posted on July 13, 2024
As a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, the Blue Mountains National Park has become a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking thrilling landscapes, stunning vistas, endless hiking opportunities, and the perfect Blue Mountains lookouts. Whether you’re chasing the beauty of cascading waterfalls and sandstone cliffs or want to spot some native wildlife, there’s no shortage of things to see and do at this destination.
While nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts can explore the region’s famed walking trails including Echo Point and the Grand Canyon, the best part is that several Blue Mountains car lookouts treat you to unbeatable views of the surrounding region. Whether you want a date night spot or a place to soak up the natural beauty of a sunrise, we’ve got you covered with 10 famous Blue Mountains lookouts you can access by car.
An overview of the best car lookouts in the Blue Mountains:
- Evans Lookout
- Govetts Leap Lookout
- Lincoln’s Rock Lookout
- Echo Point Lookout
- Pulpit Rock Lookout
- Hargraves Lookout
- Perry’s Lookdown
- Anvil Rock Lookout
- Sublime Point
- Queen Elizabeth Lookout
Additional things to know before you get going:
- More things to do and see in the Blue Mountains
- What to know if you’re driving to the Blue Mountains from Sydney
- Frequently asked questions about Blue Mountains lookouts
- Final tips before you start your Blue Mountains lookouts adventure
10 of the best Blue Mountains lookouts by car
Looking for breathtaking views of rugged mountain ranges and sandstone cliffs? These Blue Mountains car lookouts are guaranteed to inspire, delivering incredible sights of the region’s ancient rock formations, deep valleys, wildlife, and vast eucalyptus forests. No matter what time of day you choose to venture out, you’re guaranteed to experience unforgettable scenery.
Evans Lookout
- Route: Follow signage to the M4 before turning right onto Evans Lookout Road. You’ll be able to pull up in the car park near Grand Canyon Walking Track before reaching your destination.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 114 kilometres, 1 hour 41 minutes
Situated in Blackheath, this spectacular lookout promises some of the best views over the Grose Valley. If you want to explore more of the region with a hike, Evans Lookout is connected to the Grand Canyon track, which is known for delivering panoramic vistas at every turn. You can also take on the Cliff Top walking track, which connects Govetts Leap Lookout and Evans Lookout.
Govetts Leap Lookout
- Route: Follow directions to Iron Cove Link before taking the exit towards Parramatta and Blue Mountains. Keep left on M4 before turning right onto Govetts Leap Road and taking the second exit at the roundabout.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 114 kilometres,1 hour 41 minutes
Venture to Govetts Leap Lookout where you’ll be treated to unbeatable views of the deep canyons of the Grose Valley and waterfalls in the distance. With a free parking area nearby and family features that include a pram-friendly walk to the viewing platform, it makes for the perfect destination for those wanting a picnic in nature, photographic opportunities, or a getaway with the whole family.
Lincoln’s Rock Lookout
- Route: Follow directions towards Parramatta and Blue Mountains. Keep left on M4 before turning left onto Tableland Road and then right onto Hordern Road. Turn left onto Little Switzerland Drive before arriving at the destination.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 95 kilometres, 1 hour 19 minutes
Considered the best spot for those looking to take in the sunset in the Blue Mountains, Lincoln’s Rock Lookout is hard to beat when it comes to stunning vistas. Located at Wentworth Falls, this spot is also known as Flat Rock due to the sandstone creation that provides the perfect viewing platform. The spot has become the go-to for weddings, families enjoying a picnic, and photographers alike – you need only visit to see why!
Echo Point Lookout
- Route: Follow directions to keep left on M4 before turning left onto Yeaman Bridge Road. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Bathurst Road. Then, follow directions to Lurline Street.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 104 kilometres, 1 hour 29 minutes
With sweeping views over the Jamison Valley, Echo Point is a must-visit spot. As one of the most famous lookouts in the Blue Mountains, you can take in the iconic Three Sisters, a unique rock formation that’s known to draw tourists and avid photographers. Recently, the lookout has been upgraded to include an amphitheatre, night-lit boardwalks, and an incredible viewing platform.
Pulpit Rock Lookout
- Route: Follow signage to keep left on M4 before turning right onto Hat Hill Road. You’ll then turn right onto Pulpit Rock Road, where you can park your car. From there, it’s just a short walk to the viewing platform.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 118 kilometres, 1 hour 53 minutes
Known for its incredible viewing platforms that allow for 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding region and the Grose Valley, Pulpit Rock Lookout is the perfect spot to come take in a picnic lunch or sunset. With plenty of walking trails nearby and the area being the starting point for rock climbers and canyoners, adventure-seekers can also enjoy tackling climbing routes or hiking trails through the stunning landscapes.
Hargraves Lookout
- Route: Keep left on Iron Cove Link before exiting right towards Parramatta and the Blue Mountains. Keep left on M4 before turning left onto Bundarra Street. Turn left onto Station Street before turning right onto Shipley Road.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 119 kilometres, 1 hour 49 minutes
With three viewing platforms, the views from Hargraves Lookout don’t get any better than this. Treating visitors to the scenic beauty of the surrounding Shipley Plateau, Kanimbla Valley, and Megalong Valley, this lookout is the perfect spot for picnics, enjoying a coffee, or simply soaking up the natural beauty as you await the sunset. The best part is that recent upgrades have made it accessible for wheelchairs and visitors of all ages.
Perry’s Lookdown
- Route: Keep left on Iron Cove Link before exiting right towards Parramatta and the Blue Mountains. Turn right onto Hat Hill Road, where you’ll be able to park your car near Perry Lookdown Walking Track.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 120 kilometres, 1 hour 59 minutes
It may be the starting point for several renowned hikes in the region, but Perry’s Lookdown is not to be overlooked when it comes to the ultimate lookout spot. You’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding Banks Wall and Mount Hay looming in the distance. Consider making the hike through Blue Gum Forest to Govetts Leap or the shorter hike to Acacia Flat Campground, all of which allow for wildlife spotting and scenic beauty.
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Anvil Rock Lookout
- Route: Follow directions to keep left on M4 before turning right onto Hat Hill Road. Bear right onto Anvil Rock Road where you will be able to park your vehicle near Anvil Rock Track.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 120 kilometres, 1 hour 52 minutes
Though you’ll need to drive along a dirt road to reach Anvil Rock Lookout, the route is suitable for most cars and certainly worth it for the views. Located in the Blackheath region, you’ll have views of Grose Gorge, Grose Valley, and Mount Banks and feel yourself surrounded by nature thanks to the tranquillity of the setting. With fewer tourists than most amazing lookouts, it’s one of the hidden gems in the area.
Sublime Point
- Route: Keep left on M4 before turning left onto Scott Avenue. Turn left onto Gladstone Road. At the roundabout, you’ll take the first exit to stay on Gladstone Road before turning left onto Fitzroy Street. Turn right onto Watkins Road and later, turn right onto Sublime Point Road.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 101 kilometres, 1 hour 28 minutes
This popular Blue Mountains lookout is situated in Leura and offers views of the surrounding region from all angles. At Sublime Point Lookout, you’ll have views of the stunning rock formation known as the Three Sisters. Most of the crowds tend to view it from Echo Point, so you will feel like you’ve stumbled on a hidden gem at Sublime Point.
Queen Elizabeth Lookout
- Route: Exit towards Parramatta and Blue Mountains before keeping left on the M4. Turn left onto Yeaman Bridge Road and take the first exit onto Bathurst Road. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Gang Gang Street before turning right onto Lurline Street. Turn left onto Cliff Drive before arriving at the destination.
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 104 kilometres, 1 hour 31 minutes
Just below Echo Point Lookout, you’ll find Queen Elizabeth Lookout with even closer views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. With accessible ramps and seating options, this amazing lookout has become the perfect spot for families enjoying a picnic spot with unbeatable views or sipping coffee while watching the sunrise.
More things to see and do in the Blue Mountains
From charming towns and heritage buildings to cultural attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy, there’s plenty to see and explore beyond famous Blue Mountains lookouts! Be sure to check out these top attractions when visiting the region.
- Scenic World Blue Mountains: Get a different vantage point of the Blue Mountains at Scenic World where you can ride the Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Skyway for panoramic views of waterfalls, valleys, and lush rainforests. The boardwalks also allow you to learn more about the history of the area while taking in the stunning scenery.
- Blue Mountains National Park: With plenty of walking trails, the Blue Mountains National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Explore popular hikes including the Grand Canyon Walk, National Pass Trail, Wentworth Falls Track, and Price Henry Cliff Walk, many of which will see you venture to the lookouts above and Mount Portal Lookout and Princes Rock Lookout.
- The Jenolan Caves: Take a guided tour of the impressive Jenolan Caves. These stunning limestone formations are fascinating to see up close, with narrow passages and hidden chambers that make for an entertaining excursion. There’s also Blue Lake, where you can enjoy a picnic and soak up the tranquil surroundings.
- Katoomba Falls: View the incredible waterfalls nestled amongst the sandstone cliffs and bushland at Katoomba Falls. You can enjoy a walk around the walking track with its views of Jamison Valley or follow the Prince Henry Cliff Walk for a longer hike.
Top tips for the Sydney to Blue Mountains drive
Starting your journey in Sydney? Here is everything you need to know:
- Distance from Sydney: 101 kilometres
- Drive time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Petrol stations and EV chargers: Petrol stations can be found throughout the drive, including major suburbs like Parramatta, Penrith, and Glenbrook. You’ll also find EV chargers at Parramatta, Penrith, Katoomba, and Leura.
From Sydney, you’ll merge onto A4 and keel left on Iron Cove Link. From there, follow directions to exit right towards Parramatta and Blue Mountains where you’ll keep left on the M4. Then, turn right onto Civic Place before turning left onto Station Street and arriving in the Blue Mountains region.
Want to explore the charming towns and attractions near the Blue Mountains before making your way to car lookouts? Consider making a short detour to these stops along the way.
Wentworth Falls
- Distance from the Blue Mountains: 7.8 kilometres
- Drive time: 9 minutes
- Top spots: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, Castle Head Lookout, Wentworth Falls Lake, Charles Darwin Walk, Conservation Hut.
Explore the natural beauty of Wentworth Falls with a visit to the area’s namesake – Wentworth Falls – where the stunning waterfall cascades over rock ledges into the deep valley below. There, you’ll find Wentworth Falls Lookout, with unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains. You can also enjoy a picnic, hike the Charles Darwin Walk, or enjoy some abseiling and canyoning with a guided tour as you rappel down cliffs.
Top stop: Looking for the perfect stop for a quick bite on your way to or from the Blue Mountains? Mountain High Pies in Wentworth Falls offers a great selection of savoury and sweet pies, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. There’s plenty of space to sit, chat, and enjoy a coffee too.
Leura
- Distance from the Blue Mountains: 3 kilometres
- Drive time: 6 minutes
- Top spots: Everglades Historic House and Gardens, Leura Cascades, Gordon Falls Lookout, Leura Falls, Leura Mall, Sublime Point Lookout, Leura Gardens Festival.
If travelling to the Blue Mountains, be sure to visit Leura, with its picturesque surroundings and heritage buildings. Here, you’ll find boutique shops and local galleries, as well as charming cafes like Lily’s Pad Cafe and The Bunker, which serve tasty treats. Walking tracks in the area will take you to top sights like Leura Falls with its stunning waterfalls, while the Prince Henry Cliff Walk offers scenic views of Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters as you follow the track from Katoomba to Leura.
Katoomba
- Distance from the Blue Mountains: 100 metres
- Drive time: 1 minute
- Top spots: Three Sisters, Scenic World, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Little Paris Cafe, The Elephant Bean Cafe, and Tempus Katoomba restaurant.
Situated right in the heart of the Blue Mountains, the charming town of Katoomba is known for its historic attractions and scenic beauty. Explore nearby hiking trails and popular attractions, including the Three Sisters rock formation and Jamison Valley via the Giant Stairway. You’ll also find popular walks, including the Federal Pass Track and Leura Cascades Walk, taking you to neighbouring towns.
Blackheath
- Distance from the Blue Mountains: 11 kilometres
- Drive time: 15 minutes
- Top spots: Govetts Leap Lookout, Rocket Point Lookout, Blackheath Village, Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, Mount Blackheath Lookout, and Glenella Guesthouse and Restaurant.
If you’re travelling to the Blue Mountains, be sure to spend time in Blackheath where you can enjoy local produce and gourmet delicacies at the farmers market held on the second Sunday of each month. Explore historic sites including Blackheath War Memorial Park and the Blackheath Railway Station or enjoy walking trails through the Grand Canyon Walk or Puplit Rock Track.
Sydney road trip guide: explore more of the vibrant region by car
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car just yet? Keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries as you explore more of Sydney’s stunning attractions and the diverse landscapes of wider NSW.
- Best road trips from Sydney
- Sydney to Canberra drive
- Sydney to Melbourne drive
- Sydney to Byron Bay road trip
- Sydney to Batemans Bay road trip
- Sydney to Jervis Bay road trip
- Sydney to Gold Coast road trip
- Sydney to Adelaide road trip
Frequently asked questions about Blue Mountains car lookouts
When is the best time to enjoy the best car lookouts in the Blue Mountains?
While the best time to visit the Blue Mountains will depend on your preferences and the things you wish to do, typically, the autumn months of March to May are the best time to visit. With milder temperatures and clear skies, the landscapes come alive with the vibrant colours of autumn foliage, making it a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike. Spring is also a popular time to visit, with fewer crowds than the summer months. Wildflowers will be in full bloom with native flora like waratahs and wattle on display.
Do you need to pay to enter Blue Mountains National Park?
Entry into the Blue Mountains is generally free, however, for those looking to drive to attractions in the Glenbrook area, an entry fee of $8 per vehicle per day applies. More information and bookings can be found on the NSW National Parks website.
Which vehicle is best for visiting car lookouts in the Blue Mountains?
Ultimately, the best vehicle for visiting Blue Mountains car lookouts is the one you feel most comfortable driving. With sealed roads to be expected throughout Sydney and much of the Blue Mountains region, you can rest assured that a small, compact vehicle will easily get you anywhere you need to go. However, if you want to make the most of your lookout spot and get comfortable with extra legroom or a sleek EV, on Turo, you can find the perfect car.
Final tips for your car lookout journey in the Blue Mountains
Whether you’re looking to explore the famous hiking trails of the Blue Mountains or want the best seat in the house when it comes to a magical sunset over the mountain ranges and eucalyptus forests, there are plenty of favourite Blue Mountains lookouts accessible by car that will deliver unbeatable views.
The Blue Mountains has a range of car lookouts that are sure to deliver unbeatable vistas and unforgettable memories.
Thanks to Turo, the hardest part is choosing which stunning location to park your car and gaze outwards. With a range of unique cars available to suit every budget and travel requirement, you can secure the perfect drive for your trip. You can even arrange convenient delivery from your local Turo host. So, what are you waiting for? Find your drive on Turo in the Blue Mountains.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
