Jane Recommends

Blue Mountains

3 sisters

Just outside of Sydney is the magnificent Blue Mountains National Park. This would have to be one of the most popular day excursions for visitors to Sydney. In only 2 hrs you leave the buzz of the city behind and enter a region of spectacular canyons, rock formations, wildlife and tranquility. The Blue Mountains have long been a favourite weekend getaway with Sydneysiders who enjoy everything from bushwalking to fossicking in Antique shops. An excellent insight into the Mountains is The Edge Cinema. This is a giant 3D screen which shows an excellent short film on the Blue Mountains. You will really appreciate the special and fragile environment you are visiting after seeing the documentary.

Blue Mountains Accommodation

Lilianfels

3 Star: Leura Gardens Resort
Set on 4.5 acres of old English gardens, the Leura Gardens Resort is a beautiful haven to relax and enjoy the relaxed pace of the mountains. The Resort also offers many activities such as tennis and a heated swimming pool which is great for families.

3 Star: The Oaks Spires at Leura
Set on 3 acres of landscaped grounds, the self catering apartments and villas are ideal for families looking for the space and facilities of an apartment.

4.5 Star: Peppers Fairmont Resort
The splendour and glamour of a bygone era are relived in this magnificent resort, set in beautifully landscaped grounds and overlooking the spectacular Jamison Valley.

5 Star: Lilianfels
This is the most luxurious accommodation in the mountains and has one of the best locations perched on the side of the Jamison Valley.

Blue Mountains
Touring

Mount 'n' Beach Safaris offer a full day soft adventure 4WD tour which take you off the well beaten tourist track. You will have the opportunity to see Kangaroos in the wild and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a natural bush setting. This is small personalised touring ideal for couples and small family groups. If you have little more time then an overnight tour that combines the luxury of Lilianfels with Mount 'n' Beach Safaris 2 day tour is a more relaxed way of enjoying this beautiful area.

Blue Mountains Luxury Tour - Australian Wild Escapes will show you the famous Blue Mountains in style as well as discovering places that you would never known had existed. For a more relaxed pace they also offer an overnight tour staying at the luxurious Lilianfels.

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

vinyard

The Hunter Valley is another favourite weekend getaway with Sydneysiders. This wine growing region 2hrs north of Sydney is home to some of the best vineyards in Australia. This is a great place to visit if you are into eating and drinking! There are some magnificent resorts and guesthouses as well as superb restaurants. You can enjoy a few tastings and let someone else do the driving on a tour or hire a car and overnight.

Hunter Valley Accommdation

 

Peppers

4 Star: The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley is a superb, colonial style hotel nestled in the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges. Located in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country and set on a 100 hectare estate.

4 Star: The Oaks Pokolbin Hill Chateau Resort
Fully self contained accommodation ideal for young families. The resort also has an all day dining facility.

4.5 Star: The Hunter Resort Country Estate
Nestled in its own vineyard with an excellent restaurant. Great value for money.

4.5 Star: Peppers Guest House
An icon in the Hunter Valley and part of the same group of hotels as the Convent. Deluxe accommodation with all the facilities of a 5 star hotel set in magnificent grounds.

5 Star: Peppers Convent
This is exclusive guesthouse style accommodation with a magnificent restaurant.

5 Star: Tower Lodge
In a climate of rare tranquillity Tower Lodge has been designed as the ultimate retreat for discerning guests requiring exclusivity.

Hunter Valley
Touring

2 Day Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Experience
This is a very relaxed way to enjoy the Hunter Valley with a choice of overnight accommodation.

Magnificent Hunter Valley Wine Country 1 Day Tour
This full day tour includes lunch and tastings. This is definitely the best way to see the vineyards in a day without having to worry about drinking and driving.

Hunter Valley Luxury Tour - Australian Wild Escapes offer a small, luxury group tour. This 5 star eco tour operator takes you to locations away from the normal tourist track where you will enjoy gourmet food and fine wine.

Self Drive Touring: Hertz car hire ranges in price depending on the length of hire and type of car required.