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There are not many major cities around the globe which have a World Heritage listed wilderness literally in their very own backyard, but that’s exactly what Sydney, Australia has in the magnificent Blue Mountains. Among the Blue Mountains and the other national parks that connect them, there are over a million hectares of natural wilderness to discover, all within an hour’s commuter train ride of Australia’s largest city.

Traveling in the other direction is like being teleported into another dimension. One minute you’re in the bustling financial center of Sydney and suddenly you are in the midst of an awe inspiring wilderness, staring across endless ranges of blue-green forests, down the dizzying face of a sheer 300 foot cliff face or up at a cascading waterfall. The Blue Mountains are an out of doors and adventure lover’s paradise. There are so many trails crisscrossing the hills and canyons of these ranges that enthusiastic hikers (or bush walkers, as we say in Australia) can easily spend weeks exploring just the ones around Katoomba or neighboring Leura and never take a similar trail twice. The cliffs of the Blue Mountains enjoy legendary status among rock climbers the world over and mountain bike lovers flock there to take advantage of the many winding trails that have been created just for his or her enjoyment.

Most first time visitors to the Blue Mountains go to the charming town of Katoomba and come first straight down the main street of town to Echo Point and the Three Sisters Lookout. The three sandstone peaks that are the Three Sisters together comprise probably the most photographed landmarks in Australia, but no photograph can do them and their surroundings justice. Standing against the guardrail and looking down may give even seasoned rock climbers vertigo, but that doesn’t stop them from taking the Giant Staircase down the side of the Sisters towards the valley below and testing their skills on one of the dozens of established climbing routes scattered for miles deep in the canyons on the foot of the Sisters.

The Giant Staircase is also where a huge number of hikers begin their discovery of the Blue Mountains. In case you have limited time but want to feel like you’ve escaped society, by the time you’ve reached the foot of the stairs, you’ll have forgotten everything. Surrounded by pristine nature, the only real reminders of civilization you will see will be the signs that will assist you to find your way and the occasional welcome bench where you can rest your weary feet and gaze out at the horizon. If weariness overcomes you and you don’t want to have to face the steep climb back up to the top, just jump on the world’s steepest railway line and you will be back up in minutes.

While it is definitely possible to do all of this in just one day and be back in Sydney in time for bed, once you have arrived in the Blue Mountains, you won’t want to leave. Luckily, finding a snug Katoomba accommodation is easy. You’ll be able to pick from one of the many inexpensive backpackers hostels in town, a quaint Blue Mountains bed and breakfast or even a cliffside motel. Katoomba residents are all outdoor lovers themselves and know the way to take care of weary hikers and climbers. Wander up Katoomba Street after dark and enjoy a hearty and well earned meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the streets. You’ve earned it.

Phillip Island is a well-liked vacation destination a simple drive from Melbourne, Australia. It is about 140 kilometers south-east of Melbourne at the head of Westernport Bay. The island is host to the Grand Prix event, Australian MotoGP motorcycling, the renowned penguin parade each night and the biggest Australian fur seal colony in the world.

The island has a sizable permanent population of locals so there are numerous commercial services. This adds towards the convenience and quality of service enjoyed by visitors. The island offers a dizzying range of leisure activities including exciting ocean surf beaches, lazy back-bay beaches, scuba diving, scenic helicopter rides, bicycling, golfing, motor cycling, fishing, boating, winery visits, spa therapies, kayaking, canoeing and bush walking.

The island attracts 1.5 million weekend and longer stay visitors a year. Some travel far from overseas. Others come from Victoria or other areas of Australia. They all find plenty of fun and leave with a smile.

A full range of Phillip Island accommodation and Cowes accommodation options are on offer. Hotels, resorts, motels, guest and boarding houses, serviced flats, B7Bs, camping and caravan areas are all easily booked.

There are two pleasant golf courses available. Aussie Golfing Ranch is positioned along the coast on 23 acres of dunes and is known to be a top Par 3 course. The PI Golf Club offers a full 18 holes and rates as a must-play course.

The island is large with a total area of about 10,000 hectares. Large and flat is great to explore by bicycle. The highest point on the island is only about 110 metres (360 feet) above sea level at Cape Woolamai on the south-east tip of the island.

The north coast facing onto Westernport is home to some mangrove areas that is home to many fish and bird species, including many migratory birds. The best mangroves are protected by the Churchill Island Marine Park, based around the tiny Churchill Island. This islet was named by James Bass & Matthew Flinders during their circumnavigation of Australia in 1798. Today, it is home to quite a lot of small farming properties. Distinctive looking Scottish highland cattle roam its pastures, having been first introduced on the island in 1869 by A D Samuel Amess.

The world famous penguin parade is certainly one of the most popular spectacles on the island. At dusk each evening, the cute fairy penguins emerge out of the ocean and waddle up the sandy beach to rest in their burrows dug deep into the beach dunes.

Racing car enthusiasts seeking an adrenalin rush might enjoy the HSV Hot Laps on the Grand Prix circuit or the Go-kart rides on the scaled down replica track of the main circuit.

Fishing is, of course, very popular all through the year. Many charter boat firms operate so visitors can fish both the protected waters of Westernport and the open waters of Bass Strait.