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Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains thwarted the initial exploration attempts
of the early settlers, but are now easily accessible by road
or train 40 miles inland from Sydney. Providing a popular
retreat from urban life, as well as abseiling, mountain biking,
canyoning, rock-climbing and endless bushwalking trails, the
Mountains take their name from the bluish eucalyptus-oil haze
that envelops them. The Blue Mountains can be considerably
chillier than coastal Sydney and are a favourite destination
for Yuletide celebrations (Christmas in July) when roaring
fires and falls of snow evoke traditional European Christmas'.
Don't miss stunning views of the Three Sisters, a triple-peaked
rock formation, or the nearby Jenolan Caves, a limestone
system of which parts are still unexplored. |
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Justine Shapiro chills out in the Blue Mountains
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Byron Bay
Byron Bay, both alternative lifestyle mecca and millionaires'
playground, is situated at the northern end of the NSW coast.
The most easterly point of Australia is here, so the area
is a favourite spot to watch the sun rise, especially on New
Years Day. Surfers of all abilities congregate in the legendary
waves, frequently accompanied by dolphins and migrating whales.
Conscientious campaigning has prevented any fast-food chain
from rearing its ugly head here, so the range of vegetarian
& organic food on offer is vast and mouth-watering. The
beautiful golden beaches are thronged with just as beautiful
golden bodies, but if you get sick of lying around in the
glorious sun and taking in the view, you'll find plenty of
activities to enhance the feel-good factor that is so evident
here. Try hang-gliding from the cliffs, scuba diving 2 miles
off shore at the Julian Rocks marine park, or delving into
the countless alternative treatments and therapies on offer.
Broken Hill
Far away in the NSW outback, Broken Hill is a mining town
providing a fascinating look into the history of this industry
in Australia and the growth of trade unionism. Elements of
the Australian psyche that are fast disappearing from more
cosmopolitan areas are still in evidence here - hard yakka
(work), heavy drinking and a roughness of approach to life
that has been shaped by the harshness of the surrounding landscape.
Yet this same environment, with its desert light, red soil
and endless blue sky has also provided inspiration to countless
artists, so a thriving art colony with studios and galleries
exists cheek-by-jowl with the more rugged sensibilities of
the other locals.
Mungo National Park
While you are exploring the NSW outback, be sure not to miss
Mungo National Park. One of the most important archaeological
sites in Australia, the area is one of now-dry lakes containing
evidence of Aboriginal life dating back at least 40,000 years.
The park is famed for a 19-mile dunescape known as the Walls
of China - rising against the desert sky, their edges dissolving
in heat haze, a constant west wind moves the dunes eastwards
and reveals ever more archaeological finds - human remains,
fossils and artefacts. Wildlife abounds here, and the area
provides many opportunities for camping and hiking.
Port Stephens
About 160 miles north of Sydney, a large, sheltered shallow
bay forms the centre of coastal haven Port Stephens. About
80 resident bottlenose dolphins frolic in the waters,
surfing the waves off the front of the numerous charter boats
on the harbour. Friendly, curious and accustomed to interaction
with humans, they can almost always be observed from the decks
- or at even closer range if the boat has a boom net to climb
into so that you are actually in the water with them. The
area is also a popular viewing point for the tropical migration
of about 3,500 humpback whales in the months of May
to July and their return to the Antarctic in the spring. Just
inland, wine tasting tours and incredible gastronomy are on
offer in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales' premier
wine-growing region, which can be explored by bike, horse-drawn
carriage or hot air balloon.
Snowy Mountains
Alpine New South Wales can be discovered in the Snowy Mountains
which, during the ski season (June to September), provides
skiing and boarding thrills and spills and a buzzing apres-ski
scene that benefits from being far more laid back than its
European counterparts. The 1.7 million acre Kosciuszko
National Park is here, housing Australia's eponymous highest
peak. At 7000ft, Mt Kosciuszko may be small by Himalayan standards
- locals refer to it affectionately as the "Nipple of
Australia" - but it is a satisfying and stunning trek
to the top in the warmer months when a blaze of wildflowers
carpets the area. Almost any outdoor pursuit - mountain biking,
camping, fishing, horseriding, boating and hiking, to name
just a few - can be enjoyed here, all surrounded by dramatic
high-country scenery and an abundance of wildlife. The "Snowys"
are also the home of the Snowy Mountain HydroElectric Scheme,
an important piece of Australian engineering history, which
still powers much of eastern mainland Australia today. |
