TRAIL OF DISCOVERY

The WEST Journal
Aug 25
4 min read

WEST, like you, loves an adventure. Especially when it comes to unearthing gems within our remarkable regional areas, encountering country charm, bygone era nostalgia and warm community hospitality. Join WEST as we travel from the Blue Mountains to the Central Tablelands, Megalong Valley to Millthorpe, passing through the traditional lands of the Gundungurra, Darug and Wiradjuri people, and unwrapping some sweet surprises on the way.  

Following the curves of the Blue Mountains, passing town names of our great explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, make your way towards the Megalong Valley. Just 15 minutes outside of Blackheath, the drive is incredibly scenic, winding through soaring eucalyptus trees and opening up to big golden plains on the way down. With a name derived from a Gundungurra Aboriginal word thought to mean "valley below the cliffs", views of the escarpment are all around. Megalong Valley Tea Rooms can be found here, a local institution serving up delicious scones, apple pie, hot tea and everything in-between since 1956.

Pull up a seat outside, the views are stunning, and nature is all around. The scones are BIG and fluffy, served with Chantilly cream and juicy blackberry jam, and the coffee roasty and smooth. Enjoy the scenery with a famous apple pie, and perhaps a local beer, wine or cider to match, with Dryridge Estate and Megalong Creek Estate wineries just up the road. On a Saturday you can support farmers by buying local farm produce at the onsite market run by Lot101 Farmgate, and for a beautiful paddock to plate meal visit the Hatted Megalong Restaurant up the road.

Our next stop is found in the greenery of South Bowenfels, just outside of Lithgow, by far and away the Central Tablelands best-kept secret. Hidden away is the most authentic Japanese experience, the Japanese Bath House. Known as a “Sento”, or public bathhouse, the experience is centred around the Japanese term “ikigai”, promoting Japanese spa culture of rest, mindfulness, introspection and joy.

With multiple steaming hot baths thoughtfully placed throughout, and serene views over Lake Lyell and green hills, you will feel you’re a world away. Soak, unwind, let yourself relax and fall into ikigai. Take it slow with tea and a light meal in the peaceful tearoom and live like a local by staying overnight.

The next morning coffee is taken care of by visiting Lithgow’s Hometown Cafe. A cafe on the Main Street with jazzy pink decor and iconic musician paintings, it’s a local favourite serving P&R Coffee and hearty food. Relax with your coffee or take it to go and stroll Lithgow’s Main Street, exploring this historic mining town.

Afterwards make your way to the Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park for some local culture and history. Established in 1916, the State Mine was one of the largest coal suppliers in NSW but today is a museum of the history of coal mining in Lithgow. Visit the museum and get up close to old mining machinery, giving you some idea of life underground and the coal industry that has thrived in this region for years.

Take a short drive up State Mine Gully Road to Dobbs Drift Lookout for panoramic views over Lithgow and the valley, then time for another adventure, to the charming town of Millthorpe in the Blayney region. The word quaint was certainly invented for towns like Millthorpe.

The traditional landowners being the Wiradjuri People, with the first European settlement by stockmen in the early 1830s. Originally a potato growing area then home to one of the largest flour mills in NSW from 1882, the village is listed as a heritage conservation area through The National Trust, with a largely unchanged streetscape from the 19th century.

References to Millthorpe’s agricultural history are evident throughout the town, from street seats adorned with old metal wheels to buildings with corrugated iron sheeting, and history in motion at Millthorpe Railway Station (built 1886), and the Grand Western Lodge (built in 1901) found on the Main Street.

Millthorpe oozes charm and you can’t help but fall in love with it. Make your way to the heritage Millthorpe Hotel for a pub meal that tastes like home and friendly staff that make you feel like a local (psst - their bangers & mash is a banger). Take a seat in the beer garden out the back, inside for that historic 1898 pub feeling or outside in the sun for local town vibes and some friendly neighbourly banter.

Afterwards take a leisurely stroll around town. There’s an antique store you can’t miss, some boutique stores, wine tasting to be had at Tamburlaine, Angullong Wines or Slow Wine Co cellar doors and some local goodies to pick up at Millthorpe Providore. Visit Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum for some history, or for a round of lawn bowls fun, join the locals at the Millthorpe Bowling Club.

Before heading home, for the perfect spot to kick back with a locally brewed beer, swing by Reckless Brewing Co. in Bathurst. Its rustic exterior invites you in, and once inside, seating is a mishmash of furniture making it feel like you’re in (cool) grandma’s sitting room. Beer varieties are plentiful, and if you’re lucky live music will be filling the venue with electric vibes.

We have only just scratched the surface of the amazing experiences to be found in our regional areas, from the Blue Mountains to the Central Tablelands. WEST invites you to take this trip and make it your own, a weekend full of discovery, adventure, new favourite finds and connection to country. Travel with West.