Motorcycle Routes: Sydney to Bylong Valley

Distance: 229 km

Estimated Time : 3 hours plus

Pedestrians may not find anything interesting about highways. The dull grind of daily commuting. Long stretches of asphalt on the horizon that seem to carry on and on. There’s nothing exciting about viewing the same thing over and over again. But when you’re the driver, especially on a motorcycle, it’s a completely different perspective. The epic turns, endless landscape and energising terrains inspire us to hit the road. Luckily, Sydney is home to some of the best highways in the world. In this series, we’ll take you to Bylong Valley Way, the road that connects two major highways and gives access to two well-loved national parks.

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Why Motorcyclists Love It

It’s not the type place that you’d see on top of someone’s must-visit-before-you-die list. But it does offer panoramic sceneries and driving challenges here and there equally enjoyable for the driver and passenger alike in this quiet countryside detour.

Named as one of the top 10 Aussie drives three years ago, Bylong sits at the center of NSW’s great driving experiences. It links the towns of Ilford and Sandy Hollow, connecting the Castlereagh Highway and Golden Highway to the west of Sydney. Motorcyclists who have recently driven to the valley can attest to the A1 condition of the road. At first the road is wide and sweeps its way across plains. Soon, though, you start to climb and the road narrows, the surface gets rougher and the turns get tighter. The real highlight comes on the descent as the road snakes down the hill. There is a series of challenging hairpins and tight bends to keep you on your toes.

Watch Video: Bylong Valley Way Twisties by Mountainash

Photo by: Athol Mullen

How to Get There

Head out of Sydney on the M7 and take the exit Motorway to merge with M4. Join the Great Western Highway at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

Take the exit to Castlereagh Hwy toward Mudgee. Once you've crossed the mountains, turn right off the highway just after the town of Illford. Keep heading north and you'll be rewarded with some breathtaking scenery, as the Coricudgy State Forest rolls by on your right. Out here the sky stretches on endlessly and the Nullo Mountain cuts an imposing figure. Drive along to Bylong Valley Way in Kandos.

Photo by: Athol Mullen

Where to eat and other places of interest

Bylong is a favourite weekend getaway for most motorcyclists. Home to Wollemi National Park and Goulburn River National Park, you won’t run out of things to do in this quiet town. Both are easy to spot located between the Golden Highway and Bylong road. Near Wollemi is the luxurious Baerami Pines Retreat (1531 Bylong Valley Way, Baerami NSW 2033) that offers amazing views and peaceful outdoor living. Another place that comes highly recommended by nature lovers is the Hillview (7690 Bylong Valley Way, Bylong NSW) about 11 km southeast of Bylong village. A few pubs are also available in the area, those that are frequented by motorcyclists include the Railway Hotel (Crown Street, Kandos) and the Tourist Hotel (Golden Highway, Giants Creek).

It's important to stay well-stocked when traveling. Make sure you are bringing all the essentials with RhinoLeather motorcycle toolbags and wallets, and our backpacks and pouches. Safe travels!