There are not many major cities around the globe which have a World Heritage listed wilderness practically in their very own backyard, but that’s precisely what Sydney, Australia has in the magnificent Blue Mountains. Between the Blue Mountains and another 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 biggest city. Traveling in the other direction is like being teleported into another dimension. One minute you’re in the busy financial center of Sydney and the next 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 the cascading waterfall. The Blue Mountains are an outdoor and adventure lover’s paradise. There are such a lot of trails crisscrossing the hills and canyons of these ranges that avid hikers (or bush walkers, as we say in Australia) can easily spend weeks exploring just the ones around Katoomba or adjoining 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 enjoy the many winding trails which have been created just for his or her enjoyment. If you have never been to the Blue Mountains before, you can see the best of them from Katoomba. Just walk or drive down the main street of town until you come to Echo Point and the famed Three Sisters. You have probably seen these Sisters in pictures, since they’ve been photographed a huge number of times before and been featured in numerous ad campaigns. You will not be disappointed, though, when you “meet” the Sisters in person for the first time. Only then will you actually appreciate the sheer depth of the cliff faces and extent of the surroundings. If you are a climber, you may head straight for the Giant Staircase that takes you to the valley floor and head to the cliff faces, where it is possible to tackle some of the countless classic climbing routes that dot the area. Hikers, too, love to take this staircase and “go bush.” If you are looking to get away from it all but have only a day to undertake it in, by the time you’ve reached the bottom of the stairs you actually have gotten away from it all. Surrounded by nature at its best, from the valley floor the only real signs of civilization you see are the helpful signs that are posted discreetly along Federal Pass, which skirts the fringe of the cliffs between Katoomba and nearby Leura. After a day of hiking or climbing, the lazy or the exhausted might take the world’s steepest railway line up to the top of the cliffs and back to civilization. Incredibly, it is possible to come to the Blue Mountains, do all of these things and still be back home in Sydney in time for dinner. However, you most likely will not be in a rush to leave. That will not be a problem, since finding Blue Mountains luxury accommodation is stress-free. Apart from the many camping grounds in the area, you will find B&Bs, backpackers accommodations, hotels and motels to pick from. Once you’ve checked in, step outside and take a look at the countless great restaurants and cafes along Katoomba Street. Being Blue Mountains locals, they know you will be hungry and in search of a hearty meal. They won’t disappoint you, either!