Just 90 minutes west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains unfold as a vast wilderness of deep sandstone gorges, eucalyptus forests, and dramatic cliff faces that earned their name from the fine blue haze created by oil droplets released from the millions of eucalyptus trees that blanket the valleys. This UNESCO World Heritage area encompasses over 660,000 hectares of protected bushland, but the most accessible wonders cluster around the towns of Katoomba and Leura along the ridge. The Three Sisters — a trio of towering sandstone pillars overlooking the Jamison Valley — are the park’s signature sight, connected by a walking track and bathed in golden light at sunset.

The Blue Mountains offer hiking for every level, from gentle ridgetop strolls to challenging descents into the valley floor. The Grand Canyon Track near Blackheath takes hikers through a narrow, fern-draped slot canyon that feels like stepping into a prehistoric world, while the National Pass trail clings to the cliff face behind Wentworth Falls, offering vertiginous views of water cascading 300 meters into the valley below. For those who prefer less exertion, Scenic World’s cable car, cableway, and the world’s steepest railway descent into an ancient rainforest provide thrilling access to the landscape.

Pro tip: Skip the busy Echo Point lookout during midday and instead take the less-traveled Prince Henry Cliff Walk between Katoomba and Leura for equally stunning views without the crowds. Pack a picnic and stop at one of the cliff-edge lookouts along the way. For the best photography, arrive at the Three Sisters viewing platform around sunrise when the light is warm and the tour buses have not yet arrived.