Hidden paradise in the Blue Mountains
If you’re looking for a detour away from the usual Blue Mountain attractions, Megalong Valley is a charming destination with tranquility, natural beauty, and a couple scenic wineries. The name “Megalong” originates from the Aboriginal word “magalong,” meaning “valley under the rock”.
Getting there
To get there from Sydney, drive along the Great Western Hwy towards Blackheath, where you’ll find the junction to Megalong Rd, a winding but mostly paved road that will take you to the various destinations.
Walks
There are a couple walks in the area. One is the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail, a relatively short walk through a rainforest-like setting. You can make the walk a bit more interesting by exploring a few of the sub-tracks inside. The main walk is mostly nearby the road so you will still hear some vehicle noise, but at least it means you won’t get lost.
The Six Foot Track, a very long and historic route from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, and runs through Megalong Valley. The full walk is 46km long and would probably take more than a couple days to complete, but you can just do the bit that runs through Megalong Valley, which includes the cute little Guyver Bridge.
Dining and Drinking
The Megalong Valley Tea Rooms provides a fantastic selection of tea and scones amidst a backdrop of the Blue Mountains. The perfect place for a relaxing break and recharge along your trip. If you’re feeling a bit hungrier, there is a full restaurant next door.
There are two wineries in the region: Dryridge Estate and Megalong Creek Estate. They are both nice but have different vibes. They are right next to each other so you can definitely visit both, although you should check in advance if they might be closed for a private event!
Dryridge Estate has a bit more of a “formal” vibe with plenty of proper dining tables and seating. You wouldn’t feel out of place being dressed up, but no worries either if you’re not. They accept walk-ins but you might need a booking to snag some of the tables at the edge with the best views. Tastings are $15 per person (as of July 2023) and they also offer cheese platters. Accomodation is available if you’d like to stay the night but definitely requires reservations in advance. We also saw kangaroos jumping through the vineyards when we were there which was cool!
Megalong Creek Estate is a bit more “ecletic” and has a more casual and laidback vibe. There’s a big firepit and several people brought their dogs to frolic in the massive field. The amazing thing was they did not charge us for tastings! But perhaps that was because I ended up buying a bottle and tasting platter. They also sell really tasty meat pies.
Overall Dryridge felt more suitable for couples and girlfriends and Creek Estate felt more suitable for families, dogs, and mates. You can’t go wrong with either though, the views and wine are amazing at both!
Horse Riding
You can also go camping and horse riding in the valley which I did not do. But if you’re keen, you can saddle up at the Megalong Valley Farm and embark on a horseback ride through the valley, an experience that takes you back in time to when the region was first explored. Riding along peaceful trails and lush meadows, you’ll feel a deep connection to the surrounding nature.
Overall Megalong Valley makes for a good day trip of relaxation over tea, wine, and tranquil scenery. Might be bit far to do from Sydney, but definitely a good option if you’re staying in the Blue Mountains or even Penrith!