Head to the Blue Mountains for spectacular bush walks, the famous Three Sisters rock formation and the magical Jenolan Caves. Take a day trip on one of the many bus tours – Australian Pacific (01300655965 cannot be dialled internationally) is a good one, and costs $117 ($58.00 under-14s) – or stay overnight in the plethora of top class hotels, chintzy B & Bs and budget backpacker hostels. If you go in July you’ll experience the bizarre Yulefest, when the locals pretend it’s Christmas and deck their halls.

Another popular day trip is to the Hunter Valley for wine tasting. Activity Tours Australia (+61299045730) charges $95 per person.

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