# 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/au-blue-mountains-central-west/

**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. 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 |
| Route | Sydney → Gulgong |
| States | New South Wales |
| Updated | May 5, 2026 |

## 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

1. **Sydney** (New South Wales)
2. **Katoomba** (New South Wales)
3. **Three Sisters and Echo Point** (Katoomba, New South Wales): Three 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.
4. **Govetts Leap Lookout** (Blackheath, New South Wales): A 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.
5. **Jenolan Caves** (Jenolan Caves, New South Wales): A 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.
6. **Bathurst** (New South Wales)
7. **Mount Panorama Circuit** (Bathurst, New South Wales): A 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.
8. **Orange** (New South Wales)
9. **Mount Canobolas summit** (Orange, New South Wales): An 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.
10. **Mudgee** (New South Wales)
11. **Gulgong** (Gulgong, New South Wales): A 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

1. **Day 1: Sydney → Katoomba** (102 km, 1 h 06 min)
2. **Day 2: Katoomba → Jenolan Caves** (56 km, 0 h 37 min) On the way: Three Sisters and Echo Point, Govetts Leap Lookout.
3. **Day 3: Jenolan Caves → Orange** (131 km, 1 h 26 min) On the way: Bathurst, Mount Panorama Circuit.
4. **Day 4: Orange → Mudgee** (139 km, 1 h 31 min) On the way: Mount Canobolas summit.
5. **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)

## 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)

## Part of these destinations

- [Blue Mountains National Park](https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/au-blue-mountains-np/)