The northern Blue Mountains, accessed via the historic Bells Line of Road, offers fantastic walking tracks, stunning sights, and unique tourist attractions.
This part of the Blue Mountains is much quieter than the more popular regions of Wentworth Falls, Katoomba, Leura, and Blackheath, despite having plenty to see and do.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Bells Line of Road and highlight seven of its best attractions.
About the Bells Line of Road
The Bells Line of Road stretches from the North Richmond Bridge in the east to the Darling Causeway junction in the village of Bell in the west.
This 59 km winding tourist drive offers a scenic alternative to the Great Western Highway in the southern Blue Mountains, with several interesting spots to pause for a break.
The region is famous for its cider and homemade apple pies, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and breweries where you can enjoy these local favourites.
History
The Bells Line of Road and the town of Bell are named after Archibald Bell Jr, an English-born Australian explorer and politician.
In 1823, at just 19 years old, Bell crossed the Blue Mountains along the route that would later become the Bells Line of Road. However, it wasn’t until 1905 that the road was officially opened, coinciding with the opening of the current North Richmond Bridge.
Significant upgrades in the 1940s transformed the Bells Line of Road into a practical alternative to the Great Western Highway.
Map
The map below is a visualisation of the entire Bells Line of Road between the North Richmond Bridge and the Darling Causeway junction.
The Bells Line of Road passes through the following suburbs, villages, and localities, from east to west:
- North Richmond
- Kurmond
- Kurrajong
- Kurrajong Hills
- Kurrajong Heights
- Bilpin
- Berambing
- Mount Tomah
- Mount Wilson
- Bell
Top 7 Highlights
In geographical order, from east to west, here are seven great highlights to explore along the Bells Line of Road.
1. Cider tasting in Bilpin
Bilpin is arguably the most popular village along the Bells Line of Road. Known as the Land of the Mountain Apple, it’s home to numerous fruit orchards and stunning gardens.
This area is dotted with roadside stalls selling homemade produce, as well as eateries where you can indulge in apple pie and other treats.
For many visitors, though, Bilpin is best known for its cider-tasting venues, offering a chance to sample delicious locally brewed ciders.
Find cider tasting in Bilpin at the Hillbilly Ciber Shed (see map) and at Bilpin Cider (see map).
2. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
A visit to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is a must when exploring the Bells Line of Road area in the Blue Mountains.
Situated in Mount Tomah and managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, this is the only botanic garden in Australia located within a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Spanning 28 hectares, the garden showcases an impressive collection of cool-climate plants from around the world, set within beautifully manicured landscapes.
It’s worth setting aside at least an hour to explore, though you could easily spend half a day wandering the gardens and taking in the unique surroundings.
Read more about the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.
3. Mount Banks Summit Walk
Mount Banks is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Greater Blue Mountains, thanks to its distinctive rounded peak.
The hike to the summit is considered one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains, offering stunning scenery from start to finish.
There are two routes to the summit: a dedicated walking trail and a fire trail, which is also suitable for bicycles.
The Mount Banks Summit Walk begins at the Mount Banks picnic area, easily accessible from the Bells Line of Road.
Read more about Mount Banks.
4. Walls Lookout
The walking track to Walls Lookout is similar to the Mount Banks Summit Walk, but the views here are even more impressive. It’s also an easier hike, as the trail isn’t steep.
Walls Lookout isn’t a fenced viewing platform but rather an open cliff-top area where you can wander around and take in the stunning views of the Grose Valley and its dramatic cliff walls.
The trail to Walls Lookout begins off Bells Line of Road. Look for the “Pierces Pass Picnic Area” sign, where you’ll need to turn onto Pierces Pass Road and park at the small car park.
Read more about the Walls Lookout.
5. Rigby Hill Track
The Rigby Hill Track is a scenic 1.2 km return trail that runs almost parallel to the Walls Lookout walking track, offering similar breathtaking views at the end.
This family-friendly trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a fun outing for everyone. While the path is generally easy to follow, good hiking shoes are recommended, as some sections can be uneven.
The walk begins at the end of Pierces Pass Road (off Bells Line of Road), where there’s a parking area. Although the road is unsealed, it’s manageable with a 2WD vehicle if driven with care.
Read more about the Rigby Hill Track.
6. Pierces Pass
Pierces Pass is one of the longer and more challenging walking tracks in the Blue Mountains, making it ideal for experienced bushwalkers.
This adventurous trail descends into the Grose Valley and continues to the Blue Gum Forest along the Grose River. For a shorter option, you can simply hike down into the valley, reach the river, and return the same way.
The Pierces Pass walking track begins at the same location as the Rigby Hill Track, at the end of Pierces Pass Road.
Read more about the Pierces Pass.
7. Dargan Arch
Dargan Arch is a unique sandstone rock formation shaped like a natural arch. A short walking trail leads to this picturesque spot, where you can walk across the top of the arch and explore the area below.
To find the start of the trail, turn onto Sandham Road near the junction of Bells Line of Road and Darling Causeway. Follow the road for 3 km until you see a clearing on your right, just after a curve; that’s where you can park.
While the 1.5 km return walk to Dargan Arch is relatively easy, keep in mind that the trail isn’t signposted, and the arch itself is unfenced.
Read more about the Dargan Arch.
