Sydney to Lithgow drive: Distance, time and road trip attractions
Blue Mountains waterfalls and lookouts
The best-known section of the Blue Mountains comes next, with Wentworth Falls and Empress Falls close to the highway. Leura hosts the Pool of Siloam, Leura Cascades, Leura Falls and the Elysian Rock Lookout, while Katoomba is famous for the Three Sisters and Scenic World.
6 top Katoomba experiences to book in advance
- Connect the key sights in Katoomba and Leura the easy way – on the hop-on, hop-off bus.
- Discover your adventurous side – while canyoning at Twister and Rocky Creek.
- Indulge in NSW-sourced wines, beers and tasting platters at Echo Point, while overlooking the Jamison Valley.
- Combine canyoning and abseiling on a full day adventure.
- Explore the Jamison Valley from all angles – with the trains and cable cars of Scenic World.
- See ancient Aboriginal rock art – and the views other people miss – on a 4WD adventure.
The best Katoomba accommodation options include the surprisingly affordable Blue Mountains Heritage Hotel, the pool-equipped Skyrider Motor Inn and the rather grand Carrington Hotel.
The road continues through Medlow Bath and Blackheath. The latter is the gateway to the Evans Lookout, Govetts Leap and the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
At Mount Victoria, there’s the Pulpit Rock Lookout, Bushrangers Cave and Sunset Rock Lookout. The Sydney to Lithgow drive then crosses the Pass of Victoria into Hartley, past Hassans Walls and into the western end of Lithgow.
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.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
More New South Wales road trips
Go surfing at Bawley Point on the drive from Ulladulla to Batemans Bay.
Which drive is longer – Jindabyne to Perisher or Jindabyne to Thredbo?
Stop at the Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong on the Sydney to Goulburn drive.
Is 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney a real address?
Where does the Brisbane to Newcastle train stop?