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Mount Tomah Stopping Bay
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Mount Tomah Stopping Bay, Bells Line of Road

Mount Tomah Stopping Bay, Bells Line of Road

The Mount Tomah Stopping Bay is a simple, unsealed pullover area located on the iconic Bells Line of Road in the heart of the northern Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Situated just east of the world-renowned Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, this small bay serves as a convenient and essential stopping point for travellers to pause, check maps, or simply take in the magnificent surrounding scenery. Unlike more developed rest areas, this is a basic, no-frills stop, offering a moment of respite amidst the stunning natural beauty of the dense eucalypt forests and rugged sandstone escarpments.

This is a very primitive site, suitable only for short-term stops and not for overnight camping. It is a small, gravel area directly adjacent to the highway, best suited for cars and smaller campervans. Larger vehicles such as caravans and big rigs should exercise extreme caution and would be better served by larger rest areas further along the route. There are absolutely no facilities at this location – no toilets, no picnic tables, no water, and no rubbish bins. It is imperative that visitors adhere to a strict “leave no trace” ethos and take all their rubbish with them. The primary function of this bay is to provide a safe place to pull off the winding and often busy Bells Line of Road. Its greatest advantage is its immediate proximity to the Botanic Garden, allowing visitors to pull over safely just before reaching the Garden’s entrance.

Mount Tomah Stopping Bay – NSW Location Map

Name: Mount Tomah Stopping Bay
Address: Bells Line of Road (near Rainbow Ravine Rd), Mount Tomah NSW 2758, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -33.5472, 150.42411

Site Information

  • Location: On the Bells Line of Road (B59), just east of the entrance to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.
  • Site Suitable For: Cars and small campervans. Not suitable for large vehicles or caravans.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Unsealed (gravel/dirt).
  • Camping Permitted: No, this is a day-use stopping bay only.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Not applicable.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: Not available.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Can be intermittent in the mountains; Telstra generally has the best coverage.
  • TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Not available. Toilets are available at the Botanic Garden nearby.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
  • Drive Through: No, it is a small pull-in bay.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Not appropriate for this location.
  • Number of Sites Available: Space for only a few vehicles.
  • Essentials to Bring: Not applicable for a short stop.
  • Pet Friendly: Pets must remain in the vehicle or on a leash, but are not permitted in the adjacent National Park or Botanic Garden.
  • Fishing: Not applicable.
  • Short Walks: World-class walks are available within the nearby Botanic Garden.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Eateries

  • The Potager Mount Tomah: Approx. 1km away. A high-quality restaurant located within the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.
  • The Hive Bilpin: Approx. 10km east in Bilpin. Famous for its apple pies and cafe.
  • The Bilpin Hotel: Approx. 11km east in Bilpin. A classic country pub.
  • Further options are available in the towns of Lithgow (west) or North Richmond (east).

Local Attractions

  • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah: Approx. 1km west. A world-class cool-climate garden with stunning views, walks, and a visitor centre.
  • Wollemi National Park: The stopping bay is surrounded by the park, which is famous for the discovery of the Wollemi Pine.
  • Bilpin “Fruit Bowl”: Approx. 12km east. The heart of the apple and cider region with numerous orchards and cellar doors.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

  • Nearest Caravan Parks: Major caravan parks are located in Lithgow (approx. 30km west) or the Hawkesbury region (approx. 40km east).
  • Next Free Camps: No designated free camps in the immediate area. Paid campgrounds are available in the Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Nearest Dump Points: Check with caravan parks in Lithgow or Katoomba (a fee will apply).
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Bilpin (approx. 11km east) or Lithgow (approx. 30km west).
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden or service stations in nearby towns.
  • Nearest Public Toilets: Available at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Mount Tomah has a cool-temperate mountain climate. Summers are generally warm and pleasant, offering an escape from the heat of the coast, but can be subject to thunderstorms. Winters are cold, with frosty mornings and a significant chance of snowfall, which can occasionally close the Bells Line of Road. Autumn features stunning colours as the deciduous trees in the Botanic Garden change. Spring is mild with beautiful floral displays. The weather in the mountains can change very rapidly, so it is always advisable to be prepared for cooler and wetter conditions than expected.

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