Megalong Valley

One of the places that the locals had said we must visit is the Megalong Valley and in particular to have lunch at the tearooms. From our house here on top of the valley we actually look right down into it but it wasn't until today, when we decided we must explore that we realised just how deep and expansive it is.

After a visit to the Blackheath Growers market we headed off down into the valley. The vegetation changes quite quickly and it even begins to look a little like NZ bush. Well the understory certainly had tree ferns and much more greenery than anything else we have seen. The canopy of course is still gum trees so from our view looking down on the valley you don't see all this lush vegetation. We stopped off on the way back to do a short loop track at Coachman's Grove, which showcases this bush up close.

 

We went along the valley until we came to the end of the seal. At this point there is an historic cemetery site, and it also where the Six Foot Track crosses the road. This track takes you from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves (another spot on our must do list) and was the original bridle path and is now a popular walking track. We decided to stretch our legs and walked along this track for well over 2km. From here we got some good views, and were very close to a local vineyard.

We then headed back along the road to the Megalong Tearooms. These tearooms have been here for over 50 years and a browse of their website is well worth a look. http://www.megalongtearooms.com/history.php

We ordered our lunch and were able to sit outside, under the shade trees in the extensive outdoor dining area. Stephen thoroughly enjoyed his homemade chicken pie while I enjoyed a toasted sandwich. We completed our meal by sharing one of their famous apple pies. As we left Stephen commented that he would like to return to try the beef pies which is high praise indeed.

Driving back in a westerly direction we were able to see back up onto the cliff edge at Medlow Bath, and see the Hydro Majestic (grand old hotel which dates back to the 1800s). There has always been a close relationship between the hotel and the valley with the original owner growing his vegetables in the valley and then taking them to the hotel on a gondola type system. It will now be interesting to look back down on this valley from the cliff edge and try to spot the places we explored.

Note the Hydro Majestic high on the top of the cliff. This is just a few hundred metres along from where we are staying in Medlow Bath.

 

 

 

 

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