blue Mountains
this unesco
world heritage-designated region
boasts breathtaking natural
attractions like the three sisters
rock formation and expansive
Jamison valley. scenic world, near
the town of katoomba, offers four
ways to see the sights—rainforest
path, cliff-side railway and two
aerial gondolas.
a Day away
Rent a car or book a tour
and embark on a day trip
(or three) from Sydney
Hunter Valley
australia’s oldest
wine region lies about two hours
north of sydney. it’s a popular
destination for discovering the
country’s famed shiraz and
semillon varietals while indulging
in gourmet cuisine, too.
Canberra a three-hour trip south-
west to australia’s capital city will
net you time at many national
landmarks, including the australian
war memorial, Parliament house,
the national museum and national
Portrait gallery, and the lodge,
home to the Prime minister.
44
Heritage Hotel—in operation for more
than a century at its current site in the
historic precinct known as The Rocks.
Passing through the saloon-style doors
of this stately Edwardian building is
like stepping back in time, but the
selection of more than 100 Australian
craft beers is definitely true to our cur-
rent ale-obsessed era. Pair a pint with
one of the gourmet pizzas featuring
quintessentially Aussie toppings like
emu, kangaroo and tiger prawns.
Get bowled over
Not just for seniors, lawn bowling is the
perfect way to spend a relaxing after-
noon in Sydney. Kick off your shoes,
grab a ball and enjoy barefoot bowls
at the local “bowlo” (bowling club).
Though every Sydney suburb has its
own, Clovelly Bowling Club, halfway
between Coogee and Bronte beaches, is
the place to be. For $15 per person, non
-members can book a session for some
casual bowls, cold beers and uninter-
rupted views of the Pacific Ocean.
Discover the Royal
Though less than an hour’s drive south
of the city, Royal National Park tends
to be overlooked. Surprisingly few
Sydneysiders regularly set foot in this
16,000-hectare sanctuary. They don’t
know what they’re missing: The Royal
offers swimming, hiking, cycling and
more, through beautiful and varied
landscapes. The 10-kilometre Curra
Moors loop takes intrepid trekkers
through coastal heathlands and along
sandstone cliffs to the 100-metre-high
Curracurong Falls and Eagle Rock,
an outcropping that looks like an
eagle’s head. On the other hand, the
Wattamolla picnic area is highlighted by
a tranquil lagoon for family swimming
and snorkelling. For the especially
adventurous, there’s the Figure Eight
Pools, a seaside rock shelf with natural
rock pools, one of which is shaped like
a figure eight. But speak to park staff
and be very prepared before heading
out. The hike is challenging and the
pools are only accessible at low tide.
See a super suburb
Only four kilometres from the city
centre, the inner west suburb of
Newtown is bursting with things to see
and do. The area on and around King
Street offers serious retail therapy:
Trendy boutiques in late-Victorian
buildings showcase everything from
designer clothing to books to art.
They’re interspersed with bakeries
like The Pie Tin (for savoury and
sweet pies) and Black Star Pastry—
though before visiting you may want
to ensure you’re wearing something
with an elastic waistband. For a bit of
oddball fun, head to Holey Moley, a
combination bar and mini-golf course,
with whimsical greens inspired by the
likes of Willy Wonka, Elvis’s bathroom
and the board game Mouse Trap.
Bayda/shutterstock;
Quirky mini-golf in a Sydney suburb