Sydney to Cobar road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
Sydney to Cobar drive: Lithgow and surrounds
The Sydney to Lithgow section of the Sydney to Cobar drive then conquers the Pass of Victoria, skirting near the tremendous lookouts at Hassans Walls.
Things to do in Lithgow include discovering the coal-mining past at the Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park and admiring historic weapons at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory.
Top Lithgow accommodation choices
The best places to stay in Lithgow are:
- For the highest guest ratings: Lithgow Workies Club Motel.
- For heritage and charm: Wenvoe Historic Retreat.
- For a heated outdoor pool: Zig Zag Motel and Apartments.
It’s 127km from Lithgow to Mudgee, but there’s are several attractions en route. Before joining the Castlereagh Highway, you can walk to the summit of Mount Walker in Marrangaroo National Park, for example.
Sydney to Cobar road trip: Lithgow to Capertee Valley
There are several more worthwhile excursions from the Castlereagh Highway.
The Wolgan Valley has several spots worth exploring, including the majestic Wolgan Valley and Ben Bullen Mountain Top lookouts. The Blackfellows Hand Cave is also here.
The valley is also home to a world class resort – the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley.
Those with a 4WD vehicle can then tackle the Ben Bullen Trail in the Gardens of Stone National Park. Expect sandstone cliffs and wildflowers.
Everyone else can enjoy the riverside walking trails and camping sites in Turon National Park or continue for a photo stop at Pearsons Lookout near Capertee.
The neighbouring Capertee Valley is allegedly the second largest canyon on earth. You can enjoy the towering escarpments on the scenic drive to Glen Davis.
Sydney to Cobar drive: Capertee Valley to Mudgee
Just to the north of the valley, there’s great birdwatching in Capertee National Park offers great birdwatching. You’ll also find kangaroos and wallabies in the campgrounds, plus cracking views from the Valley Lookout.
The scenery gets a little flatter around pretty Lake Windamere, and the Sydney to Cobar road trip enters the Mudgee wine region.
Skimstone in Apple Tree Flat and First Ridge Wines in Burrundulla make for good tasting stops before arriving in Mudgee.
Mudgee experiences include opal-polishing workshops, wine-tasting and horse-riding combos, plus wine tours in a classic car.
3 great experiences to book in Mudgee
- Opal-polishing workshop – and set the opals as jewellery.
- Wine and food tour in a classic car – indulge in style.
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight – see the vineyards from above.
For Mudgee accommodation, try the very well-rated Horatio Suites and Motel, the conveniently-located Cobb & Co Court Boutique Hotel and the elegant Parkview Hotel.
Click through for the next section: Mudgee to Dubbo.