Bay Camper - The Big Blue Rece Run

As we had today free, we decided to do a prelim run of The Big Blue cruise, but in reverse. With wife Joan in front, and our two dogs in back, we left Rouse Hill late morning and headed up through Windsor and Richmond to Bells Line of Road. I'm glad we will be coming down the hill on the actual cruise, as I'm sure some of the slower cars would have a real problem on the way up through Kurrajong Heights - steep and slow.

First up we stopped at The Fruit Bowl at Bilpin, which will ultimately be our final stop for lunch on the cruise itself. Plenty of parking, lots of shade, shop selling coffee, sandwiches, freshly baked peach pie, all good.

Nice grassy areas make up the picnic area at The Fruit Bowl

Big car park can accommodate all cars and buses on the cruise

After this we kept heading west toward Bell, and ultimately our turn off toward Mount Victoria. On the way we stopped briefly at Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens, but quickly moved on when we found that we couldn't take the dogs out of the car due to the native wildlife roaming around - fair enough.

At Mount Victoria, which is as far away from Sydney as we will get on the cruise, we stopped to check out The Imperial Hotel. Middle of Summer and the open fire was still burning, crazy weather! This is a great place, and will definitely make a good stopping point for another cruise in cooler weather.

We turned left onto The Great Western Highway and continued down to Blackheath, now heading toward Sydney. At this point turned off toward The Megalong Valley, which may be an optional stop off on the cruise, Fantastic twisty road in through areas that almost feel like a rain forrest and stopped at Megalong Valley Tea Rooms.

Had a light lunch and while we were there a gorgeous Blue 60s Beetle arrived - good to see.

Lunch under a canopy of trees at Megalong Tea Rooms

This beautiful Beetle arrived while we were having lunch. Anyone recognise it?

From here drove back up to Blackheath (15 minutes) and then across the highway and down to Govetts Leap, one of the best lookouts in The Blue Mountains. This will be a definite must for our cruise. Plenty of parking and breathtaking views to be had.

Awesome view at Govetts Leap lookout

From Govetts Leap we kept heading back toward Sydney and about 45 minutes later discovered what will end up being be our first stop on the cruise, Glenbrook Village. Here there is a Caltex servo, cafe/shops, plenty of parking etc. ideal place to stop.

So, The Big Blue route will probably be as follows:

• Depart Rouse Hill after coffee
• Onward to Glenbrook Village in the mountains for a quick break/fuel stop
• Continue on to Govetts Leap lookout at Blackheath
• Optional diversion down into Megalong Valley. Thoughts anyone?? 30 mins round trip
• Continue west to Mount Victoria and turn off at The Imperial Hotel (maybe stop for a quick one??)
• Across to Bells Line of Road where we will turn right back toward Sydney
• Continue on to Bilpin and stop at The Fruit Bowl for lunch

All in all, this will be a great cruise. Roll on January 29 and The Big Blue!