THE BLUE MOUNTAINSA bluish mist fills the air of this magnificentWorld Heritage National Park, whilst lightreflects from the fine droplets of oil thatsmother the Eucalyptus forests hugging theoutlandish valleys that have been fashioned bywind and water. Wentworth Falls is one of thebest areas for bushwalking and the trails thatmeander along the cliff tops provide rousinglookouts across unbroken miles of forest thatdescend deep into the valley and the blue gumgroves. At the main town of Katoomba, aptlynamed by the Aboriginal people meaning"shiny, tumbling water", mountain streamstopple over escarpments in spectacularwaterfalls. Here, the craggy outcrop of the'Three Sisters' stare out towards grand MountSolitary, a sight that certainly doesn't disappoint.From Govett's Leap the Grose Valley stretchesinto the distance, and make sure you take thewalk to Pearson's Lookout for the unforgettableview of Capertee Valley, the widest canyon inthe world. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos are aspectacular sight throughout the whole region,while crimson rosella and gang-gang cockatoosprovide a flash of colour and quite a racket asthey dart through the trees. Although it ispossible to visit in a day trip, as the region canbe reached in less than two hours from Sydney,there is so much to see that it is worth spendinga few days exploring, if only to see the mobs ofgrey kangaroos grazing at dusk and dawn. It isan easy detour whether you are travelling northor south, and is the perfect combination with avisit to the Hunter Valley.16Lilianfels,KatoombaHugging the edge of the Jamison Valley this historiccountry house hotel offers endless panoramas of thisfamous valley and allows the smell of gum trees toflood the air. The spacious ensuite guestrooms aretraditionally decorated and the large guest loungewith open fireplaces and cosy reading room is alovely retreat. An original part of the house, built in1889 now houses Darley's restaurant which has anational reputation that rivals the view, creating amemorable experience that we feel, is quite simply,hard to beat.Whispering Pines,Wentworth Falls At the end of Falls Road is the Wentworth FallsReserve, the starting point for rambles to thespectacular Wentworth Falls. Teetering on anescarpment, imposing pines and bursts of flowerscreate a feeling of an English park in the four acresof gardens that surround this grand guesthouse.Wonderfully remote, yet only an hour and a halffrom Sydney, Whispering Pines occupies a first classlocation. Each of the four suites has private facilities,and your hosts blend comfort, privacy and quiethospitality in a significant heritage property. Three Sisters and Jamison ValleyBLUE MOUNTAINS ANDTHE HUNTER AIR SAFARIShould you wish to use Sydney as your base,but want to experience the grandeur of the BlueMountains, tickle your taste buds with a glass ofHunter wine and see life on an Outback sheepand cattle station, then this is the perfect way.From the city you fly low over the BlueMountains and head north, landing in apaddock at Middlebrook sheep and cattlestation where your education of Outback lifebegins. A stroll through the bush is taken incompany of wild kangaroos and Hendo, thestation owner, who will happily recount storiesof life on the station whilst a traditional Aussiebarbecue is prepared at the homestead. Back inthe air, the Hunter is the next stop where youwill drop in on a couple of boutique wineriesand enjoy a private 'behind the scenes' tour.Culminating at twilight with a coastal flightback to Sydney, you will soar over Palm Beach,Manly, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera Housegaining a totally different perspective of thisremarkable water-dominated city.Blue MountainsWhispering PinesHendo, Middlebrook Station

NEW SOUTH WALES17Vineyard salesHUNTER VALLEYThink of the Hunter Valley and a vision isconjured of a day spent amongst the vineyardsenjoying a tasting or two, then relaxing firesidewith a premium wine from the day's outing.Delve into the wineries of Pokolbin, one of themain vineyard areas, and take a backstage tourto learn the secrets of winemaking. You can hirea bike in Pokolbin to explore, take a horse-drawn carriage, or early risers can drift gentlyover the vines in a hot air balloon. Wine is inabundance, yet there is more on the menu thanyou may think: ripe cheeses, sculptures,flawlessly landscaped gardens crammed withblooming flowers and historical townships justperfect for an afternoon of exploring. You canmeander through Maitland's elegant heritageprecincts or visit historic Morpeth, Australia'soldest river port. The small country township ofBarrington Tops, featuring rugged mountains,gorges and dense forest, is a lure for horsebackriders, bushwalkers and off-road touring - allreached in less than two hours from Sydney. Valleyand VinesStarting in the stunning city of Sydney, this itineraryexplores the premier wine region of the HunterValley, where you will find an extensive array of cellardoor sales. From here you head to the breathtakingBlue Mountains before returning to Sydney.Day 1:Arrive in Sydney and enjoy the afternoonsightseeing.Day 2:Take a half day city sites tour through theRocks and the exclusive eastern suburbs,and spend the afternoon relaxing.Day 3:Enjoy a scenic flight up to the NorthernBeaches and across the harbour.Day 4:Leave Sydney in the morning and take aleisurely drive to the Hunter Valley.Day 5:Spend the day exploring the vineyards.Day 6:Take the scenic drive to the BlueMountains.Day 7:Spend the day discovering The BlueMountains, The Three Sisters or theJenolan Caves.Day 8:Return to Sydney.EXTENSIONSFor those with a little more time, head further southand spend two nights exploring the enchantingKangaroo Valley, an area surrounded by rolling hills,numerous waterfalls and stunning escarpments,ideal to explore by car or on foot.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.Tower Lodge, PokolbinSecluded and luxurious, the 'Spanish Mission' styleexterior refutes what lies within the walls and the100-year old French Coach House doors provide animpressive entrance. Furnished with treasures, richfabrics and recycled timbers; a favourite spot is thelibrary, tucked next to the dining room, vault-likeand tranquil, the shelves crammed with old classiceditions and novels. An enormous fireplace in thelounge room is crowned with a huge paua shell-encrusted mirror which typifies the nicely eccentrictouches that feature throughout. The porticopassageways bordering the courtyard lead to twelveoversized guestrooms, each crammed with their ownspecial charm. An enclosed compound houses apool, sauna and massage room. Tower EstateWinery is a stroll away as is Roberts Restaurant, therecipient of rave reviews. Peppers Guesthouse, Pokolbin Surrounded by beautiful country gardens andoverlooking vineyards and bushland, this guesthouseis a perfect escape. Unwind with a drink in the barby the fire, visit one of the 80 wineries, or perhapsenjoy one of life's greatest indulgences of simplydoing nothing at all. A stay here, including deluxeguestrooms and cuisine from the one of theHunter's most awarded restaurants, Chez Pok, hasguests returning year after year.Tower LodgePeppers Guesthouse