Beyond Penrith the Great Western Highway climbs into the mountains to take you past a number of delightful towns including Springwood, Faulconbridge, Wentworth Falls and Leura.

In Faulconbridge, there’s a gallery and museum dedicated to the life and works of Norman Lindsay, one of Australia’s most famous artists. Leura Cascades is a popular picnic area set amidst tall eucalypts. Enjoy a walk beside the rapids on Leura Falls Creek down to Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Falls.

The drive from the heart of Sydney to Katoomba takes about 90 minutes via the M4 Motorway. Beyond Penrith the Great Western Highway climbs into the mountains to take you past a number of delightful towns including Springwood, Faulconbridge, Wentworth Falls and Leura.

In Faulconbridge, there’s a gallery and museum dedicated to the life and works of Norman Lindsay, one of Australia’s most famous artists. Leura Cascades is a popular picnic area set amidst tall eucalypts. Enjoy a walk beside the rapids on Leura Falls Creek down to Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Falls.

The Katoomba area lies at the heart of the Blue Mountain's natural wonders. This area is also an ideal base for experiencing the region’s adventure activities. Stop at Katoomba for Scenic World’s railway, cable car, skyway and walkway for views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Scenic World’s railway will plunge you into ancient rainforest.

Marvel at the area’s natural beauty on one of the many walks and hikes. The Grand Canyon Track is a classic mountain walking trail, diving deep into the heart of this World Heritage national park through a luscious green garden of ferns and golden wattles along Greaves Creek.

With its wide choice of places to stay and dining options the Katoomba area makes a great base for exploring the surrounding towns, including Leura, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and the Megalong Valley. Boutique guesthouses are a local specialty.

Packed with natural wonders and several main routes diverge from here.There are 18 trips to choose from that branch off the main route, covering wonderful national parks, vineyards and historic towns from the Upper Hunter, to Mudgee, Goulburn, the Southern Highlands and the Hawkesbury.

Drive from Lithgow to get to the vineyards and farming areas of the Upper Hunter, the Hawkesbury region, Mudgee and Orange. This route follows the Castlereagh Highway and takes you through the beautiful Capertee Valley, between dramatic escarpments of sandstone cliff and native bushland. Abundant in flora and wildlife, this area is recognised internationally as a top bird watching area, and has a dedicated bird watching trail.

Drive southwest from Lithgow on the Greater Western Highway for the Southern Highlands, another wine region. Stop at cellar doors to sample local wines and buy fresh local produce at farm gates. Attractions along the way include deep sandstone gorges, craggy outcrops, creeks, historic villages, winding tree-lined country roads and the famous blue haze of the eucalypt forests.

Another driving route back to Sydney from Lithgow travels through Windsor and along Bells Line of Road. Highlights include the orchards around Bilpin and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah. Australia’s premier cool-climate gardens, Mount Tomah gardens contain one of the world’s largest collections of cool climate plants. You can also explore a beautiful spur road to the gorgeous village of Mount Wilson before rejoining the Great Western Highway at Mount Victoria.

This town is the perfect escape for wine tasting, delicious food and outdoor adventure.The National Trust describes the town as ‘one of the finest groups of townscape in a country area’.

The events calendar is enticing as well. The Mudgee Wine and Food Festival is a fun month-long celebration in spring. You can browse the Mudgee region’s fresh produce at the Mudgee Farmers Market, held on the third Saturday of the month in the grounds of St Mary’s Catholic Church.

From the cellar doors and champion mares to heritage towns and fun festivals, you’ll discover wonderful experiences only a few hours north of Sydney.

You can also explore a convict road, taste delicious fresh produce, and cruise the magnificent Hawkesbury River.

You will also find spectacular waterfalls and wonderful national parks in this beautiful region.

A walk around this 28 hectare estate is a botanic journey with many formal gardens and 'The Jungle' to explore. Find out about this stunning world heritage listed region at the Garden's Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre.

Visitors can wander through this interpretive centre and learn why the Greater Blue Mountains region was made a World Heritage Area.