Not all views are created equal and if you don't have long in the mountains then you probably you want to make sure you see the best ones. If you don't have time on your hands and are looking for some accessible spots to get a great feel for the area then check out our recommends.
You do need a car to visit the majority of these look outs, and with wheels you can see a lot even with little time as the distances between each are short.
For a full rundown of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains read this.
Hargraves Lookout - Blackheath
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1. Lincoln’s Rock (Wentworth Falls)
2. Boars Head (Katoomba)
3. Pulpit Rock (Blackheath)
4. Echo Point (Katoomba)
5. Fortress Rock (Leura)6. Hanging Rock
7. Hargraves Lookout
8. Govetts Leap
9. Evans Lookout10. Honeymoon Bridge
11. Cahills Lookout
12. Castle Head Lookout 1
13. Castle Head Lookout 214. Sublime Point
15. Olympian Rock
16. Lockleys Pylon
17. Du Faur Head
18. Butterbox PointBest Lookouts in Wentworth Falls
19. The Cave at Lincoln’s Rock
20. Rocket Point
21. Wentworth Falls Lookout
22. Princes Rock
23. Fletchers Rock24. Rigby Hill
25. Walls Lookout
26. Kanangra Boyd Plateau
27. Kanangra Walls
28. Hassan Walls
The 28 best Blue Mountains lookouts
1 - Lincoln’s Rock, Wentworth Falls
Requires walking: No
This is definitely our favourite of all the lookouts on this list. The views are absolutely breathtaking, especially if you come at sunset.
It's a huge escarpment so even if you come on a busy evening there is so much space to sit and take it all in. It's only a two minute walk from the car park, how can a view this good require no effort whatsoever?!
The ledge you can see in the photo is visible almost as soon as you step onto the escarpment, there are often people wanting to take photos here but it’s always orderly and everyone waits their turn.
Getting there: Lincoln Rock is not far from Wentworth Falls. Take the turnoff for Tableland Road from the main highway (A32), then turning into Hordern Road. On Little Switzerland Road (a dirt track) there will be plenty of cars parked up and you'll know you are there.
2 - Boars Head, Katoomba
Requires walking: 5 minute walk
This one is a recent discovery for us but has rocketed up our list of favourites. The view over Narrow Neck is phenomenal, and it was even quite cool to see the odd car drive along what from this distance looks like a hiking trail!
The rock formations here are incredible, and there's a lot of space to sit and relax and take in the view. Catching a sunset here is easily one of our favourite things to do in Katoomba.
To reach the lookout you need to go to the Boars Head climbing area and take the short walking trail, there's a few stairs but it takes less than five minutes to reach this spot. Watch out for the wind though, it can be punishing here.
Getting there - This is not to be confused with the Boars Head Lookout, which is right next to Cahills Lookout! This spot is a little further down Cliff Drive and requires walking down a short path. It has a sign about climbing at the start, so you’ll know you’re in the right place.
3 - Pulpit Rock - currently closed due to bush fire damage
Requires walking: Yes - 10 minute walk
Until we visited Lincoln Rock this was our favourite, it is absolutely epic. You can visit on the 3km each way Pulpit Rock walking track or there is a car park from which it is just a 10 minute walk.
There are several levels, but the best is definitely the one you see in this picture, as you feel like you are fully immersed in the mountains. It does involve a few stairs but there are handrails the whole way.
If you want to take photos of someone on the bottom level lookout make sure they wear bright colours to stand out!
Getting there: Luckily, the road to Pulpit Road is sealed for the majority of the way. There is a small amount that is dirt track but our tiny Kia managed it fine. It is a short drive from Blackheath. From the car park is a 10 minute walk down several stairs (most are different sizes and depths).
4 - Echo Point, Katoomba
Requires walking: No
This is the most famous lookout in the Blue Mountains and really a must do on any trip. Lovely at sunrise and sunset, but if you can choose either go for sunrise.
You can even visit at night as it is lit up, no one else was around on our visit and we watched the bats swoop in and out of the valley.
Since the lookout reopened in late 2020 it has been upgraded with several new viewing platforms. The lookouts are fantastic and it disperses the crowds too.
You can park just a one minute walk from the lookouts, but it is metered, or you can visit as part of the Prince Henry Cliff walk which is a gorgeous introduction to the mountains.
Getting there: Echo Point is the main attraction in Katoomba and is well signposted. You can park here for a fee or even walk from the centre of town in around 15 minutes.
5 - Fortress Rock, Leura
Requires walking: Yes - 1.5 km walk each way
Fortress Rock is one of our favourite lookouts in the mountains. It’s rarely visited which only adds to the feeling of amazement at having a vast mountain view all to yourself. You can see all the way into the Grose Valley, as well as Lockleys Pylon and Mount Hay. What makes it even more special is you can also see Horseshoe Falls as it thunders down the mountain. It’s quite far in the distance but still an impressive sight.
The walk to get there is a fairly easy 2.8km but it’s well worth exploring the area more as it is very close to one of the most unusual sights in the mountains - Doctor Dark’s Cave. Trust us, you want to see this place!
Neither Fortress Rock nor the cave are signposted but we have the coordinates in this post for you.
Getting there: The Fortress Rock lookout is located on the Fortress Ridge trail, 8km down the Mount Hay Road. If recently regraded any car can manage it, but if not it is sometimes only accessible with a high clearance vehicle. Check conditions before you go if you don’t have a high clearance vehicle.
The Best Lookouts in Blackheath
1. Hanging Rock
2. Hargraves Lookout
3. Govetts Leap
4. Evans Lookout
Baltzer Lookout - Hanging Rock, Blackheath
Requires walking: Yes - 5.5km each way
Hanging Rock requires the most effort of the all the lookouts on this list, but it really is worth it. It's a fabulous spot to be at sunrise but if you don't fancy walking in the dark then sunset is also good (just leave a little before the sun actually sets to get back in the light).
The walking track is 11.3km return from the car park (you used to be able to drive a little closer but that car park is not open any more). The walk is fairly flat and easy right up until you get very close to the lookout.
The path then descends steeply on uneven terrain towards the lookout. It would be very easy to slip so watch your step, and take poles if you are unsteady on your feet. It really is sublime though so don't be put off!
Getting there: The car park is a 10 minute drive from Blackheath.
Hargraves Lookout, Blackheath
Walking required: No
There's actually three lookouts at Hargraves, two almost right next to each other, just a few steps from the car park, and one around a five minute walk further along. The lookouts are all slightly different perspectives of the same view, over the gorgeous Megalong Valley.
The rolling green valley is backed by mountains, and it's a slightly different view to any other on this list because there is a lot of farmland, as well as forest.
It's at its most picturesque during golden hour, just before sunset. If you want to visit the third lookout, take the path to the left of the second viewpoint (there's a sign but the writing has faded away), follow it along the rocky escarpment until you reach the third lookout, which is railed.
The walk is easy, but it is rocky and there are big drops on either side, it won't affect anyone but acute vertigo sufferers as the path is reasonably wide.
Getting there: Hargraves Lookout is just over a 10 minute drive from Blackheath. A few kilometres of the drive is on dirt road, but it's in good condition and a 2WD is fine.
Govetts Leap, Blackheath
Requires walking: No
This is a fabulous spot to come and sunrise and you will only share it with the odd photographer, later in the day it is a very busy view point. Bring warm clothes though, it is cold even in summer in the early morning.
You can drive right up to this lookout, or plenty of the walking tracks bring you past here, including some of our favourites. The Popes Glen - Govetts Leap - Braeside Trail makes a fabulous loop which takes in this lookout.
Getting there: Govett's Leap Lookout is a couple of steps from the car park and a short drive from Blackheath. It is one of the most accessible lookouts in the Blue Mountains.
Evans Lookout, Blackheath
Requires walking: No
Evans Lookout is popular for good reason, you get a wonderful view of the Grose Valley. It is also the start or finish of many walking tracks so it does get busy.
It's another good sunrise point but really it is spectacular at any time of day, even mist and fog brings atmosphere.
You can almost drive right up to it (there’s just one staircase to walk) and there is plenty of space to sit down and take it all in.
Getting there: Evans Lookout is on the road between Katoomba and Blackheath. It is down a long road with a decent sized car park at the end.
Best Lookouts in Katoomba
1. Honeymoon Bridge
2. Cahills Lookout
3. Castle Head Lookout 1
4. Castle Head Lookout 2
Honeymoon Bridge, Katoomba
Walking required: 500m each way
The Honeymoon Bridge is at the end of the Three Sisters Walk from the Echo Point Lookout, and offers some of the best views in the area. It’s also the only way to walk across and touch one of the Three Sisters!
The best time to go is just before sunset, when the golden light is beautiful across the Jamison Valley and there tends to be a lot fewer people here.
If there’s been quite a bit of rain recently, you’ll see Katoomba Falls flowing into the valley below.
Getting there: Honeymoon Bridge is a 500m walk along the Three Sisters Track from Echo Point in Katoomba. It’s a paved path that runs behind the visitors centre and takes you straight there.
Cahills Lookout, Katoomba
Walking required: Around 5 minutes each way, includes some stairs
Cahills Lookout is another of our favourite sunset spots in the mountains. There are a couple of different railed viewpoints which lookout over Boar's Head as well as Narrow Neck and the Megalong Valley in the distance.
It's not normally too busy and the vista is simply wonderful, it is however, almost always windy! We've been many times and it varies between moderately windy and bone chillingly gusty - even when elsewhere in the mountains there is barely a breeze. You might get lucky, but I wouldn't visit Cahills without an extra layer!
It's only around a five minute easy walk to the various viewpoints, there are a few steps involved but no steep sections.
Getting there: Cahills Lookout is just a 5 minute drive from Katoomba, just off Cliff Drive There's a small parking area, but plenty of free off-street parking if it is full.
Castle Head Lookout 1, Katoomba
Requires walking: Yes - 2.6km return
This is another quiet lookout, and you will hardly believe your luck when you get this view all to yourself. You could easily spend hours admiring the view, or having a picnic. You can even see the famous Three Sisters rock formation from a completely different angle.
It is a 2.6km return walk from the car park, and is fairly flat and easy going. You will come across it on your left just before the final narrow section of track to Castle Head.
Getting there: The car park is very close to the Golden Staircase and the last few kilometres are unsealed. Doable in a small car but not the most comfortable ride. It is around 15 minutes drive from Katoomba.
Castle Head Lookout, Katoomba
Requires walking: Yes - 4.4km return
Just beyond the lookout in the above photo you'll come to the end of the walking track, and the official Castle Head Lookout. It offers one of the best views of Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary in all the Blue Mountains and it's a wonderfully peaceful spot. You feel really immersed in the view, almost like you’re a part of it.
There are lots of rocks to sit on and we spent an hour here watching the cockatoos swoop over the valley before finally dragging ourselves away.
You can read our full Castle Head trail guide here.
Best Lookouts in Leura
1. Sublime Point
2. Olympian Rock
3. Lockleys Pylon
4. Du Faur Head
5. Butterbox Point
Sublime Point, Leura
Requires walking: Yes, but only 5 minutes
This is another beautiful spot to come at sunset. The platform is a lot smaller than at most of the other lookouts though, so if it is a busy evening it can feel a little crowded. It's still a beautiful spot to watch the sun slowly sink behind the mountains though.
If you prefer to sit somewhere without railings and away from the crowds you can reach the spot in our photo just before the main lookout on your right, it’s about 30 seconds off the trail and we’ve never seen anyone else here. The view from the main lookout is similar to this but doesn’t have the trees in front of it so if you want to see unobstructed layers of mountains head to the main platform.
Getting there: Sublime Point is in Leura, down the aptly named "Sublime Point Road". It is a short walk (five minutes) from the car park to the lookout.
Olympian Rock, Leura
Requires walking: 5 minutes each way, includes some stairs
Olympian Rock is a less popular lookout and offers a great view out to Mount Solitary and the back of the Three Sisters. We visited in the middle of the day on a Saturday and there wasn't another soul in sight.
The walk to get there is just a few hundred metres but does involve some stairs.
Getting there: The Olympian Rock Lookout is along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and is very close to Leura. It is just a short walk from the nearby road shown in the map below.
Lockleys Pylon, Leura
Requires walking: Yes - 3.5km each way
Lockleys Pylon is a beautiful lookout, and is very quiet even in the middle of the day. We actually liked the view just before the little hill up to the summit (pictured below). You can see Mount Hay and Mount Banks and it’s a part of the mountains that only locals really visit.
The walk is just under 7km return on very pretty track, it’s the kind of spot we’d love to visit regularly but the access road to the trail is not in good condition!
Getting there: Getting to Lockleys Pylon is an adventure in itself. The road to the car park is unsealed, rough and not for a two wheel drive (although you can give it a go, but it isn't pleasant unless the road has been recently regraded). It is around 30 minutes drive from Katoomba.
Du Faur Head, Leura
Requires walking: Yes - 4.5 km each way
The view from Du Faur Head is spectacular. You feel completely surrounded by the mountains in a world of your own due to the fact that hardly anyone knows about it! It does require the most effort to get to of any of the lookouts on the list but it is definitely worth it. It is a short 2km return extension to the Lockleys Pylon viewpoint mentioned above.
It’s not signposted but the blog post linked above tells you exactly how to get there.
Getting there: Getting to Du Faur Head is an adventure in itself. The road to the car park is unsealed, rough and not for a two wheel drive (although you can give it a go, but it isn't pleasant unless the road has been recently regraded). It is around 30 minutes drive from Katoomba.
Butterbox Point, Leura
Requires walking: Yes - 3km return
Butterbox Point is one of the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains that we didn’t even know existed until fairly recently. It’s a really unusual viewpoint in that the mountains appear to loom over you and it’s incredibly dramatic. The views of the Grose Valley are sensational and you can also see Lockleys Pylon, Perrys Lookdown and Mount Banks from here.
It’s also a relatively unknown spot so you’ll likely have it all to yourself, which adds to the wild atmosphere of the place. The walk to get to the lookout is easy and fairly short at less than 3km return. All the details about the walk and how to get to this unsigned lookout are in this post.
Getting there: Unfortunately Butterbox Point is located at the end of the Mount Hay Road, which is unsealed. If it’s been recently upgraded you will get by fine in any car, but if not you will need a high clearance vehicle.
Best Lookouts in Wentworth Falls
1. The Cave at Lincoln’s Rock
2. Rocket Point
3. Wentworth Falls
4. Princes Rock
5. Fletchers Lookout
The Cave at Lincoln’s Rock, Wentworth Falls
Requires walking: Yes but just 5 minutes each way
This one is a little off the radar, but it is a really cool spot that’s away from the crowds. It requires a little climbing, but it’s not too difficult.
To get to here, walk to the far side of Lincoln’s Rock. You’ll see a path that leads slightly downhill so you’re underneath the viewpoint where the majority of people are. You’ll pass the first cave with a brick wall and then you’ll find this cave. To get up requires about three moves, but there are footholds to help.
It’s a great place to be at sunset and provides a really fun frame for a photo. If you’re visiting on a weekend come a little way before sunset to grab your spot.
Getting there: Lincoln Rock is not far from Wentworth Falls. Take the turnoff for Tableland Road from the main highway (A32), then turning into Hordern Road. On Little Switzerland Road (a dirt track) there will be plenty of cars parked up and you'll know you are there.
Rocket Point
Requires walking: Yes, 2.4km return
Rocket Point is arguably the best view you’ll get of Wentworth Falls. It’s a very quiet lookout and tucked away on the far side of the waterfall, but it offers an incredible top down view.
The trail to the lookout takes you across the top of Wentworth Falls, before becoming a small loop through the bush. There’s a shortcut that takes you through a beautiful arch to the lookout, but then that’d be cheating wouldn’t it?! :-)
Getting to Rocket Point: Rocket Point is a short walking trail from the Wentworth Falls Lookout car park. If you take the trail to the top of the falls, walk across the stepping stones and look for a turn on your left. This will take you to the lookout and the small loop.
Wentworth Falls Lookout
Requires walking: No
This is another lookout you can drive right up to. The view is beautiful any time of day, even with the smoke from the bush fire you can see in this photo. You can park very close to the lookout (assuming you can snag a parking spot!), if not there is roadside parking - depending on when you’re visiting that might mean a five-ten minute walk.
You get a wonderful view of the Jamison Valley and the top of Wentworth Falls. For good falls viewing it’s best to go after a nice deluge of rain!
Getting there: Wentworth Falls lookout is a 2 minute walk from the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area Car Park. The car park is heaving during the day time, come early to avoid the crowds.
Princes Rock, Wentworth Falls
Requires walking: Yes - less than 10 minutes each way
Princes Rock Lookout offers an absolutely stunning view over the Jamison Valley. The fact it is also a walk, albeit a short one, means that you often get it all to yourself. It is a mesmerising spot to be at sunset when the golden light gives the whole valley a sublime glow.
The 900m walk is mostly downhill on the way, and of course uphill on the way back, it’s not overly steep though and it doesn’t take long.
Getting there: The Princes Rock lookout is near the Wentworth Falls lookout. You can get to it by taking the Hippocrene Falls Walking Track (the lookout is signposted)
Fletchers Lookout, Wentworth Falls
Walking required: Yes, 1.5km return
If you don't mind a short walk, and you'd like a close up view of Wentworth Falls, without having to go too far, then Fletchers is your best bet. It offers a far superior view of the falls to the Wentworth Falls Lookout, and is only a 1.5km return walk.
It is all downhill on the way, so you have to climb back up again afterwards, but your efforts are rewarded with a great look at the waterfall, as well as a wonderful view over the Jamieson Valley.
If you have more time and energy to spare, Fletchers Lookout is just a minute off the Wentworth Pass hiking trail, which is a spell binding walk, and easily one of the best in the mountains.
If you possibly can, it's best to visit this lookout after rain, when the waterfall will be at its most powerful, but whatever the weather situation, it's definitely worth a look.
Getting there: Fletchers Lookout is accessed via the walking trail to the left of the Wentworth Falls Lookout. The car park is 500m from the trailhead.
The best lookouts further afield
Rigby Hill (Bilpin / Mount Wilson)
Walls Lookout (Bilpin / Mount Wilson)
Kanangra-Boyd Plateau (Kanangra-Boyd)
Kanangra Walls (Kanangra-Boyd)
Hassan Walls (Lithgow)
Rigby Hill, Bilpin/Mount Wilson
Walking required: Yes, 1.4km return
Rigby Hill is on the Bilpin side of the Blue Mountains, and as such rarely visited when compared to lookouts around Katoomba and Blackheath. That makes the chance of getting this absolutely stunning spot all to yourself. It's a truly spectacular view of Perrys Lookdown and the Grose Valley.
It's a real panorama and the whole area is un-railed, so it feels very wild.
It's a 700m walk each way, which has a little bit of uphill, but nothing very steep. The sign says 1 hour but don't be put off, it only took us 10 minutes each way and we weren't rushing.
Getting there: Rigby Hill is just over a 20 minute drive from Bilpin and the same distance from Mount Wilson, just off the Bells Line Road. The car park isn't huge, but nor are the crowds!
Walls Lookout, Bilpin/Mount Wilson
Walking required: Yes, 2.6km return
Walls Lookout is very close to Rigby Hill (just a few minutes away) so it's easy to combine both in one trip. The lookout is another less well known option, and we've never seen anyone there before. The view is jaw dropping in both directions, it's actually hard to know where to look!
You can see right into the Grose Valley, and you feel completely surrounded by mountains. If you head there for sunset, you won't be disappointed.
Just watch out for wind and consider having an extra layer even in summer, it can get pretty wild out there!
The walk to Walls Lookout is 1.3km each way, the vast majority of which is flat, with a small amount of uphill required. Again, the sign says 1 hour but it took us 15 minutes each way.
Getting there: Walls Lookout is just over a 20 minute drive from Bilpin and the same distance from Mount Wilson just off the Bilpin road.
Kanangra-Boyd: Plateau Walk Lookout
Requires walking: Yes - about 20 minutes each way
This is not the easiest place to get to but you will definitely be highly rewarded. The lookout is phenomenal. It is only around 20 minutes walk on an easy track from the car park.
You will first come to the Kanangra Walls Lookout which is also fabulous. If you've come all this way then you will want to make the most of it, so carry on down to the Plateau Walk. Magnificent any time of day but particularly glorious at sunset.
You will easily see the cliff edge that juts out as soon as you hit the open escarpment.
Getting there: Getting to Kanangra-Boyd is a rough trip, so we'd advise taking a 4x4. The road to the walls is a pot-holed dirt track that goes on for over 30 kilometres. The first time we visited in a small car we popped the tyre. It will take around two hours from Katoomba. From the car park it is a 20 minute walk to this amazing lookout.
Kanangra Walls
Requires walking: Yes - 5 - 10 minutes each way
Kanangra Walls was one of the first lookouts we visited near the Blue Mountains and it absolutely blew us away. The beauty and the solitude of this spot was truly hard to believe. We loved that it had been left unfenced for you to enjoy with any railings obscuring the view (something to note if you are visiting with children though as the drop off is huge).
The lookout is a flat ten minute walk from the car park, and is wheelchair accessible. This is one lookout you don’t want to miss, trust us when we say it’s well worth the drive!
Hassans Walls, Lithgow
Requires walking: No
The view from Hassans Walls Lookout is the highest in all the Blue Mountains and the railed lookout juts right out over the escarpment to make the most of the mountain and valley views.
There are several lookout points offering different perspectives, all just a couple of minutes walk from the car park. We liked the view just through the cave, and the framing of the cave itself makes for a unique photo opportunity.
Getting there: Hassans Walls Lookout is a 35 minute drive from Katoomba and just outside the town of Lithgow. You can park at the lookout or choose to take the hiking trail from the town to the top. We don’t recommend the hiking trail though, it’s not particularly interesting and when you join up with the dirt road all the cars kick up dust as you walk along. Driving is definitely the best option for this one.
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains
We’ve written a detailed guide on where to stay in the Blue Mountains, but for a quick view, we’ve noted a couple of our favourites below.
Hostel with private rooms - Katoomba YHA
I love this hostel, it's the first place I stayed in the mountains and I've been back many times. I've only stayed in private rooms so I can't comment on the dorms but I found the rooms to be really good, very clean and with a kettle for tea and coffee. The shared bathrooms are always spotless and I've never had to wait in a line. It also has several lounges, the best one has a large fireplace and is a good spot to curl up with a book or play cards. You can also use the large kitchen.
Check the latest prices on: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
High-end - Fairmont Resort
My favourite part of the Fairmont is actually the lobby, it's really atmospheric, with a huge picture window looking out on to the mountains. I liked the old fashioned pictures behind the reception desk so much that when I saw them in a shop in town I had to buy one!
The rooms are really nice, clean and modern. Ours didn't have a view which is probably why I liked the lobby best. It's a great high end choice and has walking trails directly from the garden which we really enjoyed.
Check the latest prices on: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
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Have you been to the Blue Mountains? Did you check out any of these lookouts? Let us know in the comments below.
