The scenic route through Richmond has beautiful lookouts, rolling hills and plenty of nice places to stop. M4 Motorway offers the shortest and quickest route to the Blue Mountains regions from Sydney, I think that a more enjoyable and scenic route is to take Bells Line Road past Richmond to Mount Victoria and Lithgow.
Sydney to the Blue Mountains - Lithgow
How to travel to Lithgow from Sydney
Begin your journey by taking James Ruse Drive near Parramatta. This road transitions into Windsor Road, leading you to Richmond. The A59 runs through the heart of Richmond, linking it with Kurmond and Kurrajong. Beyond Kurrajong, the road becomes quite steep, offering a perfect spot to pause and take in the stunning views from Bells Lookout.
The scenery shifts dramatically, with rolling hills flanking both sides. Bilipin is renowned for its apple orchards and a botanical garden. Bells Line Road is a favourite among cyclists and those embarking on picturesque Blue Mountains excursions. In recent years, numerous roadside cafes and pie shops have emerged, serving gourmet treats and coffee.
The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens at Mount Tomah are worth visiting. The Garden is open throughout the week and closes around 5 pm.
The region between Mount Tomah and Mount Victoria has many lookouts and walks. Mount Banks Summit Walk is a popular walk covering a distance of 2.5 km. This is a grade 3 walk that can be covered in under 4 hours. Ensure to carry a topographic map and a safety beacon for an emergency. The emergency beacons can also be loaned from the Blue Mountains Heritage Center in Blackheath. Enjoy the panoramic views and unique landscape of Mount Banks.
The landscapes between Mount Victoria and Lithgow change drastically. The area is more spread out and you can see the rolling hills from the distance. The bushfire from 2019 has left its marks on the trees and landscape along the road. You can see burnt-out trees and backend rocks along the main road.
Exploring Lithgow NSW
Lithgow is an old historic town surrounded by national parks and plenty of heritage locations. Wollemi National Park is home to Wollemi Pine a Jurrasic age tree. Lithgow is one of the last stations on the Sydney Railway Network. Historically, the town has seen its boom period due to steel production. There are plenty of heritage streets and buildings dating back to the last century.
Enjoy a relaxing day at the famous Japanese Bath House located close to Lithgow. Otherwise, book a stay at Big Trout Moter Inn at Oberon to enjoy the old tradition of this interesting region.
Visiting Lake Lyell NSW
Another interesting spot on the return journey from Lithgow to Katoomba is Lake Lyell, well-known for its water sports such as swimming, water skiing, and canoeing. Lake Lyell Recreational Park offers all the facilities needed for an overnight camping trip or a day picnic. The recreational amenities are accessible to the public, and you can enjoy pre-booked picnics and campsites. Lake Lyell is an excellent destination for summer fun activities for the whole family.
Lake Lyell, NSW: source: https://www.lakelyellrecreationpark.com.au/
Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath, NSW
Medlow Bath is home to one of the oldest and most esteemed heritage hotels in the Blue Mountains, The Hydro Majestic Hotel. This remarkable establishment has been serving the area for over 120 years. Recent renovations have maintained the rich architecture while introducing stunning decor to the hotel.
Guests can indulge in high tea and dinner within the hotel's grand halls. Additionally, you can visit the bar and cafe for light meals and refreshments. Enjoy sumptuous meals at one of the many restaurants with views of the beautiful Megalong Valley. Here are some photos from my recent visit to the Hydro Majestic Hotel.
Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains
Visiting Katoomba on a foggy day in summer is a unique experience as you can experience winters in the middle of summer. The temperature can drop substantially at night. Therefore, if you are planning a hiking trip or trekking in the region, be mindful of the weather hazards.
Katoomba's main street is always an excellent place for a walk and window shopping at the unique clothing stores selling exclusive clothing, hats and branded hiking and climbing equipment. In recent years, several art galleries and antique shops have popped up selling items from the early days of exploration in the region.
I enjoy staying late in Katoomba and enjoying dinner at some local restaurants before heading back to Sydney.
Visiting Katoomba on a foggy day
