Megalong Valley

Historic hotels & tea rooms

The historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, which has been drawing visitors since 1904, clings to the rugged escarpment at Medlow Bath, gazing out over bucolic countryside dappled by passing shadows and mountain mists.  

The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath

During the 1920s, adventurers took the same road to go hunting and visit the many tea rooms dotting the valley – today, only a few survive, including the Megalong Valley Tearooms, celebrated since 1956 for its Devonshire tea and tranquil ambience, as well as The Wintergarden within the Hydro Majestic. At the latter, enjoy panoramic views while nibbling on petite sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and homemade pastries; if you’re so inclined, opt for the Eastern High Tea, which includes dumplings and rice paper rolls.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath

Wining & dining

Another dining highlight in the Valley is Megalong, set on the LOT101 farm and with stunning views of the escarpment and bushland. Nearly all the vegetables, fruit and herbs on the menu are grown organically on-site, in large gardens that visitors can walk through and learn about from staff. 

Megalong Restaurant, Megalong Valley - Credit: Megalong Restaurant

This lush valley is also home to two wineries: Dryridge Estate and Megalong Creek Estate. With arguably the best cellar door views in NSW, these family-friendly wineries are open for tastings on weekends, with the spectacle of the afternoon sun illuminating the towering escarpment an added bonus. You can also visit Dryridge in the evening on a tour with Blue Mountains Stargazing – a wine tasting under the stars in the company of an astronomer? Yes please! 

Stargazing Dark Sky, Blue Mountains - Credit: Brendan Neaton

Outdoor adventure

The Six Foot Track is the stuff of legends, with the epic walking trail from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves taking three days to complete. The section from the old Megalong cemetery to the Swinging Bridge over the Coxs River is a popular day walk that takes three hours each way. 

Six Foot Track, Greater Blue Mountains - Credit: Nick Cubbin/DPE

Explore on horseback 

Megalong Valley is also a great place to explore on horseback. Saddle up with Megalong Valley Farm, a private wilderness lodge. Or ride from neighbouring Kanimbla Valley with Centennial Glen Stables to the tearooms in Megalong on an all-day horse trek (there are also shorter rides available). 

Centennial Glen Stables, Blackheath

Where to stay 

Accommodation options in the Megalong Valley include rustic country cottages, eco-lodges and glamping as well as country estates with all the trimmings, including the lavish Hydro Majestic. You’ll also find vineyard accommodation at Dryridge Estate. For a back-to-nature stay, camp at  Old Ford Reserve or Dunphys Campground, and pitch a tent on Megalong Valley Farm through Hipcamp. 

The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath

Getting there

Megalong Valley is a two-hour drive from Sydney. Cross the railway line at Blackheath and turn onto Shipley Road before winding down Megalong Valley Road, the only road in and out of the valley. You can also leave the car at home and take the Megalong Valley Shuttle from Katoomba, with stop-offs at wineries and the Six Foot Track.