About 50km west of cosmopolitan Sydney, the Blue Mountains in New South Wales are the ideal place to head if you’re looking for an action-packed adventure.

Sandstone plateaus, deep gorges and massive peaks not only make this World Heritage Listed National Park pretty to look at, but pretty exciting to play in, too.

Book into one of the eight spas in the area for a pampering session before heading up to Echo Point for a view of the Three Sisters peaks, or spend a morning of amateur spelunking in the stunning Jenolan Caves, followed by an evening dinner cruise into the Nepean Gorge.

Nearby, Opal Access in Kurrajong and Great Tastes of Australia in Katoomba are good places to pick up some of the region’s wines and gems.

While you’re there…

Chocolate Craft
On the way to Echo Point, you’ll be able to pop in to the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company for a free tasting of some of their famous real hot chocolate, fresh ice cream or, if you book ahead, you can try a chocolate-making course, held on the first Sunday of every month.

Do the Locomotion
The Katoomba Scenic Railway is the steepest railway in the world, taking you through sandstone cliffs and a rock tunnel. There’s also the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottomed aerial cable car over the Jamison Valley, or the Scenic Flyway, a 545-metre ride on Oz’s steepest cable car.

See a Unique Concert
Deep in the Jenolan Caves, surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites, catch performances on the cello, didgeridoo, harp and gypsy music, along with regular cave tours.