main tourist attractions, but only runs until around 4.30pm daily.

Attractions in the Blue Mountains

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Just west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains of New South Wales contain spectacular beauty. The approximately 75,000 people who call the region of Blue Mountains home are truly a fortunate lot. They reside in one of the most pristine regions of Australia, with precipitous valleys, sandstone plateaux, steep cliffs and scores of lakes and rivers on the doorstep. Indeed, the topography is so singular that in 2000, the Greater Blue Mountains Area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Home to incredible biodiversity, the Blue Mountains represent what makes Australia so special. With unusual fauna, exotic flora and ephemeral microclimates, the Blue Mountains area is well worth the short trek from Sydney. Aside from the region of Blue Mountains, the area also contains the Three Sisters rock formation of Blue Mountains National Park, impressive Jenolan Caves, Gardens of Stone National Park and Thirlmere Lakes. For great views of the region's famous blue haze, head to Jamison Valley.

Attractions

• Blue Mountains National Park
• Featherdale Wildlife Park
• Misty Ridge Cuddly Animal Farm
• Blue Mountains Sparadise
• Mount Tomah Botanic Garden

Activities

• Blue Mountains Mystery Tours
• Scenic World
• Jenolan Caves
• Oberon Summer Festival
• Blue Mountains Fine Food Festival

Restaurants

• Ashcrofts Restaurant
• Café Bon Ton
• Silk's Brasserie
• Trails Bistro
• Darley's

Nightlife

• The Blaxland Tavern
• The Apple Bar
• The Imperial Hotel
• Winmalee Tavern
• Oriental Hotel

The Blue Mountains have a temperate climate, with cooler conditions than Sydney, on average.

• Summer (November to February) 11-23°C

• Fall (March to May) 6-21°C

• Winter (June to August) 3-11°C

• Spring (September to October) 5-17°C