Exploring the Great Blue Mountains, Sydney's nature playground

While not a common sight, observant walkers may see Australia’s iconic Koala. — Photos DAVID BOWDEN

Few cities in the world are blessed with such a large natural playground on their doorstep – over one million hectares, actually (in addition, there is a buffer zone covering 86,200ha).

Australia’s Great Blue Mountains Area Unesco World Heritage Site, to the west and north of Sydney in New South Wales, comprises eight national parks and other conservation reserves that protect great expanses of sandstone plateaus and escarpments blanketed in eucalyptus forests.