Beyond Sydney are mountains, forests and endless sandy beaches

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Fresh mountain air, dramatic scenery, quaint B&Bs and fine dining are all good reasons to head for these famed mountains that form Sydney's western boundary.

Blue Mountains Visitors Information Centres
The centres are located on the Great Western Highway, Glenbrook and at Echo Point, Katoomba.
Contact 1300 653 408 or visit http://www.visitbluemountains.com.au/

Blue Mountains National Park
This is New South Wales' most popular national park. Its sandstone cliffs and gorges provide rugged and dramatic mountain scenery. The park has walking trails suitable for all and camp grounds with facilities.
National Parks & Wildlife Centre, Govett's Leap Road, Blackheath
Ph: 4787 8877

Blackheath
Quieter than some of the other mountain towns, Blackheath is the perfect base for visiting the rugged Grose Valley. Check out the views from Govetts Leap.

Everglades
Everglades is Australia's most spectacular inter-war period garden. Its blending of European landscaping and Australian bushland was first developed in the 1930s. Take time to stroll thought the beautiful terraced gardens and down winding paths into bushland with majestic panoramic views of the Blue Mountains.
The beautiful gardens are sure to leave you spellbound. Everglades is a National Trust property.
37 Everglades Avenue, Leura
Ph; 4784 1938
http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Jenolan Caves
These are some of the world's finest limestone caves, which include underground rivers and memorable cave formations. Accommodation is available at the popular Jenolan Caves Resort.
Cave Information 6359 3311

Katoomba
Katoomba has been a favourite holiday destination since the late 19th century. The Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation, is best viewed from Echo Point. The Edge Cinema, on the Great Western Highway, has a six-storey-high extreme screen. Visit the popular Paragon Cafe, with its 1920's chocolate shop and refreshment rooms. Around the town and its surrounds are antique shops, art galleries, and classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Contact Blue Mountains Tourism 1300 653 408 or visit http://www.visitbluemountains.com.au/

Katoomba - Scenic World
Float on air in Skyway, an $8million new cable car with the world's first electro sceni glass floor which, at the flick of a switch, allows breathtaking views through the cabin floor to the valley far below. Or ride the steepest railway in the world or stroll along the walkway through Jurassic rainforest.
Corner of Cliff Drive and Violet Street, Katoomba
Open dailyPh: 4782 2699

Leura
This small upper mountain village, long the home of artists and writers, has a good selection of craft shops, galleries and restaurants. Visit the Everglades Gardens, a fine 1930's creation.

Lithgow
From the Wollemi Pine of the Jurassic era to the state of the art design and technology of Delta's Mt Piper Energy Expo, Lithgow's diverse tourism attractions offer something to interest everyone. Explore Australia's heritage from Aboriginal times to Colonial European ingenuity. Hear the echos and stories of those who have long gone before. Visit an area rich in cultural heritage from Blackfellows Hands to the world recognised Zig Zag Railway and Small Arms Museum. There is bushland and scenery catering for every passion.
Lithgow Visitor Information Centre, 1 Cooerwull Road, Lithgow
Ph: 6353 1859
http://www.tourism.lithgow.com

Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens
A cool-climate annex of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney with a huge collection of native and exotic plants.
Bells Line of Road, Bilpin
Open daily 10am-4pm
Ph: 4567 2154

Mt Wilson
A little gem of a place. Some rainforest is preserved at Cathedral of the Ferns.

Norman Lindsay Gallery
A perfect arts-oriented stop in the Blue Mountains is the Norman Lindsay Gallery, a National Trust property in Faulconbridge. Once home to the legendary artist and author, the stone cottage has been converted into a gallery which displays a major collection of his oils, watercolours and etchings, plus of course characters associated with his classic children's book, The Magic Pudding. The gallery is surrouned by sculpture gardens and bushland walks with will appeal to adults and children alike.
16 Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge (via Springwood)
4751 1067
http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Springwood
This attractive town is best known as the home of the artist Norman Lindsay.

THE CENTRAL COAST

Less than an hourís drive via the expressway from the city centre, the Central Coast offers beaches, water sports, fishing, scuba diving and bushwalking.

Gosford
Located on Brisbane Water, Gosford is both the centre of the Central Coast and a residential suburb of Sydney. Regular cruises of this large waterway depart from Gosford Wharf. The best place to get your bearings is from President Hill.
Information, 200 Mann Street
Ph: 4325 2835
http://www.cctourism.com.au

National Parks
Brisbane Water National Park Bordering the Hawkesbury River, 40km north of Sydney's city centre, Brisbane Water National Park conserves 12,000 ha of rugged sandstone country. Itís a great place to see ancient Aboriginal engravings and, in the spring, masses of wildflowers. Popular with bushwalkers and bird watchers.

Munmorah State Recreation Area
About 40km north of Gosford, Munmorah SRA offers ocean views, surfing, fishing, picnicking, camping, bushwalking. Look out for wildflowers in spring.

Bouddi National Park
Situated at the northern entrance to Broken Bay, 20km south-east of Gosford, Bouddi National Park has beaches, walking tracks, and places to fish, snorkel, picnic, camp and birdwatch.

Australian Reptile Park
Less then one hour north from Sydney's CBD you will encounter unique exhibits, koalas, platypus, friendly kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and some of the deadliest reptiles and spiders in Australia. Set amongst the magic of the Australian bush the zoo with more bite offers loads of exciting hands-on daily wildlife shows and wide open parklands where you can relax amongst the ambiance of gum trees whilst enjoying a BBQ or picnic lunch. Explore Spider World where you will see Australia's largest exotic tarantula exhibit along with interactive displays and the world's only venom milking show with the deadly funnel-web spider. Lost World of Reptiles will take you on a journey to ancient pasts reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie scene. Meet Eric, the largest crocodile in NSW and so much more.
Pacific Highway, Somersby (next to Gosford Exit, F3)
Ph: 4340 1022
http://www.reptilepark.com.au

Henry Kendall Cottage & Museum
The cottage, set in one hectare of parklands with a BBQ-picnic area, was built in 1836 and was the home of the poet Henry Kendall from 1874 - 75.
27 Henry Kendall Street, Gosford
Open 10am - 4pm Wed, Sat & Sun
Ph: 4325 2270

Pearl Beach
This exclusive little village, a favourite weekend destination for Sydneysiders, is surrounded by natural bushland.

Terrigal
The main attraction at this popular holiday town, to the east of Gosford, is its safe surfing beach.

The Entrance
A popular camping and caravanning destination, The Entrance straddles the Pacific Ocean and Munmorah Lake. Every afternoon at 3pm pelicans are fed in Memorial Park. North of the town, Redgum Nature Reserve has good walking trails.

THE ILLAWARRA

Visit the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere or enjoy some local beer produced by Australia's largest microbrewery, the Five Islands Brewery.
If you are the adventurous type, try your hand at tandem hang gliding or skydiving over the beach, enjoy the thrill of a Top Gun flight or scenic flights from the Illawarra Regional Airport.

Jamberoo Recreation Park
The largest theme park in NSW where you control the action! Favorite rides include Rapid River, a rubber raft ride on a 250-metre watercourse with rapids, waves and waterfalls. Surf Hill, an 8-track aqua racer, a wave-like water slide. Bobsleds, Racing Cars and a Chairlift.
Open weekends and NSW Public School Holidays. Entry fee covers all rides.
Jamberoo Road, Jamberoo Ph: 4236 0114
http://www.jamberoo.net

Lagoon Restaurant
Providing an unforgettable experience, the Lagoon Restaurant offers elegant dining, unsurpassed service, fabulous food including the freshest local seafood, award-winning wines and a vibrant atmosphere in relaxed surroundings with a breathtaking view of North Wollongong Beach.
Stuart Park, North Wollongong.
Open daily 11am-2am
Ph: 4226 1677

Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club
Situated 20 minutes south of Wollongong on the lake's edge, enjoy fully self-contained ensuite cabins in landscaped gardens, close to beaches, scenic walks, 5 golf courses. TAB, Keno, 3 Restaurants, Gymnasium. Enjoy full club facilities or play on the magnificent indoor bowling green.
Jason Ave, Barrack Heights
Ph: 4295 1811
http://www.warillabowls.com.au
Information for members and their guests.

PORT STEPHENS

A blue water paradise of unspoilt waterways, sandy beaches, and bottlenose dolphins, this is the perfect eco-escape.

Visitor Information
For all your accommodation and tour enquiries, visit the helpful staff at Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre.
Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay (near the waterfront)
Open daily 9.00am-5.00pm
Ph: 1800 808 900 or 4981 1579
http://www.portstephens.org.au

Horizons Golf Resort
Play golf, tennis or just relax by the pool. Set in natural bushland, Horizons offers dining and accommodation.
5 Horizons Drive, Salamander Bay,
Ph: 4982 0502
http://www.horizons.com.au

Port Stephens Winery
With a selection of quality boutique wines, this winery offers cellar door tastings, strolls through the vineyard and BBQ facilities.
69 Nelson Bay Rd, Bob's Farm
Ph: 4982 6411

Sand Safaris
Award-winning quad bike adventure tour over 33kms of the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere, taking in environmental and historical sights.
Ph: 4965 0215, Mobile: 0418 209 747
http://www.sandsafaris.com.au

Moonshadow Cruises
Cruise the wonderful waterways on one of 3 modern boats and see dolphins and whales. Optional twilight dinner cruise.
Ph: 4984 9388

Travel Tip Aussie Blue Tours offers a daily shuttle service from Sydney departing George Street, The Rocks at 7am, arriving Port Stephens at 10.15am.
Return fare $80pp.
Bookings: 1800 637 757

Port Stephens is the Blue Water Paradise of the New South Wales Mid North Coast. It is located 2 1/2 hours (226 kilometres) north of Sydney and offers a temperate climate all year round.
Accommodation in Port Stephens caters to every budget and taste. From camp sites for the serious campers to deluxe cabins & villas in the caravan parks, budget backpacker accommodation in bushland or beach settings through to motels , hotels and beachfront resorts as well as hundreds of holiday units and the friendly Bed & Breakfasts throughout the region.
Port Stephens Harbour is 2.5 times the size of Sydney Harbour and as a result the area caters to almost every water sport imaginable. Parasailing, skiing, sea kayaking, canoeing, surfing, cruising, jet skiing, diving, snorkelling... and the list goes on!
Port Stephens and the offshore islands offer excellent diving locations whether it be diving wrecks or the beautiful and world renowned sponge gardens at Halifax Park, Fly Point.
Port Stephens is also an ideal fishing & boating location and holds the biggest game fishing event in the Southern Hemisphere in February/March annually.

Samurai Beach Resort, the newest resort to Port Stephens, offers four star comfort in a secluded bushland environment bordering on the stunning Tomaree National Park. This winter they have put together some great escapes including a Whale Wonderland Package offering a whale watch cruise, gourmet breakfast hamper, and coffee & cake at the local winery. Prices start from as little as $349 for 3 nights. Extra nights are at 40% off the rack rate.
288 Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay.
Visit http://www.samuraibeachresort.com.au or call 1800 822 200

CANBERRA

Only three-and-a-half-hour's drive from Sydney you'll find the nation's top museums and galleries, gourmet dining and fine wines, and a fantastic boutique casino. Discover the variety and vibrancy of Canberra this summer.

Australian Institute of Sport
You can see the world of the champion athlete, including Olympians, from the inside as you tour the complex, with an athlete as your guide.

National Zoo and Aquarium
Visit the large range of native and exotic animals and aquarium exhibits. Experience the ZooVenture Tour, the Meet a Cheetah experience or the Animal Action Tour.

Cockington Green Gardens
Explore the world in miniature of Cockington Green Gardens where you will discover miniature buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens and lawns.

CSIRO Discovery - Science on show
This unique centre. showcasing Australian science and technology, makes understanding science an interesting and fun experience.

Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Gardens have the finest collection of Australian flora in the world and this summer it turns on a musical treat.

When in Canberra look out for your free copy of This Week in Canberra for all events, performances and attractions.