Fact Sheets & Video - Blue Mountains

The Romance and The Mountains

Located around two-and-half-hours' drive from Sydney, visitors are certain to find serenity and some naturally hidden gems in what has been dubbed the "Jewel in the Crown", the Megalong Valley. Situated within the Blue Mountains region, Megalong ("Valley under the Rock") has a permanent population of around 162 permanent residents. It is a verdant valley surrounded by breathtaking sandstone cliffs making it an accessible and rewarding escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Rich in Aboriginal heritage, for over 20,000 years the Megalong Valley was a significant indigenous pathway linking southern parts with the Hunter Valley as well as sections of the renowned Six Foot Track forming an ancient route to the western tablelands. Today, Megalong Valley is where visitors can enjoy a genuine and classic Australian bush experience combined with some modern day gastronomy.

Established in 2000, Dryridge Estate is the first commercial and boutique vineyard operation in the Blue Mountains. Here visitors can purchase a bottle of wine straight from the cellar door and savour the dramatic views of the valley escarpment to the east and sweeping views of the Great Dividing Range to the west. It is now possible to extend your stay at the Estate in the comfy two-bedroom, self-contained Sunrise Lodge, which opened to guests in September 2007. With some of the Six Foot Track running along the Estate's boundary, it's also the ideal base to explore this historic bridle trail. Steeped in history, the 45 kilometre track actually commences at the Explorers' Tree on the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Medlow Bath and ends at the Jenolan Caves. It follows the route of the original 1884 horse track that was carved through rock and bush for tourists and passes through much of the World Heritage-listed national park. Although little of the original bridle track remains, the scenic route incorporating a swing bridge, swimming hole and a waterfall is open to walkers and is where the annual Six Foot Track marathon is held.

But if you're not up to something quite so active, a picnic with a difference at the rustic Megalong Australian Heritage Centre will more than satisfy the romantics at heart. This may include an elegant silver service horse and carriage ride for two through the countrified property. Stopping at the gazebo is where the fortifying gourmet picnic and wine is served - not to mention the astounding views.

The ideal locale to put the entire Megalong Valley into perspective is by rising above it at the 105-year-old Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath. Here, the hotel, literally, sits on the edge of the escarpment. From the balcony visitors can view dense eucalypt forests, the mesmerising sandstone cliffs receding into the distance and the Cox's River as it meanders through the valley floor.

Further Information:

The Blue Mountains, NSW

Dryridge Estate

Sunrise Lodge at Dryridge Estate accommodates up to 4 people.

One-night stay midweek (15 March to 1 Dec 2008) starts from

$190 for one couple and costs

$50 per additional person per night.

One-night stay on weekends starts from (15 March to 1 Dec 2008)

$290 for one couple and costs $50 per additional person per night.

The Dryridge cellar door opens 10.30am to 3 pm most Sundays and Public Holidays.

Ph: (02) 4787-5625

www.dryridge.com.au

Megalong Australian Heritage Centre

Silver Service Horse & Carriage rides start from

$375 for two people including horse and carriage, food and wine.

Ph: (02) 4787-8188

www.megalong.cc

Six Foot Track Heritage Trust

For more information on the Six Foot Track contact Jon Guyver on

Ph: (02) 6391-4321

www.lands.nsw.gov.au/crown_land/walking_tracks/six_foot_track

Hydro Majestic Hotel, Blue Mountains

Ph: (02) 4788-1002

www.hydromajestic.com.au/hotels/bm