Drawing Room Rocks, near Berry, offers one of the best views in the whole of NSW! It’s so good we’ve returned time and time again, and we love it just as much every time. It’s the perfect place to come for a picnic with a view, but it becomes extra special at sunrise or sunset and offers some truly spectacular photo opportunities.
It’s a very short walk for such an incredible view, but it is a bit of a steep climb. It’s more than worth it though.
Here’s what to expect from the trail, what it’s like at the top and why it’s one of our favourite things to do in Berry.
The Drawing Room Rocks Walk
The warning sign at the beginning of the track
We just want to start by addressing the warning sign at the beginning of the track. Amongst other things, the sign mentions that you need “moderate levels of navigational skills” to do this walk and must be self reliant. It also mentions a 350m ascent and descent.
We really don’t agree with this assessment. We know people who’ve been put off when they arrive and see this sign and that’s such a shame!
Whilst the viewpoint at the top has sheer drops and you should be careful, the walking trail is straight-forward. We measured the track using an Applewatch and the ascent and descent is less than 200m.
You don’t need even moderate navigational skills, all you need is the ability to follow a worn down path. Whilst there is minimal directional signage (basically none), finding your way to the top is obvious. This is no bush bash and there is next to no way of going wrong.
There are a couple of beaten down paths which are dead ends, but you see that’s the case within 30 seconds, you’re not wandering off trail for hours! The walk has a steep section and it is a little rough in places but it’s by no means difficult - if you can walk uphill for 25 - 30 minutes you can do this walk!
Sadly these overhyped warning signs seem to be popping up everywhere, and the danger is that if they keep appearing on straight-forward trails like Drawing Rooms Rocks, then they will be ignored when the trail is genuinely dangerous.
Anyway, rant over. Onto the trail and why we love Drawing Room Rocks.
The stats
Distance: 3km
Elevation: 188m
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of trail: Return
The walk to Drawing Room Rocks is short, but steep. It’s also quite rough in patches, with tree roots, rocks and a section that has been washed away by rain over the years.
However, we believe most people can hike to the top if you give yourself enough time. You should allow a minimum of one hour to hike the track (there and back), but you will want at least that at the top (especially if you’re there at sunset).
Starting the trail
The trail does not have a car park. However, you can park by the trail head, but the space is only large enough for two vehicles. We’ve been lucky that we’ve always got one of the spots near the start of the trail, but this won’t happen during a busy weekend.
It’s another benefit of doing this walk early or late in the day - you are much more likely to snag one of the coveted spots! If not, you need to park further down the road, which will add a little bit more uphill walking to your hike.
The view from the car park
From the trail head you are immediately into the bush and the climb begins. The track is narrow and whilst there are lots of tree roots, they aren’t big ones you have to climb over. It’s just a possible trip hazard if you aren’t looking where you’re going!
The forest is beautiful, even more beautiful than we remembered. It had been a wet winter, so the forest seemed particularly green with ferns and dense vegetation.
We always think about the view when it comes to this walk, but this time we really noticed what a lovely trail it is too.
We heard one of the best lyrebird displays we have ever been lucky enough to witness. It went on for around ten minutes and mimicked black cockatoos, kookaburras, whipbirds and another bird sound that we couldn’t identify.
It was really special and we stopped to listen for a long time.
Through the forest
The first 200m of the track is steep, but you quickly get some relief on a nice flat path for 150m.
After that the trail begins to climb again and it’s rockier than before, but neither slippery nor difficult. It will briefly flatten again before you hit two switchbacks and the climb continues.
After 780m you’ll see another path which branches off to the right of the main trail. The path on the right offers a semi-open view towards Gerroa, that you can’t see from the top of Drawing Room Rocks.
It’s pretty but it’s not a must do, as it is still quite obscured by trees.
The lookout to Gerroa
There are a number of other cut offs like this, the best of which in our opinion is on the left hand side at 830m along the trail.
This has a nice wide rocky ledge with a good sunset view, and would be a great place to stop on many trails, but the view at the top of Drawing Room Rocks is just so good that we always save all our time for the top.
The westerly view on the trail
The final stretch to the top
The next couple of hundred metres are similar to what you have already climbed, until you get to the 1km mark when the terrain changes.
There are still rocks and tree roots, but there are now deep gullies running through the middle of the path for much of the way.
That leaves you walking on the sides of the trail which is quite narrow. It’s never too narrow and there are lots of trees to lean on if you need to steady yourself - it’s not difficult, it just slows you down.
You’ll soon head into pretty thick vegetation which offers shade from the sun (briefly).
As you come towards the top, the path flattens again and it’s an easy stroll to the finish. Again you’ll see another couple of side trails on the right and left which you could stop at if you wanted to.
After 1.5km you’ll reach the jaw dropping view at Drawing Room Rocks.
Drawing Room Rocks
If you’re walking with kids you should know that the entire long rocky platform at Drawing Room Rocks is unfenced. The drop offs are sheer, and it’s not a place for vertigo sufferers!
However, there is plenty of room, so you don’t have to go anywhere near the edge if you don’t want to.
Drawing Room Rocks are so named because erosion has caused them to look like tables and chairs! That’s what makes them such an amazing picnic spot.
The views are just spectacular: you can see the ocean, rolling green farmland and mountains. It feels vast and you notice lots of new things the longer you look.
Personally we love visiting at sunset, which sets just to the right of the main view and casts a beautiful light over the whole vista. It’s a magical sunset spot and we usually get it all to ourselves!
We’ve also heard it’s fabulous for sunrise, and you can often see a cloud inversion, but we’ve yet to see it first hand.
If you love photography, don’t just stick to the main area where the Drawing Room Rocks are located.
There’s a fabulous area to the right which offers a beautiful perspective on the view, it’s actually where we spend most of our time.
We recommend allowing ample time at the top because it’s not a view you want to rush. It is mesmerising and the photos don’t do it justice!
The walk back down
The trail back is downhill or flat all the way to the bottom, making it much easier than the way up! I always find the descent a little slow in places because of the terrain, but it takes us less than half an hour in the dark, and would be quicker in day light.
If you’re coming up for sunset, just remember a torch or head down slightly before the end of sunset, so you can still see in the twilight. As you’re walking through the forest it’s darker than it is at the lookout.
All in all it’s not a difficult walk down, but you probably need to watch footing a bit more than on the ascent as it’s easier to slip when going downhill.
Look out for wallabies, there were two on our most recent visit!
Packing suggestions for the walk
Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Bushman Spray: Good for keeping off the mozzies and any other bugs. Check it out on Amazon.
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
How to get to Drawing Room Rocks
Drawing Room Rocks is located 8.5km from Berry town centre and takes around 12 minutes to drive to. It’s just over a two hour drive from Sydney.
You can find the exact location on google maps and it’s signposted from the road.
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Are you planning a trip to Drawing Room Rocks? Where is your favourite lookout in NSW? Let us know in the comments below!
