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These World Heritage-listed mountains are named for their constant bluish haze, the result of evaporating eucalyptus oil. The lovely mountains offer numerous bushwalks and plenty of natural attractions, including the Three Sisters, the Jenolan Caves and Wentworth Falls. When the explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and WC Wentworth (see Wentworth, Blaxland & Lawson), crossed the 1,100-m (3,600-ft) range in 1813, they opened up the continent’s grassland interior to white settlement. The main township of Katoomba (see Visit Katoomba) is about 107 km (56 miles) west of Sydney.

The Southern Highlands’ main town began life in the 1860s when John Oxley, an early Colonial explorer, subdivided his land grant and a small township emerged. Home to an increasing number of urban refugees, Bowral has an arty, old-world feel, making it a popular and relaxing weekend destination for Sydneysiders. It is probably best known as the former home of the famous cricketer Sir Donald Bradman (see Sydney Cricket Ground).

Built by John and Elizabeth Macarthur (see John & Elizabeth Macarthur), this 1793 estate was once an important social, political and cultural centre. The farm’s cottage is the oldest surviving building in Australia, and is carefully furnished with reproductions of the original interiors.

Emancipated convicts James and Elizabeth Ruse established Australia’s first self-sufficient farm in 1789. In the colony’s first land grant, Governer Phillip gave them a further 12 ha (30 acres) for their efforts. The charming Colonial bungalow was built in the 1830s by the farm’s next owner, the surgeon John Harris.

Close by Elizabeth Farm, this cottage was named after a village in Hampshire, England. The Macarthurs built this cottage in 1824 as a retirement home for their governess, Penelope Lucas. The furnishings of the rendered sandstone cottage reflect the 1820s to the 1850s.

This broad river runs from Windsor (see Windsor) in the west to Broken Bay (see Pittwater & Broken Bay) in the east, passing massive sandstone escarpments, historic riverside towns, national parks, mangrove islands, fishing villages and holiday homes, as well as the spectacular Berowa Waters and Cowan Creek (see Sail Pittwater & Cowan Creek) coves and Pittwater (see Pittwater & Broken Bay). Berowa Waters is home to the famous Berowa Waters Inn. Cowan Creek peters out near pretty Bobbin Head. Although parts of the river are popular with water-skiers, it’s actually best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

The picturesque Hawkesbury River

Grapes have been grown in this region since the 1830s. Now there are more than 60 vineyards and countless providores producing condiments, cheese and other gourmet delicacies; some also contain restaurants or cafés. Most of the wineries surround Pokolbin and neighbouring Cessnock, which is the regional township closest to Sydney. Beautiful Hunter Valley is also a popular area for outdoor activities such as cycling, golf, horseriding and hot air ballooning. Numerous tour operators in Sydney offer attractive day, overnight and weekend packages to the area.