Live the high life Down Under – enjoying the fresh air and stunning panoramic views from these mountain homes, writes Liane Voisey. Rugged mountain ranges are a feature of some of the most beautiful national parks Down Under – many of them with World Heritage status. You’ll often find them next to lush green rainforests, set against vast tracts of empty outback or overlooking dazzling lakes. Of course, many ‘mountains’ in Australia are not nearly as high as you might expect – in fact, some of them are merely picturesque ruffles in the landscape... In New Zealand though, it's a diff erent story. Just head to the South Island to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of its glacier-topped peaks...
A slice of history
Blue Mountains, NSW A$275,000 (£132,843)
This charming home in Katoomba dates back to 1910 and has all the attractive features typical of homes from this era, such as high ceilings, coloured glass panels in the sitting room doors, picture rails, a working fi replace, large windows, polished timber fl oors and decorative ceilings. The property has three bedrooms and one bathroom, with off-street parking and a pleasant outlook over the rooftops of Katoomba, with its steep streets and Art Deco buildings. The house also enjoys stunning views of the mist-wreathed mountains, and it’s well situated too – located around 84 kilometres away from Sydney, you’re not too far from the city! 
Sweeping views
Snowy Mountains, NSW A$450,000 (£217,373)
This two-storey property is perched peacefully on a warm northeasterly outcrop offering sweeping views over the Monaro Plains and the distant, snow-capped mountains. This four-bedroom home in Cooma has an en-suite master bedroom, expansive living areas, a new kitchen, and a further large room upstairs that could be used as a games room or as a home offi ce. Set in nearly four acres of land, it boasts a very private aspect, but is handily situated just one kilometre off the main road, and only five minutes away from central Cooma. A great home for a bigger family or for those with home business ideas.