Best Day Rides from Jamisontown: the Blue Mountains and Bells Line of Road loop
From Western Motorcycles Penrith
Roll out of Jamisontown and within twenty minutes the Cumberland Plain gives way to the long climb of the Great Western Highway, the tar tightening as it threads the escarpment townships of the upper Blue Mountains. You trade suburban roundabouts for sandstone cuttings, mountain gums and the sudden, breath-taking gaps where the Jamison and Grose valleys fall away beside the road.
This is a ride of two characters. The outbound leg on the Great Western Highway is a steady, scenic run through Katoomba and Blackheath, dropping down Victoria Pass to the cooler country around Lithgow. The return on Bells Line of Road is the reward: a quieter, sweeping ridge road that rises through the cool-climate gardens of Mount Tomah, past the apple orchards of Bilpin, and out to the edge-of-the-world lookouts at Kurrajong Heights.
Factor in stops for coffee, cliff-edge views and a wedge of apple pie and you have an easy full day in the saddle, finishing back near the shop by mid to late afternoon. Conditions on these ranges change quickly, so treat this as a suggestion and ride to what the road and weather give you on the day.
Along the way
- 1
Wentworth Falls Lookout
An easy pull-off above the Jamison Valley for a first big-view stop, with cascading waterfalls and sandstone cliffs framing the valley. A good spot to shed a layer once the climb warms up.
- 2
Echo Point, Katoomba
The most famous outlook in the mountains, gazing across to the Three Sisters and the vast Jamison Valley. Parking and cafes are close by, so it is a natural coffee and photo halt roughly halfway to Lithgow.
- 3
Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath
A short detour off the highway to the rim of the Grose Valley, with a long drop to Bridal Veil Falls. Cooler and quieter than Katoomba, and a favourite for big-country panoramas.
- 4
Lithgow
The turnaround town at the western foot of the ranges, with fuel, bakeries and pubs for a proper lunch. Regroup and top up here before swinging back east onto Bells Line of Road.
- 5
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah
A cool-climate garden set high on the basalt cap of Mount Tomah, with rare plants, sweeping views and a cafe. An excellent leg-stretch on the return ridge.
- 6
Bilpin
Apple and stone-fruit country strung along the ridge, known for roadside orchard stalls, fresh apple pie and local cider. A relaxed spot to refuel yourself before the run down the range.
- 7
Kurrajong Heights
Where the ridge falls away to the Hawkesbury and the Cumberland Plain spreads out below. The lookouts and cafes here mark the last big view before the twisty descent toward Richmond and home.
Before you go
- Fuel is easiest in Penrith, Katoomba/Blackheath and Lithgow; Bells Line of Road is quieter, so top up in Lithgow or Bilpin rather than running low on the ridge.
- The Great Western Highway carries heavy tourist and truck traffic and often has roadworks and upgrade zones; expect variable speed limits and queues, especially on weekends and holidays.
- The high country can be cold, wet or fogged in even when Penrith is warm, and frost or ice is possible on shaded sections in winter; pack a layer and wet-weather gear.
- Watch for gravel, fallen leaves and fruit-truck spillage on the tighter Bells Line and Kurrajong Heights corners, and take the range descents gently.
- Wildlife such as wombats, wallabies and birds is most active around dawn and dusk; check for bushfire and total fire ban conditions in summer before you head out.
Ride it on a ReviRide bike
Helmet and 800 km/day included.
Routes are suggestions only. Roads, conditions, and access can change — check current conditions, ride to your ability and the conditions, and obey all road rules.