Megalong Valley is one of the hidden gems of the Blue Mountains. Rather than just gaze out over this valley of rolling farmland from the lookouts above, make the steep descent down into it from Blackheath for a wonderful day trip or overnight stay with your dog.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in the Megalong Valley
Top of my list of things to do when visiting the Megalong Valley is to admire the stunning sandstone cliffs that you can see surrounding the valley on multiple sides, especially the Narrow Neck escarpment to the north. Even better, you can take in the views while sipping on a glass of wine at a cellar door.
The Megalong Valley is home to not one but two wineries, both that are dog-friendly. Make a booking for one of the outdoor tables along the terrace at Dryridge Estate, open on Saturday and Sunday, plus Fridays over winter. Accompany your wine tasting with a Cheese or Charcuterie Board, or a Ploughman’s Lunch for four. Purchase your favourite wines before departing – I particularly love the prosecco.
The other winery in the valley is the nearby Megalong Creek Estate. Also open on Saturdays and Sundays, either make a booking just for a wine tasting, or order a grazing box to accompany the tasting. There’s seats scattered across the paved yard and lawn, with an undercover area available. A grand new cellar door is under construction. Keep an eye out for special events.
Dog-Friendly Walks in the Megalong Valley
When descending down into the Megalong Valley, a beautiful dog-friendly short walk to stop and complete is the Coachwood Glen Nature Walk. There’s clearly marked signs to the two starting points for the walk, each with a small number of car spaces.
While the short walk is just a 600m loop, it’s a beautiful stroll through the rainforest, crossing over Pulpit Hill Creek twice. Not surprisingly, it is known for its displays of fungi following rain. There are a number of benches along the way, ideal for taking your time and absorbing the atmosphere.
Note that the track is unpaved with steps, and can get muddy – it’s best to have a towel for cleaning dirty paws afterwards. Dogs need to be kept leashed on the walk.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Six Foot Track?
The most famous walking track in the Megalong Valley is the Six Foot Track. This 44km multi-day hiking trail passes through the valley after descending from the Explorer’s Tree at Katoomba. However, this is not a dog-friendly hike.
While this section of the walk doesn’t pass through national park (later sections are in Kanangra-Boyd National Park), the land is private property and I assume the landowners haven’t given permission for dogs on the walk. (There’s also the issue of livestock – multiple paddocks contain sheep and horses.)
At the popular starting point at the old Megalong Cemetery, there are multiple signs starting dogs are not allowed, so leave this hike for a trip without your dog.
Dog-Friendly Dining in the Megalong Valley
What’s a visit to the Megalong Valley without a stop at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms? While you can order a charcuterie board or grazing box at the wineries (see above), the other top dog-friendly dining spot in the valley are these historic tea rooms, established in 1956.
I love the spacious outdoor area at the tea rooms, with bench tables scattered across the lawn, some with shade umbrellas and plenty of room in between the tables. There’s also plenty of dogs with their owners! There’s also a small sheltered outdoor area.
The tea rooms are open from 9am daily serving up an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, including warm toasties and pies, perfect for a winter’s day lunch. However, they’re most famous for their apple pies and scones, with generous serving sizes.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in the Megalong Valley
There’s multiple pet-friendly accommodation options in the Megalong Valley, if you’d like to stay the night and take your time to soak up the atmosphere.
Dryridge Estate offers two accommodation options next to their cellar door, the two bedroom Sunrise Lodge overlooking the vineyards or the larger Homestead, that can accommodate up to eight. Both options are pet-friendly on request – call up and discuss first. Just be warned, they both book out months in advance, especially over the weekend.
Another option are the six cottages at Werriberri, owned by the same company as the tea rooms. Choose between the charming family and twin cottages, each with a log fire and an outdoor deck. Dogs are welcome to join you – contact the property to find out their full rules.
If you’ve got your own campervan, caravan or tent there are also two free campgrounds in the valley, both run by the local council. Blackheath Glen Reserve is a shady spot on the way down into the valley, while the Old Ford Reserve is more spacious. Both provide pit toilets and picnic tables but no water, with a maximum stay of ten days.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.