A worthy number one, the Blue Mountains area is a World Heritage wilderness site west of Sydney and a favorite escape for people who live in the city. The name of the mountains comes from the blue haze in the air caused by oil droplets from eucalyptus trees mixing with dust particles and water vapor – seen from a distance, the whole landscape is blue.

The landmark Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) lookout point is reached on a seven-mile (11km) there-and-back hike, or you can cycle along a ridgeline in Grose Valley, close to Blackheath. It’s a phenomenal viewpoint towards the rock and across the lush valley.

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