Slow your pace, indulge all your senses and really take in all that New South Wales’s crisp winter has to offer with a short trip from the serene Blue Mountains to Mudgee’s delicious delights.

Sydney to Katoomba

102 kilometres

Leave the hustle and bustle of buzzing Sydney behind, and travel an hour west to start your reconnection with nature on this winter escape. On the fringes of metropolitan Sydney, the Mulgoa Valley awaits, steeped in history and with plenty of panoramic views. Head to The Rock Lookout to enjoy spectacular views of the Nepean River Gorge and Blue Mountains, and out over the town of Penrith. Accessing The Rock Lookout is easy, as it’s only a few hundred metres from the car park to the summit’s impressive and relaxing views. If you want to get your blood pumping, opt for a brisk walk on the nearby bushwalking track, where shrubbery shoots out from the sandy heath, and eucalyptus woodlands shelter you from the winter drizzle.

Katoomba to Capertee Valley

82 kilometres

Bid goodbye to the Blue Mountains and say hello to the Capertee Valley after an hour-long drive from Blackheath. Stop at Marrangaroo National Park and get a glimpse into the Turon National Park before rolling up to the incredible Capertee Valley. Surrounded by steep, sandstone cliffs that descend to pastures of lime green, emerald and sage tones below, this valley is the world’s second-largest canyon, falling just short of the United States’ popular Grand Canyon. If you want to experience the very best of the Capertee Valley’s picturesque views and starry night skies, then perhaps a stay in a Bubbletent will pique your interest?

Capertee Valley to Mudgee

81 kilometres

If you’re looking to taste your way around more of the Mudgee region’s many wineries, then a visit to Rosby Wines & Guesthouse in the neighbouring Eurunderee is a must. Complete with art workshops, sculpture gardens and boutique cellar doors, Rosby is a hidden gem that is only enhanced by a slow, sustainable approach to not just winemaking, but also living. If you really want to sink into country life, then make sure you check out the Ba Mack Farmstay, where families can experience luxury accommodation, and enjoy getting up close and personal with a range of friendly (and very cute) farm animals.

To read more on the journey from the Blue Mountains to Mudgee, read the Winter 2022 edition of Caravanning Australia!

_{Image: Three Sisters, Katoomba (C) Destination NSW.}