Mr & Mrs Smith

What makes the swag camp unusual is its peaceful location in the less-visited south-west of the Blue Mountains National Park, far from the madding tourist crowds that swarm to the money-shot sights at hub towns Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls, a couple of hours' drive to the north-east. Sure, you're further from the classic Mountains must-sees (the Three Sisters rock pinnacles at Echo Point lookout at Katoomba have inspired a million clicking cameras), but you'll get a chance to chill out in the bush alone and catch wildlife sightings undisturbed (six-foot-long gohannas hang out regularly on trees around the camp's al fresco dining area, while grey kangaroos, wombat, platypus, echidna and black wedge-tailed eagles are regular visitors).

Set on a farmer's private land in a sheltered valley on the banks of the Wollondilly River, the camp is surrounded by native bush, including eucalypts, stringy bark and scribbly gums, with hills and mountains beckoning from all sides. Enjoy bush walks along old stock routes and tracks in the local area with the camp's experienced guide, who can also teach you to fish (he's a passionate fly-fisher) in the bubbling river that winds around the camp. Catch carp and trout, or just hop in for a swim or donut river ride to cool off. Kayak trips are a must too, with several low-level rapids to enjoy, and the chance to get up close and personal with reclusive platypus, who've been known to come right up to guests in the water. Paddle out in the mornings to watch them feed and frolic.

If you've got the cash to burn you can helicopter into the nearby mountains or historic nearby mining ghost town Yerranderie from Sydney on arrival in the morning and walk a half-day downhill through the bush  to camp (you'll feel you've earned your grilled prawn and gourmet salad lunch on arrival). 'Coptering in to camp over the mountains is an adventure in itself (dubbed 'heli-swagging'), and if you want to combine a trip to the wildbush luxury of the swag camp with a visit afterwards to the highlights of the National Park further north it's easily arranged. The Blue Mountains' landscape is famous for its cocktail of gorges, cliffs and striking rock formations, so think wild Jurassic Park, though, not cutesy countryside.

As well as hiking and picnicing at local lookouts, you can take a trip to the nearby Wombeyan Caves, and tour its limestone cave system (or drive to the Jenolan Caves, further afield). Then relax by sinking a pint with locals in quaint country town Taralga. Everything's flexible at the swag camp, and as it's only ever hired by one group, you and your posse can decide what you fancy doing when, from mega-macho treks to less-is-more lazing, and the guides will endeavour to make it happen. Smith defies anyone not to repeat the phrase 'getting away from it all.'

Break up the drive from Sydney to the swag camp with a lunch stop in historic colonial village Berrima, which boasts elegant 1830s Georgian architecture and a rustic/nostalgic English charm. The White Horse Inn, (+61 (0)2 4877 1204; www.whitehorseinn.com.au) at The Marketplace, serves up breakfast, Devonshire teas and tasty dinners in an 1832 building. Choose between six private dining rooms, a coffee shop and a garden courtyard.

There aren't many bars in bushland, but you can pick up some premium cool-climate wines at boutique winery Joadja (+61 (0)2 4878 5236; www.joadja.com), the oldest vineyard in the Southern Highlands. It's at the corner of Greenhills and Joadja roads in Berrima en route to the swag camp and its car park is the pick-up point to meet your camp guide if you're self-driving. Owners Kim (who sports a jaunty beret) and Frances offer about eight wines and two fortifieds, including both reds and whites (try the passionfruit-infused 2008 Sauvignon Blanc), with tastings at the cellar door. Joadja's elderly Australian cattle dog adds to the appeal.

The Magpie Cafe (+61 (0)2 4877 2008; www.magpiccafe.com.au), on Hume Highway next to The Cottage in quaint village Berrima, is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as great coffee and desserts, served up in a trad wood-beamed building with pretty decorative touches and an outdoor terrace. The Old Bakery Tea Room (+61 (0)2 4877 1343) on Wingecarribee Street, is worth a visit too.