Family Friendly Places To Stop On The Road From Central West To Sydney

For families travelling to Sydney, you can go two ways; via the Great Western Hwy which is the most direct route or the scenic route along the Bells Line of Road.

Whether you just want a quick toilet pit stop that is reliable or a bite to eat and a playground to stretch the legs, here are some recommended venues for families when driving to Sydney from the Central West.

Bathurst Visitors Centre has a cricket pitch and open area to walk pram around or a wee stop when travelling with dogs. Harvest cafe and store next door at 1 Kendall Ave, Bathurst has an ‘All day Breakfast’, lunch and a kid friendly menu and open from 8am -4pm on Sat-Sunday and 9-3pm, Mon-Fri.

Lithgow Adventure Playground at 1137 Great Western Highway has a bike track, flying fox, musical bridge and Queen Elizabeth Park on Main Street has great equipment. Both have green spaces and are fabulous places to stop, have a picnic and run the kids around.

The New Lithgow Pump Track is at Endeavour Park and worth it if you have bikes in the car with older kids.

Wentworth Falls Lake and Adventure Playground – Sinclair Crescent, toilet facilities in the park, read more here.

If you’re heading down the Bells Line of Road, then the Blue Mountains Botanical Garden at Mount Tomah is a must see, although do check ahead for whether the kiosk is open.

Bilpin Fruit Bowl is just 15 minutes down the road when driving on the Bells Line of Road from the Botanical Gardens.

If you’re still on the Great Western Hwy, then Glenbrook is a great place to stop, with Glenbrook Park just off main road Park Street, and there are many gorgeous boutiques like Little Knick Knacks and delicious cafes to stop at. The 2773 Cafe is my tip as it’s dog friendly too!

In Blaxland, there’s Wascoe Siding miniature-railway which is open now on the first Sunday of every month (except January). Check ahead for weather and opening times here.

Good news is, at this point you’re almost in Sydney! Safe travels.