Ever wondered what that beautiful rural patch seen through the windows of the Hydro Majestic Hotel is, its rolling green hills often swathed in mist that swirls around the sandstone escarpment? Megalong Valley is one of the Blue Mountains’ best kept secrets, and a great place to spend a day or even a whole weekend.
Here's a suggested two day itinerary to make the most of your time in this bucolic corner of the Mountains:
Day 1:
As you wend your way down Megalong Road from Blackheath, taking care on the switchbacks and parts of the road still under repair, look out for a small sign on the left saying Mermaid Cave – there will be a parking area on the opposite side of the road. Here, down 130 mossy steps cut into the cliff-face, you’ll find a serene and magical fairyland with tree ferns, a tinkling waterfall and undercut sandstone caves overlooking a natural amphitheatre which been used as a location in several blockbuster movies, including Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. You should be able to do this walk in under an hour.
Continue down Megalong Rd to the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, serving Devonshire tea and apple pie since 1956. Relax over a cuppa or toasted sandwich in the sunshine admiring the escarpment view; or if you’re visiting in Winter, head indoors and snuggle up by the open fire. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can also shop for farm-fresh organic produce from the neighbouring Lot101 in the courtyard shelter.
Continue down Megalong Rd, over the ford at the Cox’s River, turning onto the Six Foot Track at the old Megalong Cemetery. Here you’ll find two of the Valley’s three wineries, Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate; visit one of both, tasting their wines while soaking up the friendly atmosphere and incredible views of the Narrow Neck Escarpment, glowing under the afternoon sun.
Meet the resident alpacas at Megalong Creek Estate while sipping on the region’s only single vineyard wines; while at Dryridge, order a cheese platter or charcuterie board to while away a perfect afternoon in the sun.
If you’re staying in the Valley overnight, don’t miss the opportunity to dine in the magnificent Megalong Restaurant. Curated by former Boatshed chef Colin Barker, the five-course degustation menu showcases seasonal produce plucked straight from the Lot101 garden, as well as home-produced beef and lamb. Matched wines are available if you want to make a night of it. The restaurant is open for dinner Friday and Saturday, and for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
There are ample places to lay your head in Megalong Valley, from luxury houses to rustic cabins and campgrounds. For all the comforts of home, the self-contained three-bedroom Glenview sits on 168 acres of bushland where wildlife abounds; or stay in one of six cottages at Werriberri (conveniently across the road from the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms).
Camping is also available at two Council-managed campgrounds (Old Ford Reserve and Blackheath Glen Reserve, or Dunphy’s Campground (NPWS); while private camping is on offer at Megalong Valley Farm.
Day 2
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Strap on your hiking boots to tackle the middle section of the Six Foot Track, an epic three-day, 44 kilometre trail from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. From the historic Megalong cemetery, it’s a 14km kilometre round trip to the Cox’s River and the Bowtell’s Swing Bridge and back (under restoration until July 2024); cool off in the river, or enjoy the thrill of teetering over the wobbly bridge as the river surges beneath you.
There are also several opportunities for pony-mad kids to explore Megalong Valley on horseback. Take a leisurely trail ride through the wilderness with Megalong Valley Farm; or have a riding lesson at Megalong Icelandic Horses, learning to sit to the ‘tölt’, a fifth gait unique to these cute, sturdy little horses.
As you head back up the winding road to Blackheath, make a stop at the Victory Theatre Antique Centre for a spot of retro shopping; or indulge in a High Tea at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, gazing down on the beautiful Megalong Valley that has captured your heart and soul.
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