Things to do around Megalong Valley and Blackheath

Need a fresh dose of inspiration for planning a day trip or weekend getaway to Megalong Valley and Blackheath, NSW? Step into the heart of the Australian bush, where ancient landscapes stretch endlessly beneath brilliant blue skies. The air is crisp and clear with wafts of eucalyptus. Discover two serene, scenic corners of the Blue Mountains in Blackheath and Megalong Valley. They promise a blend of awe-inspiring nature, scenic vistas, great treks, nature walks, village life, cosy cafés, and a pleasurable pace of life.

En route to Blackheath from Sydney: Lookouts, Hikes & Local Life

If coming from Sydney, you’ll strike lucky if you’re driving – see our Roadtrip to Megalong Valley via Blackheath & the Blue Mountains – loads of villages dotted about for pitstops. Either up the mountain or down the mountain, but before you turn off at Blackheath – explore it! Besides, if staying at Dryridge Estate – The Homestead,Megalong Valley it’s the final opportunity to grab supplies as Megalong Valley doesn’t have the usual supermarkets.

Just a short drive (2.0 hours) or train ride from Sydney, Blackheath is an often understated but laid-back mountain town known for its natural grandeur and quirky, artistic personality.

Wellness & Pampering:

If you’re in need of indulgence or attending a wedding or event locally, here’s a few places you can tray in Blackheath. Blackheath Beauty Massage – book as the salon is only usually open on Fridays & Saturdays. Or you might try @beau.ty_bybrie

Spectacular Lookouts, Bushwalking & Hiking Trails 

• Get the pocket brownie out, Govett’s Leap Lookout has sweeping vistas sweeping across to Pulpit Rock, Mount Banks and the upper reaches of the Grose Valley, being one of the finest in the Blue Mountains.
• For walkers, there are many walks to discover and we would suggest starting from the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and National Parks Shop at the end of Govett’s Leap Road. There’s buckets of information and a shop here so you can choose the best walk for your level. An easy walk is the Fairfax Heritage Track which is 2 km one way. It’s also suitable for people in wheelchairs and features expansive views, birdlife and waterfalls.
• Other walks to consider are the Cliff Top Walk to Evans Lookout, Pulpit Rock Walk, Popes Glen Walk, Rodriguez Pass Walk. Similarly Evans Lookout unveils dramatic sandstone cliffs and trail access to the valley floor.

Other vantage points like Pulpit Rock, Perrys Lookdown, and Anvil Rock offer varied angles over the landscape. Bushwalkers can access trails including the Grand Canyon Loop and also longer adventures into the Blue Gum Forest.

Events & Seasonal Highlights in Blackheath:

• Visit in spring for ornamental cherry blossoms or in early November for the town’s Rhododendron Festival.
• Alternatively visit the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens any time. For a small entry fee you’ll wander around a unique garden with exotics planted underneath and amongst the existing native eucalyptus trees and shrubs over 18.3 hectares. There are ponds, lake, garden bridges, specific plantings of rhododendron, azaleas and other exotics. Walking tracks. Native plants and animals. Areas for picnics with toilet amenities, benches and shelters. Parking too.  Book for weddings, and special occasions, clubs and societies.

Good Eats around Blackheath

• One-hatted Ates is a must dine-experience in Blackheath. What we love about Ates is that you don’t have to spend a fortune getting to the Mediterranean to have exquisitely prepared wood-fired Mediterranean share plates.  Dishes emerging from a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven will have you salivating over their bold, smoky flavours. You’ll feel so welcome & warm here. Check opening times & book before you arrive to avoid disappointment.
• Hounslow is a local favourite with a seasonal menu, is well priced and recipient of glowing reviews – open 7 days for breakfast, brunch & lunch.
• BLAQ  restaurant and bar loves to bring diners the region’s best produce with seasonal, flavour-driven food. Executive chef Alejandro Huerta and head pastry chef Galia Valadez draw on their Mexican heritage and Australian influences with plates made for sharing.
• Delightfully Italian is Osteria 2785 that serves traditional rustic Italian paired with locally produced & Italian / Sicilian wines. open for dinner only Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30pm. The bar downstairs serves cocktails & has a happy hour through the week.

Blackheath’s more Casual Eateries

• Operating out of Blackheath’s Golf Club is Spikes Bistro Blackheath serving a traditional club menu.
• Thai Silk Blackheath located at 124 Wentworth St, Blackheath delivery.

Foodies’ Haven: Providores & Delis in Blackheath

• The Friendly Grocer located at 12 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath opens 7 days with the full gamut of supplies for your journey or stay in the Blue Mountains.
• @blackheathdeli located at 32 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath, is an award winning deli/ cafe. Discover fresh gourmet sandwiches. Select from a stunning selection of local & international meats and cheese. They also stock the delectable Blue Mountains Tea range. (coffee too).
• @LittlePiggyDeli located at 8 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath from Wednesday to Saturday
• @blackheathdeli located at 32 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath. Award winning deli/ cafe. Fresh gourmet sandwiches & coffee.  Good selection of local and international meats and cheese
• @Altitude Delicatessen located at 18 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath. Open daily.

Markets-a-Plenty in the Blue Mountains, including Blackheath

• Besides indulging seasonal produce at local cafes, the Blackheath Growers Market opens every second Sunday of the month from 9am to 1pm. Located at Blackheath Community Centre, Great Western Highway, Blackheath. Forage for farm fresh vegetables, freshly baked breads, roasted coffee, blue mountains teas, potted plants, jams, chutneys, olive oils while munching on a freshly cooked gozleme.
• Other markets are for example, Magpie Upstyle Markets, Springwood Growers Market, Glenbrook Rotary Markets, Lot101 Farm Gate Market, Megalong Makers Markets and Wollemi Artisan Market.

Unusual Retail Haunts in Blackheath:

• Culture lovers will enjoy browsing at the Victory Theatre Antique Centre,  an Art Deco building, originally called Neate’s Hall when it was built in 1915. Formerly a 999-seated cinema dating back to 1921 that today is an antiques centre with approximately 50 stalls. Fossick for jewellery, books, vintage clothing, paintings, dolls, ornaments, light fittings, fine china and porcelains, through to furnishings and furniture.
• Pick up some  vinyl at Hat Hill Records both new and collectable vinyl and new stereo hi-fi equipment. Open 7 days. Located at 15-17 Govett’s Leap Road.
• Twig Blackheath located at 251 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath is an eclectic store with fashion, food, home, gift and lifestyle items
• Want a fabulous holiday book? Try highly rated Gleebooks located at Shop 1, Collier’s Arcade Govett’s Leap Road, Blackheath.

Things to do around Megalong Valley: Peace, Pastures and Panorama

Historic Tea Rooms & High Tea

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.

Farm-to-Table Dining & Wineries in Megalong Valley

• The Megalong Restaurant on is a sustainable farm serving organic, garden-fresh dishes in a setting befitting country farm life. Complete with cattle, sheep, chickens and ducks, Lot 101 property uses greenhouse production to extend seasonal growth during winter months. Regeneration and organic agriculture underpin the farming ethos at  LOT 101 and seasons inspire the Megalong menu. Dinner is from Friday to Saturday, and Lunch is on Saturday and Sunday.

• Also you must sample local wines at Dryridge Estate and Megalong Creek Estate, both offering cellar doors with breath taking valley views. Dryridge has a fabulous vertical tasting with epic shared platters to indulge in.

Megalong Valley: Iconic Trails & Outdoor Exploration

• Walk the celebrated Six Foot Track that’s a legendary trail connecting Katoomba and Jenolan Caves. A popular section from Megalong Cemetery to Bowtells Swing Bridge takes about 3 hours each way and offers scenic immersion.

• Blackheath lookouts & forest walks – Grand Canyon, Evans Lookout, Blue Gum Forest.

• Megalong Valley’s Six Foot Track and scenic valley drives.

For Blue Mountains slow-paced exploration, bushwalking, grazing fresh local produce, wine-lovers is for those craving rural charm. Inspired to explore further or book accommodations? Let me know if you’d like help digging into specific activities, transport tips, or other local insights!

Meanwhile, if you’ve decided Blackheath and Megalong Valley sound like amazing places to go, why not book a getaway, and browse our Stays with a WOW options in the the Blue Mountains