33 Stunning Blue Mountains Lookouts +Map
If you are heading west to check out some Blue Mountains lookouts you are in luck. Today we share details of 33 of the best views in the Blue Mountains we have visited so you can decide which ones you should add to your day out.
There are more scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains than most visitors will be able to manage to see on a short visit, so the challenge is to work out which ones you want to visit.
We have included here the lookouts in the Blue Mountains that we have visited and enjoyed. After more than 50 trips up here, we have covered a few 😉 and so today, we bring you what we think are the most incredible views on offer.
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How to find the best Blue Mountains lookouts
Deciding on the best Blue Mountains lookouts to head to on your visit will depend on several factors;
- Do you have a car?
- Are you using the Hop on Hop off bus?
- Do you need wheelchair accessible lookouts?
- Do you want to minimise stairs?
- Are you short on time and want very short walking tracks?
- Is it raining? Do you want to take in the views of the Blue Mountains from the car?
We have spent considerable time whittling down all the amazing lookouts and grading them by the factors above. They are divided by area, if you click on the Google reference on each listing, it will open Google Maps, and you can get directions to the lookout from wherever you are.
In a hurry? At the bottom of the page, you will find a summary of the best options for different visitor requirements. We have also highlighted lookouts on the Blue Mountains HOHO bus route.
We hope this helps you to find the magnificent views you are looking for!
Save our Map of Blue Mountains Lookouts
Before you head to any of these amazing lookouts be sure to check the National Park alerts for any changes due to poor weather or fire danger.
Lower Blue Mountains lookouts
The lookouts start before you reach the top of the mountain. If you only have one day to see the mountains, bypass these and head straight to Wentworth Falls.
1. Mount Portal Lookout
This wheelchair accessible walk offers beautiful views of Glenbrook Gorge and the Nepean River. You can see much of western Sydney in the distance. A very popular spot for abseiling.
Tip: This walk and the next are inside Glenbrook National Park, so you will have to pay a day fee to access the park.
Accessibility: Only a couple of minutes walk from the car park to the view.
2. Tunnel View Lookout
This lookout in Glenbrook National Park is a little off the radar and well worth your time. There are views below to old railway cuttings which train buffs will enjoy. I love the way the Glenbrook gorge creek cuts through the thick vegetation.
Tip: This area is unfenced, so not recommended for young children.
Accessibility: 500m relatively flat walk that will take less than 10 minutes
3. Lincoln’s Rock
This unfenced lookout over the Kings Tableland Plateau used to be off the tourist bus radar, but this last year or two, it has become increasingly popular, and lots of the smaller buses stop here. Please be careful taking photos close to the edge, mainly when the wind is up. There have been several accidents here, so take lots of care.
There is a small cave under the rock that you can reach easily, a beautiful place to sit and take in the view. You sometimes see this lookout referred to as Flat Rock, Honeymoon Rock, or Sunset Rock.
Tip: Arrive for sunset, and you are unlikely to be surrounded by tour buses but will share the view with keen photographers.
Accessibility: Easy flat short walk from the road where you can park
Wentworth Falls Lookouts
There is a range of lookouts in the Wentworth Falls area, meaning everyone can enjoy the views here, whether you are looking for a short hike or travelling with those who can’t walk far.
This part of the mountains is a little less convenient to see by train and sadly, Wentworth Falls is not on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus route (HOHO); however, local buses can get you within 500m of the Wentworth Falls car park, where many of these walks begin.
4. Jamison Lookout
Jamison Lookout, the closest lookout to the car park, does not have a view of Wentworth Falls waterfall. It offers expansive views over Jamison Valley. This is one of the most accessible lookout in the mountains.
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs, prams and those who can’t walk far
5. Wentworth Falls Lookout
Wentworth Falls lookout is just a little further along and offers a similar view to Jamison Lookout but at a slightly different angle. A 2-minute walk from the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area.
Confusingly, this lookout does not have a view of the actual falls. There is a track right next to the platform that leads down to Fletchers Lookout – a 15-minute walk to a good view.
Accessibility: Easy, at the roadside
6. Rocket Point Lookout
In my opinion, Rocket Point lookout offers the best view of Wentworth Falls. If you are happy to do a 45-minute walk, you will be rewarded here with lovely bushland and a fantastic view.
You begin at the Wentworth Falls picnic area and head to Queens Cascades, the waterfall’s upper level. The walk is not challenging, but includes quite a lot of stairs. It’s a loop walk, so you will return to the picnic ground. Check out the latest track information on the National Park site.
Accessibility: 2.4km grade 3 walk,
7. Fletchers Lookout
A detour off the track that leads to Rocket Point Lookout. You are looking to the top of the falls just where the water falls over the cliff.
Accessibility: 200 steps from the top of the street to the lookout
8. Princes Rock Lookout
A short 15-minute walk downhill will see you at Princes Rock Lookout. This is a popular spot, considered one of the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains National Park. From here, you look directly onto the falls – a very impressive, particularly after rain.
Tip: The track starts near the Conservation Hut car park. Anyone not up for the walk can head into the cafe here for a drink.
Accessibility: The lookout is an easy 1km return walk, but it involves steps.
Lookouts in Leura
Best known by day-trippers for its pretty Edwardian shopping street, lovely cafes, and, of course, the Leura Cascades, Leura is home to several excellent lookouts. This part of the mountain gives views of the Jamison Valley, Kings Tableland and Mount Solitary.
9. Sublime Point
A special lookout that is not usually on the big tour bus trail. Sublime Point offers a magnificent 270-degree view of the Jamison Valley. To the west, you can see the reverse side of the Three Sisters. Best to visit early or later in the day as can be a little busy early afternoon.
Accessibility: Short walk down a dirt path which takes about 15 minutes to return some uneven steps but is not too challenging.
10. Gordon Falls Lookout
Giving a partial view of Gordon Falls from the very top revealing where it falls over the cliff. You can continue and walk further down for a better view (allow 1hr). From the lookout, you are directly in front of Mount Solidary, and I like the way the valley floor looks here.
Tip: I would only really recommend this after some rain as the view of the valley is very similar to all the others in Leura, but without the steps.
Accessibility: Short walk from the car park, some steep metal steps and a few rocky ones. Suitable for almost all.
11. Elysian Rock and Olympian Rock
These two lookouts are just a few minutes’ walk apart, and you will likely have them all to yourself.
Start at whichever you find parking closest to and then walk Prince Henry Cliff track between the two. The entry to the track at Elysian Rock is not well marked, but it’s easy enough to find.
When you reach the other lookout, you can walk back to the street and will only be a block or so from where you started.
A short walk and a small bridge called Buttenshaw Bridge connects the two lookouts. It’s worth stopping, particularly on cloudy days as sometimes the view of the clouds in the valley below from this height is rather magical.
Tip: You can get a great shot of the bridge looking from Elysian to Olympic Rock
Accessibility: Easy short walk from Olympic Parade along an uneven surface, not suitable for a wheelchair user
12. Bridal Veil Falls Lookout
This lookout is on the HOHO bus route.
There are two waterfalls in the Blue Mountains known as Bridal Veil Falls, one in Leura and another at Govetts Leap. This one in Leura is a ten-minute walk from the starting point to the lookout. This waterfall looks spectacular after heavy rain but is often not visible on foggy days.
Accessibility: 10 minutes along an unpaved track.
13. Kiah Lookout
This is a short detour off the walk down to Bridal Veil Falls. It’s a pleasant view with very few visitors.
Accessibility: Rough track, not difficult, but watch your footing.
14. Honeymoon Point Lookout
Seen from the road the view from this lookout is beautiful so it’s well worth a short stop. It’s also the start of a pretty easy but rewarding walk. Very few people are here every time we visit, and there is a seat to take in the view.
Accessibility: Just a few steps from the road. Not paved but flat and easy to see even from the car.
Related: You can visit many of these lookouts via public transport
Katoomba Lookouts
The Katoomba area is home to the Blue Mountains best-known lookouts and almost all of them are related to the Three Sisters, known in Dreamtime stories as Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo.
15. Echo Point / Three Sisters
This is the most famous lookout in the mountains.
With its expansive views over the Jamison Valley and super easy access, almost every visitor to the mountains stops here.
The key to enjoying the view from this, the most popular lookout in the Blue Mountains, is timing. Arrive early, before 10am or late, after 5pm for the best chance of having the place to yourself. The lookout is lit at night so if you are staying in the area overnight pop back after dinner to experience a different view.
Accessibility: Flat, wheelchair friendly access from the car park
16. Queen Elizabeth Lookout
This lookout sits directly below the main Three Sisters one above. The main difference is you are a little more in line with the rockface.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
17. Spooners Lookout
Named after the man who officially opened Prince Henry Cliff walk in 1938. In 2014 the path to the lookout was upgraded with fresh paving and a wider track. It provides excellent views straight down the valley and a chance to get away from the busloads of visitors above.
Accessibility: 200m pram friendly walk from the Visitor Information Centre
18. Honeymoon Bridge
This lookout is out on one of the Three Sisters themselves. If your legs can handle the stairs, I highly recommend walking down to the first sister and taking in the grandeur up close.
Accessibility: Short walk from the track down some very steep stairs.
19. Lady Darley Lookout
This is one I did not visit until about two years ago. There are so many lookouts close together you can quickly get lookout fatigue if you try to see them all. I am happy I finally made it here. The view is excellent, and the patterns and ridges on the rocks are awe-inspiring.
The contrast of the stone and the freedom of the forest make for some great photos. You will find the entrance to this lookout off Panorama Drive right behind Lilianfels.
Accessibility: Lots of stairs, some ladder-like, can be tough on anyone with a fear of heights
20. Cliff View lookout
You will find Cliff View Lookout by the East Station of the Scenic World Skyway. This lookout offers views onto Mount Solitary and the Narrow Neck Plateau and can be reached from either the cable car or the car park in just a couple of minutes.
It is also part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Katoomba Falls to the Three Sisters. A relatively easy and very rewarding walk.
Accessibility: One set of stairs and then an easy flat walk
21. Eagle Hawk Lookout
You pass this lookout on the Blue Mountains HOHO bus
The first lookout past Scenic World offers a fantastic view of the Three Sisters rock formation without the crowds. You rarely find anyone else here which is just as well because there is only parking for three cars.
Accessibility: A couple of steps down from the tiny car park but you can view it from the road.
22. Narrow Neck Lookout
This is a stop on the Blue Mountains HOHO Bus
Narrow Neck divides Jamison and Megalong Valleys, allowing you to see both valleys, the Ruined Castle and the Katoomba Landslide. The long thin plateau, Narrow Neck is almost directly in front of you.
Tip: There are a couple of picnic tables here if you fancy stopping for lunch
Accessibility: Can be viewed from the roadside.
Related: 50+ Things to Do in the Blue Mountains
23. Cahill Lookout
Just a short drive away is Cahill lookout. This is a great place to get your head around how vast the Blue Mountains region is. From this point, you can see the Jamison Valley to the right and the Megalong Valley to the left. The view of the Narrow Neck Peninsula is particularly good.
Tip: Public transport: Bus 686 from Katoomba stops 10 mins walk from the lookout.
Accessibility: Easy walk from the parking area – some stairs
24. Boars Head Lookout
Basically a two for the price of one view. This is the halfway point on the walk down to Cahill Lookout, you walk right past it. Be sure to stop and find the boars head.
Blackheath Lookouts
The lookouts at Blackheath with their views of the Grose Valley are some of the most spectacular in the mountains. There is no need to stop at them all; the views offer different aspects of the Grose Valley. Pick a couple or take a walk between Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap.
Tip: The National Parks and Wildlife Service have a Blackheath lookouts driving route
25. Evans Lookout
Evans lookout is a stunner, in my top five lookouts. There is a nice ledge to sit on if you want to stay awhile and drink it in. It’s lovely at sunrise and in the afternoon light.
There are no picnic tables but the ledge provides perfect seating and there are relatively few people here when we visit so it’s the perfect spot to linger a while.
Accessibility: Easy walk with just a few stairs.
Check out the Google Street view of this area.
26. Valley View Lookout
Valley View lookout is just a short path to the right of Evans Lookout. The view is similar but feels much closer to the deep valleys below.
Accessibility: A short flat mostly paved track.
27. Govetts Leap
This lookout is my favourite place in the Blue Mountains to watch the sunrise. Often in the early morning, the valley is full of low cloud or fog which rather than obscuring the view, although it kind of does, is magical to watch and adds some real interest to your photos.
From Govetts Leap lookout to your right-hand side is Bridal Veil waterfall. For the last few years, the waterfall has been all but dry thanks to the drought. On our recent visit (September 2020) we were delighted to see the water flowing.
The nearby Blue Mountains Heritage Centre is a worthwhile stop, particularly if you are thinking of doing one of the nearby walks. Some are short and not too challenging.
Public transport: Blackheath Station to Govetts Leap is about 3.5 kilometres. The 698 bus gets you fairly close, just let the driver know where you are heading. You can also walk down to the end of Govett’s Leap Road from the station.
Accessibility: Just a couple of steps from the car
28. Barrow Lookout
This lookout just a 750m walk from Govetts Leap, will get you up close to the 180m high waterfall you can see from the Govetts Leap viewing platform.
Accessibility: Rough stone steps and lots of them but not a difficult walk and fine for anyone with good fitness.
If you have seen this and want something different for your next visit, check out George Phillips Lookout, also in Blackheath.
29. Pulpit Rock
Access to Pulpit Rock is currently closed.
This is one of the top lookouts in the Grose Valley. After walking about 500m down quite a lot of stairs, you will be greeted with this spectacular sight. The 240-degree views down to Govetts Gorge and the Grose Valley are breathtaking.
On my last visit, I was with a friend who had a real fear of heights, so we only walked to the first level, the metal stairs that lead to the bottom lookout were a little too much. Even from the first platform, the views are spectacular.
It’s one of those spots you will find hard to leave, the view is mesmerising and the thought of all the stairs you have to walk back up is not exactly something you want to rush to 😉
Accessibility: 10-minute walk down to the lookout. The walk back up gets the heart pumping.
30. Anvil Rock
From Anvil Rock you really do feel like you are on top of the world. A bonus is I have never seen another person here when I visited so you will likely have it to yourself.
It can get pretty windy up here, so make sure you dress appropriately.
Tip: Detour to Wind Eroded Cave – you will see a sign from the car park – only 400m or so walk and a fascinating cave where you can see up close the patterns in the sandstone caused by exposure to the weather.
Accessibility: A dirt track to the car park, but we had no trouble in our two-wheel drive, a short rough road to the lookout.
31. Baltzer Lookout and Hanging Rock
One of the most rewarding but also one of the most challenging of the lookouts here. On a clear day, you can see way down the valley.
Accessibility: An 11.3km walk that requires a high level of fitness and care.
Sometimes the best views are the ones you discover by chance like these two. Both off the beaten track, I have only ever seen Blue Mountains locals when visiting these two.
32. Sunset Lookout – Mount Piddington
Driving down a residential street with no obvious signage we came across this lookout when spending a weekend in Blackheath and wanting to take some sunset photos.
Accessibility: A very short walk from the street.
33. Unknown lookout off Bells Line of Road
This spectacular lookout may have a name but I have never heard it – there was a bathtub shape in the ledge to sit and look over the sandstone cliffs. It was safe so I gave it a go – perhaps that might be a reference to search.
Related: Check out Blue Mountains Self-Drive Itineraries
Accessible lookouts for wheel for anyone with limited mobility
- Jamison Lookout Wentworth Falls
- Echo Point Katoomba
- Spooners Lookout Katoomba
- Narrow Neck Lookout
- Katoomba Library
- Conservation Hut
- Hydro Majestic Hotel
- Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens
Blue Mountains Lookout Points You Can Reach Without Much Walking
The ones above and the following are all very short walks from the road.
- Elysian Rock and Olympian Lookout
- Eagle Hawk Lookout
- Echo Point
- Evans Lookout
- Goverts Leap lookout
Best Sunrise and Sunset Lookouts
Best sunrise lookouts:
- Sublime Point
- Olympian and Elysian Rock
- Goverts Leap
- Pulpit Rock
Best sunset lookouts:
- Sublime Point
- Echo Point
- Cahill Lookout – Beautiful light on Narrow Neck Plateau
Before you head off to visit any of these, we suggest you check for any closures or park alerts on the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife website or stopping in at one of the visitor centres in the mountains when you arrive. This is especially important when there is fire danger or heavy rain.
Read more of our Blue Mountains posts here including these most popular ones.
- 33 Blue Mountains Lookouts
- 12 Short Blue Mountains walks
- 50 Things to do in the Blue Mountains
- Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
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The epic feature photo on this article was taken by Bakhos Moussa who just happens to be our nephew. Bakhos spent a weekend in the Blackheath with us last year trying to teach us to take better photos. Check out his Instagram feed for more of his work.
I visited these mountains when I was 18 years old and didn’t realise how any there actually were. Perhaps it’s time for a return visit.
So many stunning places to take in amazing views. Definitely worth having handy when visiting the area. It’s these types of places that we love to go to, off the beaten path, and not as busy as the main tourist’s areas. Thanks for sharing your tips on when to go and the safety of each place, definitely important and useful information.
I think it most certainly is!
Thanks for making the list. I particularly like Pulpit Rock, though earlier this year (2020) it was blocked to us because of the fires.