Here are 19 of my favorite scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains, all of which offer stunning views and amazing photo opportunities!

The Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia, are packed with beautiful sights and fun activities. From tumbling waterfalls, to incredible hiking trails, to charming country towns, this is truly a stunning place to visit near Sydney.

Scenic lookouts are the best way to capture the natural beauty of the mountains. The problem is, there are SO MANY lookouts in the Blue Mountains! Seriously, if you look on Google Maps you will see tons of lookouts in the area. So how do you decide which ones to visit?

Having visited the Blue Mountains at least 10 times, I’ve ventured to many of the scenic lookouts and viewpoints. I’m going to list my favorites so you can cut through all the noise and just spend time on the lookouts that are actually worth it.

But honestly, the Blue Mountains are gorgeous and I’ve never seen a viewpoint that I didn’t like. However, these are the Blue Mountains viewpoints that are 100% worth a visit.

Explore more on these 15 day trips from Sydney!

How to get to these scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains

It’s really easy to get around the Blue Mountains in Australia, either by car, public transport, or guided tour. This gorgeous area is located just west of Sydney, so it’s a tourist hotspot and well equipped with great facilities, trains, and roads.

Here is a rundown of your three options.

Car

The best way to get to all these amazing lookouts in the Blue Mountains is with your own car.

You can drive from place to place with ease, and all of these Blue Mountains lookouts are in Google Maps. You don’t need a 4WD either, everything is accessible.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent a car or campervan for your travels around Sydney and Australia. This will give you the most flexibility for your trip through the Blue Mountains.

Public Transport

You can also travel through the Blue Mountains by public transport. The Blue Mountains Line runs from Central Station in Sydney to the mountains every day, stopping at popular towns such as Leura, Wentworth Falls, Katoomba, and Blackheath.

Many of the lookouts in the Blue Mountains are within walking distance of a train station, or they are a quick taxi or Uber ride.

There is also a Hop On Hop Off Bus that makes it easy to get from place to place in the Blue Mountains for the day.

Guided Tour

The third option for getting around the Blue Mountains is a guided tour. These are ideal for solo travelers who want a social environment, or those who want to learn about the area from an expert guide.

Guided tours are also hassle-free and easy, as you don’t have to worry about planning or directions.

The only downside of a guided tour is that you’ll stick to a strict schedule. Most guided tours will visit Echo Point Lookout and the Three Sisters, but many of these other lookouts in the Blue Mountains are non-touristy and may not be included in a guided tour.

Find more info in my complete guide: How To Get To The Blue Mountains From Sydney

19 Best Lookouts In The Blue Mountains, Australia

For each of these lookouts in the Blue Mountains, I’ll provide a photo so you can see for yourself whether it’s worth visiting or not. Keep in mind, photos NEVER do the landscapes justice!

Shoutout to my boyfriend Matt for being the reluctant model in most of my photos.

I’ll also mention how to get to each lookout. Most lookouts have a well-maintained road that leads straight to the lookout with a free parking area. Only some require a hike to get there.

If you’re interested in hikes, check out my list of 12 Amazing Day Hikes in the Blue Mountains!

1. Echo Point Lookout

This is undoubtedly the most famous lookout in the Blue Mountains. Very few guided tours will leave the Blue Mountains without bringing guests to Echo Point Lookout!

Echo Point overlooks the sprawling mountains of the Jamison Valley. It’s home to the iconic Three Sisters rock formations that grace the cover of every Blue Mountains tourism campaign.

Be prepared for some serious crowds here. But it’s definitely worth a visit, as the Three Sisters are breathtaking. Try to visit early or late to escape the midday crowds.

How to get to Echo Point Lookout

Drive to the end of Echo Point Road and find a parking space along the street. There is metered street parking the closer you get to Echo Point where you have to pay, so if you want to avoid the fee try to find free street parking further from the lookout.

It’s a 5-minute drive from downtown Katoomba to Echo Point Lookout.

2. Evans Lookout

Evans Lookout provides a different perspective from the Three Sisters. Facing east over the Grose Valley, Evans Lookout showcases the rugged cliff edges and lush forests of the Blue Mountains.

This is also the starting point for the Grand Canyon Track and the Clifftop Track. The latter connects Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap Lookout, so you can do this trail to enjoy two lookouts and an epic hike!

How to get to Evans Lookout

Drive to the end of Evans Lookout Road and there is a parking lot right next to the lookout.

It’s only an 8-minute drive from downtown Blackheath.

3. Govetts Leap Lookout

Govetts Leap Lookout is one of the most popular lookouts in the Blue Mountains near Blackheath.

It’s a well maintained lookout with informational signs, toilets, picnic tables, safety fences, and numerous trailheads for amazing hikes.

Govetts Leap Lookout faces east over the Grose Valley, making it an amazing spot to watch the sunrise in the Blue Mountains.

Read next: How To Spend A Weekend In Blackheath, Blue Mountains

How to get to Govetts Leap Lookout

Drive to the end of Govetts Leap Road and there is a parking lot right next to the lookout. It’s a 5-minute drive from the town center of Blackheath.

4. Lambert Lookout

This hidden gem is located on the Porters Pass to Centennial Glen trail, a gloriously uncrowded section of the western Blue Mountains.

Lambert Lookout itself doesn’t actually have a sign (or at least I couldn’t see one on the trail). But there is a lovely clearing on some rocks where you get great views of the layered limestone cliffs and the untouched wilderness on this less-touristy side of the mountains.

How to get to Lambert Lookout

Park at the end of Burton Road and begin the hike along the Porters Pass Track. You’ll hike for about 10 minutes, winding down into the humid rainforest and back up to a rocky clearing, which is Lambert Lookout!

I highly recommend continuing the Porters Pass Track beyond Lambert Lookout. It’s a stunning hike with few crowds, and there is even a slot canyon waterfall along the way.

5. Pulpit Rock Lookout

Pulpit Rock is a rugged rock face that juts out from the cliff edge right into the middle of the Grose Valley. It’s incredible to see from the side, and you can walk down right on top of the rock at Pulpit Rock Lookout.

Because it’s so narrow and exposed, Pulpit Rock Lookout is all fenced in which makes it less scary.

How to get to Pulpit Rock Lookout

The easiest way to get here is to drive to the parking area at the end of Pulpit Rock Road, which branches off of Hat Hill Road. This is a 10-minute drive from downtown Blackheath, then it’s a 5-minute walk from the parking area to Pulpit Rock.

For a more adventurous option, park at Govetts Leap Lookout and follow the Pulpit Rock Hiking Trail from there. The beautiful hike takes you around the valley and ends at Pulpit Rock Lookout, where you can enjoy the views before hiking back the way you came. This hike is around 3 hours return.

6. Anvil Rock Lookout

Anvil Rock Lookout offers amazing views of the western side of the Blue Mountains.

There is a towering rock with stairs and railings around it for safety. You’ll overlook the lush Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest below.

How to get to Anvil Rock Lookout

Anvil Rock is right next to Perrys Lookdown (which we’ll cover later). Drive along Perrys Lookdown Road, and when the road forks stay left onto Anvil Rock Road. There is parking for the lookout at the end of the road.

The lookout is right next to the parking lot, as is the Wind Eroded Cave Lookout which is another cool spot to check out while you’re here!

If you are doing the Perrys Lookdown Hike, you might as well visit Anvil Rock and Wind Eroded Cave after as they are right next to each other.

7. Lincoln’s Rock

Lincoln’s Rock is one of the most popular Blue Mountains lookouts, especially at sunset.

It’s a huge, relatively flat rock platform on a cliff edge that overlooks the Jamison Valley. People love to gather here for picnics, and it’s easy to find space even at peak times because the rock platform is so massive.

Read next: How To Spend A Day In The Blue Mountains

How to get to Lincoln’s Rock

Navigate to the Lincoln’s Rock Carpark, located on Little Switzerland Drive at the end of Hordern Road. From there it’s a 3-minute walk to Lincoln’s Rock.

It’s a 9-minute drive from downtown Wentworth Falls.

8. Sublime Point Lookout

This is one of my favorite Blue Mountains lookouts! It’s really easy to get to so it’s a convenient stop on any Blue Mountains itinerary.

There is a fenced-in lookout area and some cool surrounding rocks where you can enjoy the views of the Jamison Valley from different perspectives.

How to get to Sublime Point Lookout

Drive to the end of Sublime Point Road until you reach the parking area. From here it’s a 5-minute walk to Sublime Point Lookout.

The parking area is an 8-minute drive from downtown Leura.

9. Valley Of The Waters Lookout

This lookout is located right next to the Conservation Hut Cafe near the town of Wentworth Falls.

It’s the first thing you see before you follow the Valley of the Waters Track. This amazing woodland trail snakes down through the forest and brings you to Empress Falls, a popular spot for swimming and canyoning or abseiling.

How to get to Valley of the Waters Lookout

Drive to the Conservation Hut Cafe, which is just a 5-minute drive from downtown Wentworth Falls. Valley of the Waters Lookout is right next to the cafe at the start of the trail.

10. Queen Victoria Lookout

Queen Victoria Lookout provides a slightly more unobstructed view of the Jamison Valley than the Valley of the Waters Lookout. It is also located on the Valley of the Waters Track that leads to Empress Falls.

This is not to be confused with another Queen Victoria Lookout near Katoomba. If you type that into Google Maps, the Katoomba one will show up. This one isn’t labeled in Google Maps for some reason. So maybe it could be considered a hidden gem!

Check out these amazing waterfalls near Sydney for more cool locations.

How to get to Queen Victoria Lookout

Park at the Conservation Hut Cafe and follow the Valley of the Waters Track. You’ll walk for around 5 minutes along the trail before you reach this Queen Victoria Lookout.

11. Baltzer Lookout

Baltzer Lookout is a remote and epic viewpoint that you’ll pass on the way to Hanging Rock.

It’s only accessible via the Burramoko Ridge Trail, which makes for an epic adventure. The lookout is rugged and wild, with no barriers or railings and lots of steep drop offs.

Enjoy the views at Baltzer Lookout before continuing on down the stone steps towards the famous Hanging Rock (which I’ll cover next).

How to get to Baltzer Lookout

Drive along Ridgewell Road until the road ends thanks to the locked gate. There is a small section on the side of the road where you can park.

From here, follow the Burramoko Ridge Trail, also known as the Hanging Rock Trail, for about 5km. It’s a long, flat walk and after about an hour you’ll climb uphill a little until you emerge onto Baltzer Lookout!

12. Hanging Rock

Just past Baltzer Lookout is Hanging Rock, one of the most insane Blue Mountains lookouts.

This massive rock formation is literally hanging off the edge of the cliffs. It’s incredible to look at, and terrifying to stand on top of.

Yes, you can jump across the gap in the cliffs to walk on top of the Hanging Rock. There are no safety measures in place, so I don’t recommend this unless you really want a thrill. I jumped across and it was so cool but also very scary.

How to get to Hanging Rock

Same as the Baltzer Lookout, park at the end of Ridgewell Road and hike to the end of the Burramoko Ridge Trail (Hanging Rock Trail). Just follow the trail until you reach Hanging Rock.

The drive to the parking spot is about 12 minutes from Blackheath, and the hike is about 5km one way (1-1.5 hours depending on fitness level).

13. Vaniman’s Lookout

This is a less crowded and more unique way to view the Three Sisters!

Vaniman’s Lookout is accessible along the network of hiking trails that wind through the mountains between Echo Point and Scenic World. It offers amazing views of the Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters, and the Scenic World Cable Car.

How to get to Vaniman’s Lookout

Park at Scenic World and follow the Katoomba Falls Round Walk. This will take you to Vaniman’s Lookout after about 10 minutes of walking.

If you have time, definitely complete the entire Katoomba Falls Round Walk, which is about 3km total and includes the next few lookouts on this list as well!

14. Orphan Rock Lookout

Orphan Rock is a cool rock formation that gets far less hype than the Three Sisters. But it’s right next to Scenic World and offers a lovely view of the famous cable car gliding over the mountains.

This is a scenic lookout that you’ll pass on the way to Katoomba Falls either via the Prince Henry Cliff Walk or the Katoomba Falls Round Walk.

How to get to Orphan Rock Lookout

You can’t drive directly to Orphan Rock Lookout, but you can walk to it along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.

The closest place to park is at Katoomba Cascades, where there is a picnic area and tourist park that has parking spots. It’s just a 5-minute walk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from here. But you can also start the hike at Echo Point, from which it will be a 30-minute walk to Orphan Rock.

More specifically, to reach Orphan Rock you’ll have to follow the Reids Plateau Lookout Track which is a small loop that branches off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. It sounds confusing, but there are tons of signs along the way.

15. Katoomba Falls Lookout

While following the Katoomba Falls Round Walk from either Scenic World or the Katoomba Picnic Area, you’ll pass lots of scenic lookouts.

I’ve already covered Vaniman’s Lookout and Orphan Rock Lookout, but Katoomba Falls is another one of the best scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains!

You’ll get to look out over Katoomba Falls, which is flowing best after lots of rainfall. You can also see the details in the cliffs and look outward across the Jamison Valley.

For more waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, check out the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit.

How to get to Katoomba Falls Lookout

Hike along the Katoomba Falls Round Walk, which is about 3km in total. You can start the hike from Scenic World or the Katoomba Picnic Area.

16. Underfalls Walk Lookout

This is the closest you’ll get to Katoomba Falls on your Round Walk hike. There is a fence blocking tourists from the actual waterfall, which is probably for the best because the cascade drops onto a small rock platform which eventually drops off a huge cliff (as you can see at the previous lookout).

But you can see lovely views of Katoomba Falls, and the valley beyond.

How to get to Underfalls Walk Lookout

Hike along the Katoomba Falls Round Walk, and the Underfalls Lookout is about 30 minutes from Scenic World Parking or Katoomba Falls Picnic Area Parking.

17. Mount Blackheath Lookout

If you’re wondering where to watch the sunset in the Blue Mountains, Mount Blackheath Lookout is one of the best options! This scenic lookout faces west so you can watch the sunset over the charming valley below.

There is a spacious clifftop area with a few picnic tables and multiple places to get some nice photos and views of the sunset.

How to get to Mount Blackheath Lookout

Drive all the way to the end of Mount Blackheath Road and there is a spacious parking area.

It’s just under a 15-minute drive from downtown Blackheath.

18. Perrys Lookdown

Perrys Lookdown is known for its steep and strenuous hiking trail that leads down the cliff edge to the forest floor. Backpackers and hikers love descending this trail and camping down at Acacia Flat Campground.

But you don’t have to complete the hike to enjoy the lookout!

Perrys Lookdown has a lovely viewpoint at the top of the hiking trail. Soak in the views before your hike or just drive here for the lookout and skip the hike. Either way, it’s worth a visit.

How to get to Perrys Lookdown

Drive to the end of Perrys Lookdown Road and there is plenty of free parking at the end.

It’s about 13 minutes from downtown Blackheath.

19. Bridal Veil Lookout

This is another one of my favorite lookouts in the Blue Mountains! It’s located near the tranquil Leura Creek, which branches off the famous Prince Henry Cliff Walk.

There is a secluded, nameless, cliffside swimming hole a bit further down along the track. It’s not an official swimming hole and there are no safety measures so swim here at your own risk.

How to get to Bridal Veil Lookout

The Bridal Veil Lookout branches off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. There is a slightly confusing maze of little trails that all interconnect with this main trail, including the Fern Bower Track, Leura Falls Track, and Amphitheater Track.

Just park at the Leura Cascades Picnic Area and follow the signs for the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, and then the Bridal Veil Track. There are plenty of signs and you can loop back around if you get lost. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the trailhead, which is a 5-minute drive from downtown Leura.

Thanks for checking out my favorite lookouts in the Blue Mountains!

Be sure to also check out my complete list of the 42 Best Things To Do In The Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia. This compiles all my favorite lookouts, hikes, waterfalls, and local attractions so you can plan the perfect getaway.

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