📷 Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on UnsplashBlue Mountains and the Central West
Cliff lookouts and caves in the Blue Mountains, then west over the range to the heritage towns, wine country and old goldfields of the Central West.
- Distance
- 459 km (285 mi)
- Driving
- 5 h 00 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 11
- States
- New South Wales
- Updated
- May 5, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 459 km (285 mi) with 11 stops, from Sydney to Gulgong. About 5 h 00 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New South Wales · More road trips from Sydney
Route description
From Sydney it is about 110 km west to Katoomba, usually under two hours on the M4 and the Great Western Highway. Start at Echo Point for the Three Sisters in the morning light, then take a short walk along the cliff edge. The Blue Mountains are noticeably cooler than the coast, and mist is common, so bring layers.
Drive 15 km north to Blackheath for Govetts Leap and a walk along the cliff-top path above the Grose Valley. In the afternoon head to Jenolan Caves, about 70 km from Katoomba via Hartley. The last stretch is steep, narrow and winding, so avoid towing a long caravan. Tours are guided and sell out in school holidays.
From Jenolan, drive about 90 km via Oberon to Bathurst, one of Australia's oldest inland towns. Mount Panorama, the motor-racing circuit, is an open public road outside race periods, with a strictly enforced speed limit. Bathurst has good fuel and food options, so use it as a base. Orange, about 55 km further, is next.
In Orange, drive up Mount Canobolas, a 1,400 m extinct volcano, for views over orchards and vineyards. Then cross to Mudgee, about 120 km and roughly 1.5 hours, one of the state's best-known wine districts. Finish in Gulgong, 30 km north-east, a goldfields town with an intact main street. Sydney is about 260 km, 3.5 to 4 hours, from Mudgee.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Sydney
New South Wales - 2102 km
Katoomba
New South Wales - 32 km
Three Sisters and Echo Point
ViewsKatoomba, New South WalesThree sandstone pillars rising from the Jamison Valley, the signature view of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Echo Point is busy by mid-morning, so arrive early for softer light and quieter lookouts.
- 413 km
Govetts Leap Lookout
ViewsBlackheath, New South WalesA cliff-edge lookout above the Grose Valley, where Bridal Veil Falls plunges into a deep eucalypt-filled canyon. Quieter than Echo Point, it is also the start of several clifftop and valley walks.
- 541 km
Jenolan Caves
NatureJenolan Caves, New South WalesA network of limestone caves, among the oldest known open to the public, visited on guided tours only. The access road is narrow and winding, so large caravans and nervous drivers should plan carefully.
- 672 km
Bathurst
New South Wales - 74 km
Mount Panorama Circuit
OdditiesBathurst, New South WalesA motor-racing circuit that is also a public road, famous for the Bathurst 1000 held each October. Outside race periods you can drive the 6 km lap yourself at a strict speed limit, taking in views over the city.
- 855 km
Orange
New South Wales - 916 km
Mount Canobolas summit
ViewsOrange, New South WalesAn extinct volcano of about 1,400 m rising above Orange's orchards and vineyards. A sealed road reaches near the top, with short walks and lookouts; it can be cold and snowy in winter, even when the town is mild.
- 10123 km
Mudgee
New South Wales - 1131 km
Gulgong
HistoryGulgong, New South WalesA goldfields town of the 1870s with a well-kept main street, a pioneer museum and a link to Henry Lawson, who spent part of his childhood here. It is easily combined with a day in Mudgee's wine country.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Sydney → Katoomba · 102 km · 1 h 06 min
- Day 2: Katoomba → Jenolan Caves · 56 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Three Sisters and Echo Point, Govetts Leap Lookout.
- Day 3: Jenolan Caves → Orange · 131 km · 1 h 26 minOn the way: Bathurst, Mount Panorama Circuit.
- Day 4: Orange → Mudgee · 139 km · 1 h 31 minOn the way: Mount Canobolas summit.
- Day 5: Mudgee → Gulgong · 31 km · 0 h 20 min
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Themes
FAQs
How long is Blue Mountains and the Central West?
5-day road trip of about 459 km (285 mi) with 11 stops, from Sydney to Gulgong. About 5 h 00 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Blue Mountains and the Central West?
We suggest 5 days: about 5 h 00 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Blue Mountains and the Central West start and end?
It starts in Sydney and ends in Gulgong.
Which states does Blue Mountains and the Central West pass through?
New South Wales.
When is the best time for Blue Mountains and the Central West?
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
