It usually goes without saying that where there are mountains – there are also great roads.  This is definitely the case with the brilliant road going straight across the Blue Mountains.  The Bells Line of Road extends from Kurrajong across the mountain to Lithgow out west.

This road is a rollercoaster, with good quality tarmac (at the time of writing) is about 70kms and will take about an hour.

Heading from east to west, leaving Kurrajong signifies the start of the run, the steep climb up Bluebird Hill with a couple of nice tight uphill corners (watch for the speed camera on the way up on the opposite side of road).  At the top of the hill there is a nice lookout which on a clear day offers a superb view of Sydney skyline some 70kms east.

up on the plateau you will ride along a scenic but very touristy section.  The road is more open and sweeping than tight and twisty, which you’ve got to keep an eye on – it’s easy to get lulled into the rhythm of the road and let your speed creep up.  It’s 100km/h for the most part, until you reach Bilpin, where the speed limit drops back to 60, 70 or 80km/h.

Once you’ve reached Bilpin, there are a number of spots to stop for a refreshment, from the well-known Fruit Bowl, to any number of other businesses along the road, offering coffees, cakes and all manner of local fresh produce.

After leaving Bilpin you will find yourself on top of the ridges of the Blue Mountains. Here it all comes together, the road and curves are terrific and the scenery of sandstone cliffs and beautiful bush land is spectacular.  It all makes for a wonderful riding experience.  At the top you will pass through Bell then pass the Zig Zag railway on your right – the road descends quickly via a set of switchbacks down to the city of Lithgow.

Ensure you dress warmly for this run in the cooler months – even in the warmer months, it can be bit cooler, so go prepared. The road reaches an altitude of around 1000m at its highest point, and if it’s already chilly in Sydney then rest assured it will be a few degrees colder on the Bells Line of Road.

Attractions

Located about 10km east of Lithgow on the Bells Line of Road itself is Zig Zag Railway.  Steam engine buffs should check out the Zig Zag railway, it’s a step back in time to watch and ride on the steam locomotives that plied this line way back when.   www.zigzagrailway.com.au.

For lovers of all things green and leafy, take a look at the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden. It’s located about 12km west of Bilpin, and is home to over 5000 species of plants that thrive in cooler parts of the world.  www.bluemts.com.au/mounttomah.

For general New South Wales’ tourist information, visit: www.visitnsw.com, and for Blue Mountains specific information, visit: www.bluemts.com.au.