Sublime Point Lookout - Image 1
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Sublime Point Lookout Wollongong

4.8
·366 reviews·Austinmer, Australia

Spectacular 180-degree coastal views, rainforest walks, and the chance to see a rare reverse waterfall.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear sunny days

Spectacular ocean and escarpment views

CrowdMedium
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Sublime Point Lookout - Image 1

Sublime Point Lookout Wollongong

Best Time

Clear sunny days

Spectacular ocean and escarpment views

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Spectacular 180-degree coastal views, rainforest walks, and the chance to see a rare reverse waterfall.

4.8
(366 reviews)

"Absolutely breathtaking views, a hidden gem with stunning ocean vistas and bush walks."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Bring your camera!

Photographer's paradise with breathtaking views. Capture stunning shots of the coast and potential reverse waterfalls.

💨 Be prepared for wind

Strong winds are common and can create unique phenomena. Dress in layers for comfort.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views

Panoramic Coastal Views

Main lookout platform

180-degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rainforest, and the coastline stretching to Wollongong.

Reverse Waterfall Phenomenon

Reverse Waterfall Phenomenon

During windy conditions

Witness the dramatic effect of strong winds pushing water upwards, creating a surreal 'reverse waterfall'.

Nature Walking Tracks

Nature Walking Tracks

Adjacent to the lookout

Explore scenic walking trails through the rainforest, offering a different perspective of the natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

Visit on a clear day for the most spectacular panoramic views of the Illawarra escarpment and coastline. Early mornings or late afternoons often offer softer light for photos and fewer crowds.

Embrace the Elements

This lookout can experience strong winds, which can create unique phenomena like reverse waterfalls. Check the weather and dress accordingly for comfort, especially if planning a hike.

Best Times

When
Clear sunny days
Why
Spectacular ocean and escarpment views
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Softer light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A man who saw a reverse waterfall at a panoramic viewpoint in New South Wales said it “felt like spotting a UFO.” Luke Buckle saying he took his family on a trip to the Sublime Point lookout near Katoomba on a very windy day, and saw the dramatic result of the weather conditions. #waterfall #weather #bluemountains #waterriseup #phenomena
@7newsaustralia
12.1K likes • 275K views

📸 Bring your camera!

Photographer's paradise with breathtaking views. Capture stunning shots of the coast and potential reverse waterfalls. InstagramReddit

💨 Be prepared for wind

Strong winds are common and can create unique phenomena. Dress in layers for comfort. TikTok+1

A man who saw a reverse #waterfall at a panoramic viewpoint in New South Wales said it “felt like spotting a UFO.” 😳 Luke Buckle said he took his family on a trip to the #SublimePoint lookout near #Katoomba on a very windy day and saw the dramatic result of the #weather conditions.
@abc7la
11.4K likes • 773.4K views
After a gloomy rainforest hike for the rainy weekend ahead? 📍Sublime Point Lookout Sublime Point Lookout offers 180 degree views over the sea, the rainforest and the 17 beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong. The lookout offers some of the best views of the Illawarra escarpment, plain and coastline. Barbecues, picnic shelters, and toilets cater to visitors, but bring your own drinking w...
explorensw_au
352 likes • 16.2K views

🐶 Dog-friendly spot

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for pet owners. Reddit

🧺 Picnic facilities available

Enjoy a meal with a view using the BBQ facilities, tables, and chairs. Reddit

Sublime point look out. Maddens Plains. You can’t buy happiness but you can buy a drone. #sublimepoint #sublimepointlookout #maddensplains #altitude #trees #lookout #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #australia #sydney #nsw #drone #dji #photography #adventure ##gopro #flying #wollongong
jade.a.hayes
103 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Bring your camera!

Photographer's paradise with breathtaking views. Capture stunning shots of the coast and potential reverse waterfalls. InstagramReddit

💨 Be prepared for wind

Strong winds are common and can create unique phenomena. Dress in layers for comfort. TikTok+1

🐶 Dog-friendly spot

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for pet owners. Reddit

🧺 Picnic facilities available

Enjoy a meal with a view using the BBQ facilities, tables, and chairs. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore walking tracks

Discover the surrounding rainforest on well-maintained walking trails. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(366 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, often calling it a 'hidden gem.' The availability of free parking, toilets, and picnic facilities makes it a convenient and enjoyable stop. Some appreciate the quieter atmosphere compared to more famous lookouts.

"Located at Princes Highway, Bulli Tops, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺
This is a wonderful location that offers 180 degree views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the rainforest and the Wollongong area. On a clear day, the view is spectacular, just breathtaking. There’s a wonderful walking track for nature lovers. There’s plenty of parking 🅿️ available and also toilet 🚻 facilities. What’s also great, there were very few people there, it’s not greatly known I think so you don’t have to share it with a lot of people. There are BBQ facilities available along with tables and chairs so this makes for a great place to have a family gathering. There is also a large grassy area for you to have a picnic if you wanted and it’s dog 🐕 friendly I believe. This is a great place to come to during whale 🐳 season, an ideal place to spot whales during migration. Be sure to bring your camera 📸 , it’s a photographer’s paradise. I would definitely recommend a visit, even if it’s a quick stop to appreciate the view. It’s well worth it. A Big Thumbs Up!! 👍👍"

Nerine Cummins

"Absolutely breathtaking views. Public toilet and plenty parking spots, Walking trails and picnic tables."

Rewan

"Fantastic views, make sure you bring your camera."

Brenton Moore

What People Like

Breathtaking panoramic views
Hidden gem status
Ample free parking

What People Dislike

Can be windy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sublime Point Lookout is located on the Princes Highway, Bulli Tops, NSW. It's about 1.5 hours south of Sydney. There's ample free parking available at the lookout. InstagramReddit

Public transport options to Sublime Point Lookout are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the location. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving. Instagram

From Sydney, take the M1 South and then exit onto the Princes Highway towards Bulli. The lookout will be signposted. The drive typically takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Instagram

Yes, Sublime Point Lookout is part of a scenic route that includes Mount Keira Lookout, Sea Cliff Bridge, and various other Wollongong attractions. Instagram

While the lookout itself is accessible, it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the views. Check local signage for any specific access restrictions.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sublime Point Lookout is free to enter. There is ample free parking available for visitors. Reddit

The lookout is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted, but it's recommended to visit when it's light. Reddit

No booking is required as entry is free. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. Reddit

The main restriction is to be mindful of the weather, especially strong winds. Always follow safety guidelines and be aware of your surroundings. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Reddit

You'll find public toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and walking trails. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer hues and fewer harsh shadows. Clear days are essential for the panoramic ocean views. InstagramReddit

You can capture stunning coastal landscapes, rainforest scenes, and potentially unique shots of reverse waterfalls during windy conditions. It's a great spot for drone photography too. InstagramReddit

The main lookout platform provides the primary 180-degree view. Exploring the walking tracks can also lead to different photographic perspectives. Instagram

Sunrise and sunset can be beautiful here, especially on clear days, offering dramatic skies over the ocean. Early mornings are often recommended for the best light. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant features or wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light photography. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, take photos, explore the walking tracks, have a picnic with BBQ facilities, and on windy days, witness the unique reverse waterfall phenomenon. TikTokReddit

A quick stop to admire the view can take about half an hour, but you could easily spend longer if you plan to walk the trails or have a picnic. Reddit

The walking tracks are generally considered moderate, winding through the rainforest. They offer a pleasant nature experience. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's a great spot for families. There are picnic facilities, open grassy areas, and the walking tracks offer a chance for kids to explore nature. It's also dog-friendly. InstagramReddit

Yes, Sublime Point Lookout is an ideal location for whale watching during migration seasons. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sublime Point Lookout is a fantastic family-friendly destination. The ample parking and free entry make it an easy outing. Kids will love the expansive views and the chance to explore the walking tracks through the rainforest. InstagramReddit Pack a picnic to enjoy at the BBQ facilities and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed family meal with an incredible backdrop. The open grassy areas are also great for children to run around. Reddit

For an added element of wonder, keep an eye on the weather. If it's particularly windy, you might be lucky enough to witness the reverse waterfall phenomenon, which is sure to captivate young imaginations. TikTok+1 It's also a great place to talk about nature and weather patterns. Remember to bring your dog along too, as the lookout is dog-friendly! Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Sublime Point Lookout to be a treasure trove of stunning visuals. The panoramic coastal vistas are ideal for wide-angle shots, capturing the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic Illawarra escarpment. InstagramReddit The golden hour light during sunrise and sunset provides magical opportunities for landscape photography, painting the sky and sea with vibrant colors. TikTokInstagram

For those seeking unique shots, the chance to capture the reverse waterfall phenomenon during windy conditions offers a truly spectacular and rare photographic subject. TikTok+1 The surrounding rainforest also provides opportunities for intimate nature photography. With free parking and easy access, you can spend ample time composing your shots and waiting for the perfect moment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

Sublime Point Lookout is more than just a viewpoint; it's a gateway to nature exploration. The walking tracks that lead into the rainforest offer a refreshing contrast to the open vistas. TikTokReddit These trails are perfect for a moderate hike, allowing you to experience the local flora and fauna up close. Reddit

Combine your visit with a scenic walk to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The trails are well-maintained and provide a peaceful escape into the bushland. It's an excellent opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying the serene environment. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Phenomenal Reverse Waterfall

One of the most talked-about aspects of Sublime Point Lookout is the potential to witness a reverse waterfall. This natural phenomenon occurs when strong winds blow inland from the ocean, pushing the falling water upwards and back onto the cliff face. It's a truly surreal sight that has been compared to spotting a UFO! TikTok+1 Visitors are advised to check the weather conditions, as this spectacle is dependent on significant wind. When conditions are right, it's a unique and unforgettable experience that draws photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. TikTok+1

While not a guaranteed daily occurrence, the possibility of seeing a reverse waterfall adds an element of surprise and wonder to a visit. It's a powerful reminder of nature's unpredictable forces and a fantastic subject for dramatic photography. Remember to stay safe and observe from designated viewing areas if you're lucky enough to witness this incredible display. TikTok+1

Exploring the Walking Trails

Beyond the stunning panoramic views, Sublime Point Lookout offers access to nature walking tracks that delve into the surrounding rainforest. These trails provide a different perspective, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the lush greenery and coastal bushland. TikTokReddit The paths are generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant experience for those who enjoy a bit of light hiking. Reddit

These walks are a great way to extend your visit and experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region. They offer a tranquil escape from the open lookout and a chance to connect with the natural environment. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more extended exploration, the trails around Sublime Point Lookout are a worthwhile addition to your visit. TikTokReddit

A Photographer's Paradise

Sublime Point Lookout is a dream destination for photographers, offering a wealth of visual opportunities. The 180-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Illawarra escarpment, and the coastline are simply breathtaking. InstagramReddit On clear days, the visibility is exceptional, allowing for stunning shots of the coastline stretching for miles. Reddit

The lookout is particularly popular during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a magical glow over the landscape. TikTokInstagram The potential for capturing the unique reverse waterfall phenomenon during windy conditions also makes it a sought-after spot for dramatic and unusual photography. TikTok+1 With ample parking and accessible viewpoints, it's easy to set up and capture the perfect shot. Don't forget your camera! Reddit