The Blue Mountains is a famous destination and Cliff View Lookout is one of the best of the best, with some of the most spectacular views in the area. This popular spot gives you the chance to see a big wide view of Jamison Valley and Kedumba Valley, with dramatic sandstone cliffs as a backdrop. Whether you’re a casual visitor, a keen photographer or a seasoned hiker, Cliff View Lookout has views and easy access to many of the Blue Mountains’ most popular national parks and tourist attractions.
The Blue Mountains day tours is full of natural beauty and has something for every kind of traveller. From the famous Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point Lookout to hiking through the peaceful Leura Forest to finding hidden gems like Katoomba Cascades and Leura Cascades, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit. And with good public transport options like the Explorer Bus or the train at Katoomba, getting to and from these lookouts is a breeze.
The Views from Lookout
The best bit of Cliff View Lookout is the big wide views of the valleys and cliffs below. You’ll see the Jamison Valley stretching out for hundreds of kilometres and Mount Solitary towering above. The Kedumba Valley is just as impressive, surrounded by sandstone cliffs that glow orange and gold in the morning and afternoon sun. As you look out over the valleys you’ll see other famous lookouts and landmarks like Echo Point, Govetts Leap and Pulpit Rock Lookout.
On a good day you can see all the way to the Grose Valley with its thick vegetation and green forests and rocky cliffs. Cliff Drive the road to the lookout also has many other scenic spots and rock formations to stop and explore along the way, so it’s a must do if you’re visiting the Blue Mountains.
The nearby lookouts have just as good views, Katoomba Falls Lookout and Wentworth Falls Lookout are two of the most popular. Both are great places to stop, take in the views and appreciate the scale and beauty of the Blue Mountains’ natural wonders.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Cliff View Lookout is the adventure hub and many of the regions best hiking trails start or finish here. The Prince Henry Cliff Walk is one of the most famous hikes in the area and takes you along the edge of the escarpment to a series of lookouts including Lady Darley Lookout, Orphan Rock Lookout, Solitary Lookout and Boars Head Lookout. As you walk along the Prince Henry cliff you will find wooden steps, signposted tracks and natural tunnels that lead to hidden lookouts and rock formations.
For those who want a bigger challenge the Federal Pass trail will take you deeper into the valleys and forests. This trail also connects with the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world, so you can hike up or down from the valley floor. As you walk through Leura Park, Leura Creek and other green forests you will see Bridal Veil Falls and the valleys below.
The Walls Lookout and Pulpit Rock are also on the Cliff Top. The views here are the best in the Blue Mountains. Visitors can walk at their own pace and see breathtaking views around every corner. The Gordon Falls trail is another great option to see the unique flora and fauna of the Blue Mountains.
Lookouts and Landmarks
Beyond Cliff View Lookout itself the Blue Mountains has many iconic landmarks with their own views and attractions. Echo Point Lookout is just a short drive or hike from Cliff View. Here you will find the famous Three Sisters rock formation, a natural wonder steeped in Aboriginal legend. The view from Echo Point looks out over the Jamison Valley and is one of the most photographed spots in Australia.
Govetts Leap Lookout is another great spot nearby. Here you can see Bridal Veil Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, plummeting into the valleys below. Reids Plateau is near Katoomba Falls Park and is a great place to stop for a picnic on one of the many timber slat picnic tables and take in the views.
For a more relaxed experience Katoomba Park and the Carrington Hotel are the perfect spots for a leisurely walk, picnic and to enjoy the cooler climate of the Blue Mountains. There are even wheelchair accessible paths at several of the lookouts so the beauty of the area is available to everyone.
Public Transport and Driving
Getting to Cliff View Lookout is easy with public transport. Katoomba Station is the main train station from Sydney with frequent services in under 2 hours. From the station you can walk or take the Explorer Bus which stops at all the major lookouts and hiking trails.
If driving, Cliff Drive has lookouts, picnic areas and trailheads along the way. You’ll find parking near Cliff View Lookout itself and also at nearby landmarks like Echo Point, Evans Lookout and Wentworth Falls. The drive from Sydney takes about 2 hours making it a great day Blue Mountains tour or weekend getaway.
When to Visit Lookout
The Blue Mountains is cooler than the rest of the country so it’s a great escape from the heat during summer. Daytime temperatures are mild and the deciduous trees burst into colour during autumn making it one of the best times to visit. Spring is also a great time to visit the Blue Mountains as the wildflowers are in full bloom and the waterfalls (Bridal Veil Falls and Katoomba Falls) are at their best.
But the lookout is beautiful all year round and even a bit of rain can add a misty atmosphere to the valleys. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go to get the best views.
Facilities at Lookout
Visitors to Cliff View Lookout will find several facilities to make your visit more comfortable. Picnic tables and bench seats are scattered throughout the area to sit and take in the views. Many of the paths to and from the lookout are wheelchair accessible so everyone can enjoy the Blue Mountains. There are also nearby rest areas and plenty of places to eat including the Katoomba Kiosk.
Must See in the Blue Mountains
With its great views, easy access and close to other popular walks and lookouts Cliff View Lookout is a must see for anyone visiting the Blue Mountains. Whether you’re spending the day exploring the cliffs and valleys or just passing through to other iconic spots like Echo Point, Govetts Leap or Wentworth Falls this lookout has some of the best views in the area. From the top of Mount Solitary to the hidden gems of the Leura Forest the Blue Mountains tours is on show at Cliff View Lookout.
FAQ
What can I see from Cliff View Lookout?
You can see Jamison Valley, Kedumba Valley and sandstone cliffs. Echo Point, Govetts Leap and Mount Solitary are nearby.
Are there walking tracks near Cliff View Lookout?
Yes, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Federal Pass walk pass by Cliff View Lookout. These walks go to Katoomba Falls, Leura Cascades and Pulpit Rock.
How do I get to Cliff View Lookout?
Car access is via Cliff Drive and public transport options are the Explorer Bus and trains from Katoomba Station.
When should I visit Cliff View Lookout?
The lookout is nice all year but autumn and spring are the best for colours and weather for hiking and photography. Check the weather forecast before you visit.
Are there any facilities at Cliff View Lookout?
Yes, picnic tables, bench seats and wheelchair accessible paths. Nearby lookouts and parks, Katoomba Park and Reids Plateau have places to sit and eat.