Megalong Valley
NSW 2785 • New South Wales
About Megalong Valley
Megalong Valley is a spectacular rural valley locality set deep within the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, located west of Katoomba and enclosed by towering sandstone escarpments including Narrow Neck Plateau, Shipley Plateau and the Peckmans Plateau cliffs. The name derives from a Gundungurra Aboriginal word believed to mean 'Valley Under The Rock', reflecting the deep Indigenous heritage of this Gundungurra country. The valley covers 96 square kilometres and recorded a population of 148 at the 2021 census, comprising a small pastoral and equestrian community farming the valley floor beneath the dramatic Blue Mountains cliffs. First settled by Europeans in 1838, the valley has a rich industrial history including an oil shale mine operated from 1886 to 1896, whose tramway remnants remain visible in nearby Nellies Glen.
Megalong Valley is one of the Blue Mountains' most beloved destinations for horse trekking, bushwalking and scenic escapes, with the valley's horse riding operators offering guided trail rides through stunning mountain countryside for visitors from across New South Wales and beyond. The famous Six Foot Track — a historic 45-kilometre walking trail from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves — traverses the valley, passing through its farmland and forested ranges. Katoomba (approximately 12 kilometres up the mountain road) provides the nearest town services, rail connections and the Blue Mountains' celebrated tourism precinct including Echo Point and the Three Sisters. The Blue Mountains National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — surrounds the valley on all sides, providing an unparalleled natural setting for residents who value extraordinary scenery and a genuinely off-the-beaten-track mountain lifestyle.
Megalong Valley falls under postcode 2785 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Blue Mountains electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Blue Mountains Bus Company local route — Katoomba / Blackheath ~25 min to Katoomba
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Megalong Valley Road is the only access road, winding steeply up to Blackheath or down via Hartley. The access road can be challenging in wet or icy conditions. Katoomba station is the practical rail connection. No public transport into the valley itself.
Megalong Valley has no local shops — a car is essential for all daily needs. The valley floor offers extensive walking and horse trails, but all services are accessed by driving up the mountain to Katoomba or Blackheath.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Blackheath Public School ICSEA 10504787 8253 Leichhardt St
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60 Thirroul Avenue
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Megalong Public School ICSEA 1046Megalong Valley