TAKE THE HISTORIC HIGH ROAD OVER THE MOUNTAINS

THE BELLS LINE OF ROAD, NSW

The alternative route over the Blue Mountains from Sydney, and a scenic drive before brown road signs existed, the Bells Line of Road twists and turns past apple orchards, sheer sandstone cliffs and through national park. Following part of the route of a traditional aboriginal pathway, it was first established as a road in 1823 by Archibald Bell. Today, you can soak in history, apple cider and mountain air with a leisurely drive and a few pit stops: 1. Set in a cottage built in 1825, Lochiel House is a cafe and restaurant with tenure: in 1851, the Sydney Morning Herald commended the establishment for its lodging, food and stabling. Today its chefs create modern Australian cuisine and the setting is picture-perfect. lochielhouse.com.au 2. The long-established hamlet of Bilpin, ‘Land of the Mountain Apple’, makes good fruit: its reputation built on its fertile soil, elevation and mild climate. Visit Bilpin Cider’s cellar door to sample its range; from original to cloudy, Pink Lady or pear; or stop off at any of the fruit-picking orchards nearby. bilpincider.com 3. A typical day in 1929 would see up to 100 cars drive the unsealed Bells Line of Road from Sydney to visit The Jungle; a 280-hectare conservation park that offered rainforest walking tracks and tearooms. Today, The Jungle is part of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, and the journey there is smoother. Visitors can dine at Sean Moran’s one-hat Tomah Gardens Restaurant (with views over Wollemi National Park), and hire Jungle Lodge for overnight stays. bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au