The Holiday Hunter

Retford Park is one of the Southern Highlands’ most celebrated heritage properties, combining grand architecture, beautifully designed gardens, and a rich history. Built in 1887 by businessman Samuel Hordern, the house is a striking example of Victorian Italianate design, set among sweeping grounds that showcase the Highlands’ elegance and charm.   In the late 20th century, Retford Park became the home of philanthropist James Fairfax AC of the Fairfax publishing family, who lovingly restored and expanded the gardens. Fairfax was deeply devoted to the estate, creating a cultural and horticultural treasure that reflected both his personal passions and his family’s legacy. In 2016, he gifted Retford Park to the National Trust of Australia (NSW), ensuring its preservation for future generations.   The gardens are a highlight for visitors, with manicured hedges, rose beds, lush lawns, and parkland dotted with sculptures and exotic plantings. Seasonal colours bring the groun...

The Barangaroo to Circular Quay ferry is one of Sydney’s most scenic short trips on the harbour. In less than 15 minutes, you glide past some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks — the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the bustling waterfront of Darling Harbour. For visitors, it’s not just public transport — it’s a sightseeing cruise at a fraction of the cost.   Departing from Barangaroo Wharf, the ferry hugs the harbour foreshore, offering incredible views of Sydney’s skyline. It’s the perfect way to connect two of Sydney’s most vibrant precincts: Barangaroo, with its parks, dining, and modern architecture, and Circular Quay, the gateway to the Opera House, The Rocks, and ferries to Manly, Taronga Zoo, and beyond.   Whether you’re a commuter, a day-tripper, or a tourist looking for a cheap harbour cruise, the Barangaroo to Circular Quay ferry is a must-do. Grab a seat outside for the best photos, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you experience Sydney...

Nestled in the heart of the Megalong Valley , just a short drive from Blackheath, Blackheath Glen Reserve is a quiet bushland escape beside the Megalong Creek . Surrounded by tall gum trees and lush greenery, it’s a popular spot for picnics, camping, and riverside relaxation . The sound of the creek bubbling through the reserve creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustle of the Blue Mountains villages above.   The reserve has basic facilities including toilets and picnic tables, but like many valley campgrounds, there are no showers and little to no phone reception — making it a perfect place to unplug. Wildlife is part of the experience too: kangaroos, wallabies, and native birdlife are regular visitors, and the cool shade makes it a great spot to camp in summer.   Beyond the campground, the Megalong Valley offers plenty to explore. Nearby you’ll find scenic drives, the historic Megalong Cemetery , charming tea rooms , and access to some o...

The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail , just outside Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, is a magical pocket of temperate rainforest that feels a world away from the dry eucalypt forests above. The short 1 km loop track winds gently through towering coachwood trees , lush tree ferns, and mossy gullies, creating a cool, green wonderland perfect for slow exploration.   For photographers, this trail is pure paradise. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating dramatic beams of light and shadow. The details are irresistible — delicate fungi on rotting logs, textured tree bark, sparkling drops of water, and the vivid greens of ferns and mosses. In every season, the forest offers new moods, from misty mornings to glowing afternoon light.   The trail is accessible for most walkers and takes less than an hour, but many linger much longer, camera in hand. With its rainforest ambience, abundant photo opportunities, and tranquil atmosphere, the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is one of t...

Tucked away in the tranquil Megalong Valley near Blackheath, the Blackheath Glen Reserve is a peaceful riverside spot that combines natural beauty with historic charm. Shaded by tall eucalypts and bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the Megalong Creek , it’s a favourite for picnics, camping, and simply soaking up the quiet atmosphere of the Blue Mountains.   The reserve is a popular place to camp or stop for the day, with grassy areas ideal for tents or a family picnic. Birdsong, rustling leaves, and the bubbling creek create a sense of calm, while kangaroos and other wildlife often wander nearby. The surrounding Megalong Valley is rich in history, with remnants of old shale mining and farming adding to the experience.   Blackheath Glen Reserve makes a perfect base for exploring the Megalong Valley. From here you can enjoy nearby bushwalks, scenic drives, and visits to local attractions like the historic Megalong Cemetery , tea rooms, and lookouts across the vall...

Dunphys Campground is a remote and picturesque spot tucked away in the Megalong Valley , within the Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales. Surrounded by rolling green paddocks and dramatic escarpments, it’s a favourite base for bushwalkers, campers, and adventurers wanting to explore the rugged wilderness of the southern Blue Mountains. The campground is unpowered, offering grassy areas for tents and camper trailers, and has basic facilities like toilets, picnic tables, and fireplaces.   What makes Dunphys especially appealing is its location at the edge of the wilderness. From here, you can set off on some of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic hikes, including routes toward Mount Cloudmaker, Kanangra Walls, Narrow Neck Plateau , and the famous “Three Peaks” challenge. It’s also a fantastic spot for birdwatching and photography, with wedge-tailed eagles soaring above, wallabies grazing in the fields, and misty mornings that make the valley feel magical.   While ac...

✨ Step into the wonder of Echoes – Luna Light Journey at the historic Bella Vista Farm , one of Sydney’s oldest surviving homesteads! From 5 September to 6 October 2025 , this after-dark spectacular transforms the farm into a glowing world of floral light fields, dazzling laser tunnels, interactive soundscapes, and breathtaking projections that the whole family will love.   Built in the 1800s, Bella Vista Farm has stood through the ages as a pioneering estate once home to Elizabeth and John Macarthur , who helped shape Australia’s farming history. Families can wander light-filled pathways that celebrate the Dharug people’s knowledge of the skies , discover the stories of early settlers, and explore echoes of the farm’s once-thriving citrus orchards—brought to life through colour, light, and sound.   With food trucks, wide open spaces, and magical installations designed to delight kids and adults alike, Echoes is more than just a lightshow—it’s a family adventure throu...

Step into a world of colour and imagination with Sweet Dreams , one of the most enchanting light installations at Vivid Sydney 2025 . This dazzling display transforms the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylons into a sugary dreamscape filled with oversized treats like shiny gumballs, pastel macarons, and buttery popcorn. Created by the renowned Spinifex Group , the projection brings to life a playful Rube Goldberg-style machine , where biscuits tumble, candies roll, and cupcakes bounce in a rhythmic dance of light and movement. Sweet Dreams is just one highlight of this year’s Vivid Sydney festival, themed “Dream – a vision of light, harmony, and a future in balance.” With over 40 mesmerising installations across five key precincts— The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line, and the Inner City —Vivid Sydney 2025 promises to be a celebration of creativity, technology, and wonder. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, Sweet Dreams is a must-see for anyone explorin...

Prepare to be mesmerized by the Valley of the Waters , a hidden treasure in Wentworth Falls, nestled within the breathtaking Blue Mountains of New South Wales! This magical spot is renowned for its serene beauty, lush rainforests, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply a nature lover seeking tranquillity, this place will steal your heart with its unforgettable sights and sounds. The adventure begins with the Valley of the Waters Track , a stunning 1.5-kilometre trail that leads you through lush terrain, past towering cliffs and vibrant flora, while offering spectacular views of cascading waterfalls like the majestic Empress Falls and the serene Sylvia Falls . The sound of rushing water and the lush greenery will transport you to another world, making this one of the most picturesque spots in the Blue Mountains. As you descend into the valley, the track unfolds a mesmerizing landscape—dense rainforest, moss-covered rocks, and towering eucalyptus ...

Winifred Falls is a hidden gem nestled in the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney. This picturesque waterfall is a serene oasis, perfect for a rejuvenating swim or a peaceful picnic. With its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking rock formations, Winifred Falls is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The adventure begins at the trailhead on Warumbul Road, where limited parking is available. To make the most of your visit, be sure to arrive early and prepare for a moderate 3.5 km return hike with some steep sections. The trail, a fire trail with rocky and uneven terrain, leads you through lush bushland before descending towards the falls. Be mindful of your footing as you navigate the final stretch to the cascading waters. Once you reach Winifred Falls, you'll be greeted by the sight of water flowing gracefully over a sandstone ledge into a tranquil pool. Take a refreshing dip in the calm waters or relax on the flat rock platforms surrounding the f...

Experience the ultimate outdoor adventure at Bungonia Campground, where you can enjoy the simple comforts of nature while exploring one of NSW's most thrilling national parks. Whether you're spelunking through caves, navigating the canyons of Bungonia or Jerrara Creek, scaling the limestone cliffs of Bungonia Slot Canyon, or trekking along the park's scenic trails, this campground is the perfect home base for all your wilderness escapades. After a day of adrenaline-pumping activities, return to the campground to indulge in hot showers, a cozy cooking area, and even gas heating in the camp kitchen during the chilly winter months. Need a space to gather and plan your next adventure? Look no further than the small conference room available for hire right next to the kitchen. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos grazing at sunrise and sunset, goannas emerging from their slumber to explore the campground in the summer, and even koalas spotted in the nearby trees. Take a leisurely...