The Blue Mountains are a short hop from Sydney. The region is part of the Great Dividing Range and gets its iconic blue haze from tiny eucalyptus oil droplets hanging in the air. It’s got that magic, moody look even on sunny days. Travellers come for cosy mountain towns, hiking trails for every level and jaw-dropping viewpoints like Echo Point, home to the famous Three Sisters. If you’re chasing fresh air and big scenery without going off-grid, this is your spot.