Not only do Sydneysiders enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines, but a 90-minute trip west deposits them in a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range full of cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and groves of ancient fern trees. Once a prehistoric sea bed, the Blue Mountains were created by sedimentary rock being lifted until it formed plateaus, cliffs and craggy outcroppings. During the subsequent erosion, strange figures were left behind, including the three sandstone pillars called the Three Sisters.

In the early days of Australia’s colonization, the mountains (which stand about 3,500 feet high) posed an obstacle to explorers seeking farmland for the growing population. Now they’re a favorite escape from the city’s heat and noise, as well as an adventure playground for rock climbing, mountain biking, rappelling and bushwalking.

If you have a little time, spend a night in the quaint town of Katoomba at a cozy bed-and-breakfast such as the Melba House or at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, a 19th-century homestead transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel. Rise early to catch the characteristic blue haze — caused by light hitting the evaporated oil from eucalyptus trees — that enshrouds the mountains.

CityRail trains depart almost hourly from Sydney Central Station for Blue Mountains towns including Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath. Or take a day tour from Sydney with a company such as Blue Diamond Tours.