My favourite thing about staying in the Blue Mountains (second only to the amazing hospitality of my friend and her family) is the abundance of bushwalks and breathtaking lookouts. Some are a part of bigger walks, some you drive up to, some are fenced off, clearly anticipating the tourists, and others rely on your own good sense to decipher how close to the edge to venture.
So, don your trainers, spritz on your bug spray - the mozzies are unforgiving here and will bite through clothes unless you have sprayed - and get ready for a beautiful hour or two; here are the best bushwalks and lookouts in the Blue Mountains (in my opinion… ask a local, they may say different!)
Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Katoomba
Starting at the famous Echo Point, take in the glorious view of the Three Sisters, a rock formation steeped an intriguing Aboriginal legend of love, battle and spells. The next 45 minutes walking will take you through the bush, along a signposted, mostly accessible, path, from which you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Jamison Valley along the way, marvelling at the towering mountains and tables, and the blue haze.
Govetts Leap, Blackheath
Drink in the panoramic views of valley after valley from Govetts Leap. The Mountains honestly look endless from this vantage point. Its eponymous blue haze is more obvious here; and, honestly, I could not imagine ever tiring of this view.
Flat Rock, Wentworth Falls
It’s in the name! It is literally a flat rock with stunning views like Govetts Leap, except there are no barriers to keep you from falling! Officially called Lincoln’s Rock, it’s predominantly visited by locals, especially at sunset; however, more and more tourists are starting to discover its beauty.
Martin’s Lookout, Springwood
Martin’s Lookout is an easy 40- 50-minute amble (with ample ‘soak in the views’) time. The rocks around the area make the views even more picturesque!
Chalmers Lookout, Glenbrook
Another fabulous spot to catch the sunset. The view took my breath away; it looked like a spread of rainforest below, as far as the eye could see! Once you return to the car park, take the other pathway for a wonderful bushland walk, where a natural stone pathway, blanket of trees, and obstacles to climb ensure you earn any breathtaking views.
Red Hand Cave, Glenbrook
If you want a true ‘bush’ adventure, this is the one for you. Roughly two and a half hours’ round trip from the walk’s entrance (if you don’t stop too much), this hike to Red Hand Cave will see you climb over fallen tree trunks, traverse brooks, and battle against bugs, plants, and inclines. I felt like Robin Hood, or Shrek and Donkey on another whirlwind adventure! I chose to do this one without any headphones as the natural sounds were soundtrack enough. You can hear the babbling stream below you, the tweets of the birds, a constant buzz of what sounded like a bees’ or flies’ nest and, dare I say, the unsettling movement of leaves near you… lizards, not snakes, I hoped!
Nepean Lookout, Glenbrook
After my hike to the caves and back, I hopped in the car and we drove around eight kilometres to the Nepean Lookout. I’m going to run out of synonyms for ‘beautiful’ soon, but… WOW. Compared to some of the other lookouts, this one isn’t as lofty, so while there are stunning valleys before you, they surround you too. The focal point though: snaking through the stark green is the Nepean River.
Evans Lookout, Blackheath
Australia’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Evans Lookout is one of my favourites. Defined by its low valleys, and soaring mountains, exactly like the GC, but with trees galore, it is very impressive. If you’ve got a couple of hours, take the Grand Canyon bushwalk to or from this epic vantage point.
Scenic World, Katoomba
If you’re on a day trip and want a quick tourist experience, Scenic World is the way to go. Adapted to fulfil COVID regulations, a ticket to Scenic World gets you a cable car ride that boasts fantastic views of the Three Sisters and the valley below (stand on the glass bottom if you’re brave enough); a ride on the world’s steepest train (where you’re at such an angle that you’re practically lying down when you first take off); and a gondola-type ride. The views are absolutely spellbinding!
Megalong Tea Rooms, Megalong Valley
Okay, technically, this one isn’t a lookout nor bushwalk, as the view is enjoyed from ground level and you can only access it by car, but wow. I couldn’t miss it off this list. Enjoy a quintessentially British cream tea, set against a luscious green backdrop, at Megalong Tea Rooms. The scones are so soft on the inside and beautifully baked on the outside, and the Lamingtons - an Aussie sponge cake with chocolate, coconut flakes, jam and cream - well, they are divine. My Aussie family quipped it was one of the best Lamingtons they’d had; it was so light and fluffy!
And…
My first spell in the Mountains was during the initial COVID lockdown and, as such, all the above were closed off to the public. However, right on our doorstep was an abundance of smaller, but just as stunning, bushwalks with astounding views and lookouts just waiting to be explored. So, in whatever town you’re staying in the Mountains, be sure to ask a local for their recommendations. Chances are, they’ll know some unnamed paths that they’ve been frequenting for decades, with not a tourist in sight!