Roadtrip Sydney to Upper Blue Mountains

Roadtrip Sydney to Upper Blue Mountains – Explore the Majestic

Route Overview:

• Distance: Approximately 110–120 km.
• Drive Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours of driving, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Take the scenic Roadtrip Sydney to Upper Blue Mountains and back, and you’re up for a relaxed, fun filled adventure. This itinerary is just what you need! You’ll get lungfuls of fresh mountain air and seriously stunning scenery as you pass orchards, vineyard, quaint towns and get to check out some cool historical sites along the way.

There is also some incredible secret swimming holes we’ve included to take a dip here and there. And, on your way home, why not take a chilled-out drive through Mount Victoria, swing by Little Hartley, and maybe even hit up Kurrajong on the way back? It’s going to be a scenic ride, trust us. There’s some pretty unique things to do and see there, plus you can kick back and relax in your hand picked, Travellarks accommodation in the Hawkesbury region.

1. Sydney to Glenbrook, NSW

• Distance: Approx. 85 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr 15 min
• Via the Bells Line of Road (B59) accessible from North Parramatta in Sydney’s northwest.
• Welcome to Glenbrook Gorge – 
  1. Drive to Glenbrook and turn onto Bruce Road near the town’s shops and railway station.
  2. Follow Bruce Road until you see signs for the Glenbrook Gorge Picnic Area.
  3. Turn left onto Hare Street and follow it to the picnic area entrance.
  4. Park and follow the walking tracks to access the gorge (less than a km)
  5. Stretch your legs (take a hike), picnic or have a dip at JellyBean Pools – a cherished local gem with a sandy bottom and shallow depth great for families and perfect for swimming. You can reach it by the Jellybean Track, a short, easy walk from the Glenbrook Gorge Picnic Area.

2. Glenbrook to Springwood – Home of Artist Norman Lindsay

• Distance: Approx. 5 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 4 min
• Welcome to Springwood – where Norman Lindsay lived for over 60 years! Once your art immersion has left you, take in the scenery or immerse yourself in the beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. With its Art Show (check the dates), cafes, boutique shopping, and vibrant community events, Springwood invites visitors to soak up its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. And don’t forget to explore the surrounding natural wonders (there’s great walking trails) to see cascading waterfalls to fabulous lookout points. Don’t miss the Springwood Aquatic Centre is you’d prefer this to a water hole!

3. Springwood to Bilpin, NSW

Distance: Approx. 20 km
Drive Time: Approx. 25 min

• Welcome to Bilpin – After soaking in some art, why not pick apples as Bilpin is known for its orchards, especially apples. Stop by and pick your own apples (seasonal) at Bilpin Fruit Bowl or enjoy fresh fruit at a local café. Don’t miss Bilpin Fruit Market for fresh local produce and homemade treats.

• Drive for a minute or two along the Bells Line of Rd ,then pull off to Hillbilly Cider on the right. Enjoy a free cider tasting with a very welcoming team and discover a fantastic selection of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic ciders made from 100% Bilpin Mountains locally grown apples. Don’t miss their delicious pizzas – a must-try!

4. Bilpin to Leura, NSW

Distance: Approx. 30 km
Drive Time: Approx. 30 min

• Welcome to Leura –  The popular popular tourist attractions include the very sweet Toy and Railway Museum, the Everglades Historic House and Gardens, and a visit to Leura Cascades. Then there’s Sublime Point Lookout for spectacular views.
• Leura village is a bustling village with a population of around 3,000, making it significantly larger than Mount Victoria, Bilpin, and Little Hartley. There are plenty of boutiques and eateries like Red Door Cafe, Madame Wang’s, or Leura Gourmet. If you want shopping, Leura Mall has a mix of good boutiques – Teddy Sinclair, Leura Vintage and Maharani Boutique. You can spend hours here – walk away with a new wardrobe even, or a fully belly!

5. Leura to Katoomba, NSW

• Distance: Approx. 2.1 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 5 min
• Welcome to Katoomba – home of Australia’s natural wonder – The Three Sisters! Definitely don’t miss this and Scenic World is a blast with its crazy railway and skyway rides – it’s like a theme park over the spectacular views and if you’re into artsy stuff, swing by the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre for some cool exhibitions and workshops. Check out the political street murals and local markets with beautifully handmade crafts, jewellery, locally produced goods, delicious food, and live music. Whether it’s the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Markets, the Katoomba Street Art Markets, or other seasonal events, Katoomba’s markets are a must-visit!
• Adrenaline seekers will love the canyoning tours, abseiling and wildlife spotting while others will find theirs in exploring the local boutiques and galleries. Experience the regions indigenous history at heritage sites and guided tours and storytelling. feeling Hungry? Try Basil Nut, Pomegranate, Avalon and Little Paris Cafe,  Station Bar and Wood Fire Pizza.

6. Katoomba to Mount Victoria, NSW

• Distance: Approx.17 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 16 min
• Welcome to Mount Victoria – a quaint little village and a good pitstop if you need a break during your drive. Beans and Bites is an ideal spot to grab a good coffee and homemade, inexpensive treat—don’t miss Lisa’s famous sausage rolls and savory quiches with fillings like capsicum or mushroom and chives. It’s a local favourite for a reason!

• And be sure to check out the incredible views from Pulpit Rock- not to be confused with the busier Pulpit Rock Blackheath overlooking Grose Valley. Park at the end of the sealed road and walk just 50 meters to the lookout for sweeping views over the Kanimbla Valley, located along the escarpment south of Mount Piddington.
• If you have time, or it’s raining, or you’ve just done a big hike, why not catch a movie at Mount Vic Flicks? We love this theatre! It’s clearly beloved by the locals too and run by a passionate family in a revamped 1930s public hall. It almost doesn’t matter what you see, (and there’s classical, mainstream and arthouse films) but the delicious homemade treats, tea in china mugs and old-fashioned ticket reel will have you charmed! If that isn’t enough, tickets are cheap (so is the snack bar) and it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. We believe it’s the heart and soul of Mount Victoria.
• If you don’t have time for a movie or you’d prefer something else, browse the eclectic antiques and mid century Diaz – Stein Gallery, or The Restore Essentials for a little wellness products. Or you might enjoy a visit to the Mount Victoria Museum. Located in the heritage-listed 1868 Railway Station (and run by volunteers), it showcases vintage costumes, pottery, railway tableware, and exhibits on local mining history and the development of the area.

7. Mount Victoria to Little Hartley, NSW

• Distance: Approx. 10 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 12mins
• Welcome to Little Hartley – the land of apples!  This little village doesn’t disappoint, with a rich history, tasty eats and farm-fresh apples. Have a wander or join a tour of the Heritage listed Courthouse, enjoy treats at Café Hartley and don’t miss the local Talisman demonstrating his craft,

8. Little Hartley to Kurrajong, NSW

• Via Bells Line of Road.
• Distance: Approx. 43 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 56 min
• Welcome to Kurrajong – You’ve got these cute little historic buildings scattered around, giving off major cosy vibes, and there’s always something cool to check out at the artisanal shops and galleries. Plus, when you’re feeling peckish, head to The Village Kitchen or The Deli on Queen or The Church Bar, Schembrae’s and Woodfire Pizza in a historic church building, selling craft beers, great pizza and locally sourced wines. Don’t forget the bushwalks, horseback rides, winery tours and Richmond Good Food Market. You’ll get some sweet views staying in Travellarks accommodation in Kurrajong.

9. Kurrajong to Sydney

And when it’s time to go home and your Roadtrip Sydney to Upper Blue Mountains comes to an end, perhaps it’s time to check out our other adventures and plan your next one!

If you think this area sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.