Introduction to Blackheath

114km (71 miles) W of Sydney; 14km (8 3/4 miles) NW of Katoomba

Blackheath is the highest town in the Blue Mountains at 1,049m (3,441 ft.). The Three Brothers at Blackheath are not as big or as famous as the Three Sisters in Katoomba, but you can climb two of them for fabulous views. Or you could try the Cliff Walk from Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap (named after a surveyor who mapped the region in the 1830s), where there are magnificent views over the Grose Valley and Bridal Veil Falls. The 1 1/2-hour tramp passes through banksia, gum, and wattle forests, with spectacular views of peaks and valleys. If you want a guide in the area, contact Blue Mountains Magic (tel. 02/4787 6354; www.bluemts.com.au), based in Blackheath. The guide, Phil Foster, is a trained botanist.

Blackheath also has some interesting tearooms and antiques shops. The best restaurant here is Vulcans, at 33 Govetts Leap Rd., Blackheath (tel. 02/4787 6899). It's a seriously good eatery with mains costing around A$32 (US$29/£15). The chef makes good use of the wood-fired oven. The signature dish is the glazed duck sausage with pickled beet root. It's open for lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday. Book ahead.