Perry's Lookdown Blue Mountains
Breathtaking lookout and trailhead for the iconic Blue Gum Forest hike in the Blue Mountains National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, better light for photos
Perry's Lookdown Blue Mountains
Best Time
Clearer skies, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Breathtaking lookout and trailhead for the iconic Blue Gum Forest hike in the Blue Mountains National Park.
"Spectacular views over Grose Valley and an unforgettable hike down to the Blue Gum Forest!"
🚗 Easy Drive In
The road to the car park is now fully bitumen, making access smooth for all vehicles. :car:
🥾 Steep Valley Hike
The hike down to Blue Gum Forest is strenuous, especially the climb back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grose Valley Views
Main Lookout
Panoramic vistas of the vast Grose Valley, Mount Banks, and the iconic Blue Gum Forest. Absolutely breathtaking!
Blue Gum Forest Hike
Valley Floor
An awe-inspiring trek through ancient, towering Blue Gum trees. A truly magical and humbling experience.
Wildlife Spotting
Surrounding Areas
Keep an eye out for kangaroos, including mothers with joeys, often seen on the drive to or from the lookout.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Perry's Lookdown
Hiking and Camping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Me and a 3 mates (16-17M) want to do the Lockleys Pylon to Perrys Lookdown return hike, but none of us have our license yet and trailhead is too far to walk from Leura. Advice needed.
🚗 Easy Drive In
The road to the car park is now fully bitumen, making access smooth for all vehicles. :car:
🥾 Steep Valley Hike
The hike down to Blue Gum Forest is strenuous, especially the climb back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Hiking advice needed
Another stunning weekend hike - such a special place.
🚽 New Toilets Available
Fresh drop toilets are available at the car park, a welcome addition for visitors. :toilet:
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The views are incredible, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Acacia Flats
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Drive In
The road to the car park is now fully bitumen, making access smooth for all vehicles. :car:
🥾 Steep Valley Hike
The hike down to Blue Gum Forest is strenuous, especially the climb back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚽 New Toilets Available
Fresh drop toilets are available at the car park, a welcome addition for visitors. :toilet:
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The views are incredible, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
🦘 Wildlife Encounters
You might spot kangaroos on your visit, particularly around dawn and dusk. :kangaroo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular panoramic views of the Grose Valley and the awe-inspiring Blue Gum Forest hike. The recent road upgrades and new facilities at the car park have been well-received, making access easier. However, the steepness of the valley hike, particularly the return climb, is a significant challenge for many.
"Lovely drive out to the lookout. Parking is close to the entrance of the walk, and toilets available. The walk down to the lookout has about 40 stairs, no handrails and no wheelchair access. We visited when raining, but still a lovely view."
Beckie Tickner
"Anvil lookdown has better views, but this is a great starting point for a hike down to the blue gum forest, which is spectacular. And we saw kangaroo with a Joey on the way out!"
Bradford Sledge
"Access is now bitumen all the way to the carpark where there are toilets and picnic benches. A short walk with some gradual steps to the lookout where there are spectacular views. Another lookout is a short walk down some more steps. The walk continues on down into the bottom of the valley but is very steep and long, especially coming back up. Well worth the effort if you're familiar with grade 4 hikes though."
Carla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Perry's Lookdown is accessible via a well-maintained, bitumen road, suitable for all vehicles including caravans. There is ample free parking available at the lookout car park.
Public transport options are limited. While hitchhiking might be considered, it's not recommended for safety reasons, especially for younger travelers. It's best to drive or arrange a ride.
The road has been recently upgraded to bitumen all the way to the car park, making for a smooth and easy drive.
Yes, the car park at Perry's Lookdown serves as the trailhead for hikes into the Grose Valley, including the Blue Gum Forest.
Absolutely! The new flat tar road and designated tow vehicle parking make it very caravan-friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Perry's Lookdown and the surrounding national park area is free. Parking is also free.
Perry's Lookdown is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor lookout point within the national park.
No booking is required for Perry's Lookdown. It's a public access point within the Blue Mountains National Park.
The car park at Perry's Lookdown is no longer a free campground. However, camping is permitted at Acacia Flat, and you can leave your car at the lookout parking area.
The car park area offers new drop toilets and picnic benches.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from the car park to the main lookout is very short and easy, with gradual steps. There are additional steps to a lower lookout.
No, the walk down to the lookout involves stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
The most popular hike is down to the spectacular Blue Gum Forest. The return journey is steep and challenging.
The hike down is described as exhausting but worth it. The time taken will vary greatly depending on fitness levels, but expect it to be a significant undertaking.
You'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Grose Valley, Blue Gum Forest, and Mount Banks.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes of the Grose Valley.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. :camerawithflash:
The main lookout provides the primary, breathtaking panorama. The lower lookout offers a slightly different perspective.
The vastness of the Grose Valley, the ancient Blue Gum trees, and the rugged escarpments are prime subjects. Keep an eye out for wildlife too!
Drone usage is subject to national park regulations. Always check the latest rules and guidelines from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before flying. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with very young children or those with strollers, the walk to the lookout involves stairs and is not suitable. However, the picnic facilities at the car park provide a pleasant spot for a family meal amidst nature. If your children are older and adventurous, the hike down to the Blue Gum Forest could be an option, but be prepared for a very challenging return climb.
🚶 Hikers and Adventurers
For those seeking multi-day adventures, camping at Acacia Flat is an option, allowing for deeper exploration of the valley's trails. The improved road access means you can easily reach the trailhead with your vehicle, even if you're towing a caravan. Remember to pack appropriately for challenging terrain and variable weather conditions.
📸 Photographers
The Blue Gum Forest hike also presents unique photographic subjects, with the towering trees creating a sense of scale and wonder. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the valley and a tripod for low-light conditions. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as kangaroos are often spotted in the area, adding another dimension to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Blue Gum Forest Hike
Preparation is key for this hike. Ensure you wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, carry plenty of water, and pack snacks. The climb back up is significantly more demanding than the descent, so pace yourself and be prepared for a strenuous workout. Many visitors describe it as exhausting but incredibly rewarding, with the sheer scale and beauty of the forest making the effort worthwhile.
While the car park itself is no longer a designated camping spot, the Blue Gum Forest area is a popular destination for overnight hikes, with camping available at Acacia Flat. This allows for a more extended exploration of the valley's wonders. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve this pristine environment for future visitors.
Accessibility and Facilities
However, it's important to note that while the drive and the immediate area around the car park are accessible, the walk to the lookout itself involves stairs. There are approximately 40 stairs leading down to the main lookout, and further steps to a lower viewpoint. Consequently, this section is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware of this limitation.
In terms of amenities, the car park area is equipped with new drop toilets and picnic benches, providing essential facilities for visitors. This makes it a convenient spot for a short visit or as a staging point for longer hikes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit