Roadtrip Sydney to Megalong Valley via Blackheath, Blue Mountains
This roadtrip is planned to take in the dotted towns along the way whether you’re a couple, with friends or a family, keeping drive times and distances practical while highlighting fabulous attractions along with way. Blackheath is one of the Blue Mountains’ most charming and underrated towns.
- Total Distance: approximately 135 km one way.Â
- Total drive time: approximately 2.5–3 hours (without stopping).
Whilst very doable as a day trip, it’s a lot to do well. Why not mosey up the Blue Mountains soaking in the pretty villages as you drive, and book your stay in Megalong Valley at  Sunrise Lodge, Megalong Valley or The Homestead, Megalong Valley or both for a crowd. That way you enjoy wine tasting without the thought of driving! And you can spread out places to & from Megalong Valley.
Early Colonial Life – Blue Mountains
Absorbing the hues that those early European adventurers and explorers found. Unlike our early settlers, take to the comfort of a car and go by road. The original explorers of this region – a farmer, Gregory Blaxland led the expedition in 1813 – with Wentworth, an adventurer, and Lawson, a surveyor, joining him. They journeyed steep ridges, through rough terrain being the first recorded crossing by Europeans of the Blue Mountains. They were in search primarily of more pastoral land. You can travel through the Blue Mountains by train, but not directly to the Megalong Valley.Â
Start: Sydney CBDÂ Departure 8:00 AM (recommended)
Stop 1: Parramatta – Time for breakfast, snack or a coffee? Or a dollop of colonial history?
- Distance: 24 km
- Drive Time: about 30 minutes.
Highlights:
Circa Espresso boasts (quite rightly) freshly roasted, expertly created specialty coffees alongside a seasonal menu with a Middle Eastern flair. If you’re a tea enthusiast or chai chaser, sip the highest quality teas at Gatehouse Tea Rooms in a heritage listed cottage built in 1887 and located in Parramatta Park with its surrounding gardens. It was granted World Heritage Listing by UNESCO in 2007. Set mostly outdoors if you’re taking international guests you can offer a taste of heritage and the smell of eucalyptus flora that are studded across the park.
Not in a hurry? Go ahead and explore Old Government House (UNESCO World Heritage) which is the oldest surviving public building in Australia, and a former convict site. With limited opening hours (check online) the story of Australia’s forced convict migration unfolds.
Alternatively take a short walk and grab a coffee / quick or big bite in Parramatta Park. Parramatta Park is an oasis of greenery, a rippling creek, walkers and cyclers where you can also slip in for a coffee or belated breakkie at MISC and has easy parking too. A lovely spot to begin your journey.
Time: approx. 1 hour
Old Government House, Parramatta, NSW.                                        Credit: National Trust
Got little ones in tow and need to get the ”wildlife out” of the car’s back seat for a run-around? How about heading to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
(Optional) Stop 2: Featherdale Wildlife Park (Blacktown)Â
Distance from Parramatta: 18 km. Drive Time: about 20 minutes
Highlights: open 7 days, from 8am to 5pm
Get up close with Australian marsupials for example koalas, kangaroos, wombats with over 2,000 native animals in their care and 68 endangered species. Hand feed wallabies & kangaroos in three walk-through habitats. Great for families or visitors new to Aussie wildlife
Time: allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Stop 3: Glenbrook – Lower Blue Mountains Gateway
- Distance from Featherdale: 32 km
- Drive Time: approximately 30 to 35 minutes
Highlights:
Red Hands Cave (Aboriginal rock art, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hour return walk) if you don’t bird watch the lorrikeets or xxx or have a picnic!
As the name implies, you are about to witness aboriginal bushlands trekked thousands of years ago by traditional custodians of this land, the Darug and Gundungurra peoples. Red Hands Cave is reached via Red Hands Cave loop walking track, an 8Km path of medium to difficult (Grade 3) along Campfire Creek. Alternatively, you can also drive 13km past the park entry to Red Hands carpark, along The Oaks trail and Red Hands trail, for a 1km return walk. In hot weather you can go for a picnic and swim in the pools along Blue Pools walking track. Check online for opening hours to the area, including park fees.
Visit Tunnel View Lookout for panoramic valley views. This is an unfenced look out, so we urge caution, especially with children. And the views are worth it! You’ll see across to Glenbrook and on a fine day over towards Kurrajong, almost 50km away. Soak in the valley views, birdwatching, and wildflowers at this popular Glenbrook lookout in Blue Mountains National Park, a favourite for all ages and a hidden gem for train enthusiasts. On your way back from Megalong or Blackheath, complete the Glenbrook tour with stops at Nepean Lookout and a swim or bird watch at Jellybean track.
Time: allow 45 to 60 minutes, without swims or picnics.
Stop 4: Leura – Garden Village & Time for Lunch?
- Distance from Glenbrook: 45 km
- Drive Time: approximately 45 min
Highlights:
Take a stroll through the boutique stores along Leura Mall and side streets, there are lots of lovely finds. The National Trust are custodians of Everglades House & Gardens. This is a 1930s art deco heritage residence that’s wrapped by exquisite gardens. Admired by garden lovers from all over the world, the garden is unique, representing the inter-war period gardens i.e. 1915-1940. This reflects a time of austerity with elements like dry-stone walls and represented the period’s decadence and functional practicality. Check online for opening days & times and don’t forget their tearooms where, if it’s later in the day, Devonshire tea is served. If you slipped into one of gourmet delis to scamper for picnic bits, there are lush lawns at Everglades. So remember the picnic blanket too.
Alternatively, take a wander and let your taste buds lead the way – who knows what delicious surprise you’ll stumble upon! Will it be Mr Collins of Leura? Or @Gia Cafe & Bistro? or @Cafe.Sana.Leura? Maybe @Sparrows Leura?
Time: indulge for 1 to 2 hours, no regrets
Stop 5: Echo Point Lookout (Katoomba). It’s just around the corner from Leura!
- Distance from Leura: 5 km
- Drive Time: about 10 minutes
Highlights: Here’s the must see visit to view the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley
Optional short walks: Three Sisters Walk or Giant Stairway (partial). Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour
Stop 6: Blackheath: A Blue Mountains High Point
- Distance from Echo Point: 12 km
- Drive Time: ~15 min
Highlights:
Govett’s Leap Lookout enjoy one of the most dramatic views in the Blue Mountains. Govett’s Leap and Evans Lookout provide views of the Grose Valley. Optional short walks: Evans Lookout, Grand Canyon Walk (for hikers). A trip down into the valley will lead you to Edenderry and Hilary Falls.
A bit peckish? Head to the famous Victory Café in town, which also houses the eclectic Victory Antique Centre if that’s your thing.
Time:Â Depends if you walk or its a pitstop only because Megalong Valley is next. When staying at Dry Ridge Estate at either The Homestead or Sunrise Lodge (or both!), Blackheath is your last food & supplies pitstop. Otherwise it’s about 20 minutes’ drive from the heart of the Megalong Valley.
Final Destination: Descend into the Megalong Valley from Blackheath.
- Distance from Blackheath: 15 km
- Drive Time: about 25–30 minutes via Megalong Valley Road
Highlights:
Begin your scenic descent into the valley with breath-taking escarpment views. If you didn’t take a break in Blackheath, pop into the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms – line up (literally) for legendary tea and scones set in historic tearoom set amidst the stunning sandstone escarpment of the Blue Mountains. Open 7 days a week 9am-3pm and be prepared to queue.
About 10 minutes later arrive at your wine estate destination at Dryridge Estate at Megalong Valley for accommodation at either The Homestead for 8 guests or Sunrise Lodge for 4 guests, plus local wine tastings with epic views. Ever thought you’d do wine tasting in the Blue Mountains? The Megalong Valley is proof.
Time: Spend your afternoon here or plan to stay overnight at Dryridge Estate’s luxurious accommodation.
TIPS: Adjust your Roadtrip to NSW’s Blue Mountains itinerary to suit your pace and interests. It isn’t far and in winter caution for road users with often slippery, icy conditions. Never travel in a hurry.
In summer equally conditions can get very hot, so take water in the car, and good walking shoes, and plan your route in advance to make the most of the many pitstops available. Tell people where you’re going. The Megalong Valley offers a great destination for a wedding, wine tasting and celebrations and we recommend booking a stay to ensure your driving safety.
If staying in the Megalong Valley, take provisions with you or shop at Blackheath before you get there – shopping is very limited.
If you think The Megalong Valley sounds like an amazing holiday destination, why not see our Stays with a WOW accommodation.
