Roadtrip to the Megalong Valley via Blackheath & the Blue Mountains

Roadtrip Sydney to Megalong Valley road trip including Blackheath…

…one of the Blue Mountains’ most charming and underrated towns. 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.

Total Distance: approximately 135 km one way.  Total drive time: approximately 2.5–3 hours (without stopping).

Whilst very doable as a day trip, why not mosey on up the Blue Mountains soaking in the pretty villages, 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 in search primarily of more pastoral land. You can travel through the Blue Mountains by train, but not directly to the Megalong Valley. 

Start: Sydney CBD

• Departure time: 8:00 AM recommended

Stop 1: Parramatta – what already? Time for breakfast, snack or a coffee?

• Distance: 24 km Drive Time: about 30 minutes

• Highlights:

  • Circa Espresso or Paper Plane Café

  • Optional short walk in Parramatta Park

  • Explore Old Government House (UNESCO World Heritage)

• Time: ~1 hour

Got little ones in tow?

Stop 2: Featherdale Wildlife Park (Doonside/Blacktown)

• Distance from Parramatta: 18 km. Drive Time: about 20 minutes

• Highlights:

  • Get up close with koalas, kangaroos, and wombats

  • Great for families or visitors new to Aussie wildlife

• Time: ~1–1.5 hours

Stop 3: Glenbrook – Lower Blue Mountains Gateway

• Distance from Featherdale: 32 km | Drive Time: ~30–35 min

• Highlights:

  • Red Hands Cave (Aboriginal rock art, 1–1.5 hour return walk)

  • Tunnel View Lookout for panoramic valley views

• Alternative: Light café stop in Glenbrook Village

• Time: ~45–60 min

Stop 4: Leura – Garden Village & Lunch

• Distance from Glenbrook: 45 km | Drive Time: ~45 min

• Highlights:

  • Lunch at Leura Garage, Wayzgoose Café, or Bon Ton

  • Stroll through boutique stores along Leura Mall

  • Visit Everglades House & Gardens (1930s art deco property with stunning views)

• Time: ~1.5–2 hours

Stop 5: Echo Point Lookout (Katoomba)

• Distance from Leura: 5 km | Drive Time: ~10 min

• Highlights:

  • Views of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley

  • Optional short walks: Three Sisters Walk or Giant Stairway (partial)

• Time: 30–60 min

Stop 6: Blackheath – Mountains High Point

• Distance from Echo Point: 12 km | Drive Time: ~15 min

• Highlights:

  • Govetts Leap Lookout – one of the most dramatic views in the Blue Mountains

  • Optional short walks: Evans Lookout, Grand Canyon Walk (for hikers)

  • Coffee or dessert at Anonymous Café or Victory Café in town

• Time: ~1 hour

Final Destination: Megalong Valley

• Distance from Blackheath: 15 km | Drive Time: ~25–30 min via Megalong Valley Road

• Highlights:

  • Scenic descent into the valley with breathtaking escarpment views

  • Megalong Valley Tea Rooms – legendary tea and scones

  • Dryridge Estate & Megalong Creek Estate – local wine tastings with epic views

  • Horse riding (Euroka or Megalong Valley Farm) or walks on Six Foot Track

• Time: Spend your afternoon here or plan to stay overnight

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. The Megalong Valley offers a great destination for 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.