Foothills, Fruit and Gardens

1. From Richmond, head west stopping at the quaint rural village of Kurrajong and enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés, some with outside decking and lovely rural views. Check out the shopping in Kurrajong – its unique stores are sure to delight and surprise. If you have time St Gregory’s churchyard offers lovely rural views.
2. Continue along Bells Line of Road, stopping at Bellbird Lookout at Kurrajong Heights for amazing views back to Sydney. Sunrises can be spectacular here.
3. Drive through Bilpin, stopping at any of the stalls and orchards selling local produce. Many farms offer pick-your-own when fruit and vegetables are in season. Experience cider tastings at cellar doors – Bilpin Cider Co and Hillbilly Cider – all made from local produce. Picnic at weekends at Bilpin Cider Co – delicious hampers can be bought and enjoyed on site. Enjoy fresh apple and pear cider made from real mountain fruit.  Check out our popular Apple Pie Trail to find out the best places to buy delicious apple pies!
4. At Mount Tomah, stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden (free entry) for stunning views and wander through this magnificent cold climate garden. Make sure you see the Wollemi pines here.  Refuel at the food kiosk – you can also bring your own picnic basket. Wildwood Gardens, Powell’s Road, Bilpin, are open in the spring and autumn seasons. All the family will appreciate Wildwood. Enjoy the lovely gardens, fairy grottos, plant sales, gift shop and café.
5. Stretch your legs at the Mount Banks Lookout just 10 kms past Mt Tomah. There is a sign post on the left hand side of the road – and the carpark is a couple of km down the dirt track. After about 20 minutes of walking you'll reach a high rock outcrop offering breathtaking views into the Grose Valley and colourful wild flowers when in season. Other walks in this area include Wall’s Lookout and Rigby Hill – turn in at the sign to Pierce’s Pass. Allow 1 hour for Wall’s Lookout for great views of the Grose Valley or 1.5 hours for Rigby Hill.
6. Continue west, turning off the road to Mount Wilson.  In autumn be astonished  at the seasonal display within the village – it’s literally ablaze with colours – trees include rows of plane trees, limes, elms, beeches, liquid ambers and pink cherries. There are many pleasant strolls in and around the village. Visit the Turkish Bath Museum. Camp at Cathedral Reserve or take one of the short bushwalks in the area. Mount Wilson is famous for its magnificent cool climate private gardens that are open both in spring and autumn and are at their most colourful then. Some are open all year around and are well worth a visit. Chestnuts and walnuts are sold, in season, at the nut farms of nearby Mount Irvine – at Nutwood Farm and Kookootonga Farm.
7. At Dufaurs Rock Road, opposite the fire station, there is a dirt road that leads to a one hour walk to Chinaman’s Hat and further. There are great views, cliff faces and caves on this walk. There are toilets at Mt Wilson but no other facilities such as cafes or restaurants. Bring your own picnics as there are many delightful places to spread a blanket out or utilise the picnic benches dotted around the village.

61 kms/60minutes one way with no stops