Sydney's Best Lookouts

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Posted 2012-01-31 by Melanie D ⇒ follow

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In order to truly experience the beauty that Sydney has to offer, sometimes you have to view it from afar. These three lookouts are three of the best in Sydney, as they offer panoramic views of Sydney city and the New South Wales Coastline. These lookouts are all close to amenities, but don't forget to bring your camera - you may even spot a whale frolicking in the nearby ocean.

[SECTION]The North Head Lookout[/SECTION]
The North Head Lookout provides visitors with a panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour and New South Wales coastline. The lookout is amongst native flora and fauna as it is surrounded by the Sydney Harbour National Park. From the North Head Lookout you can also watch ferries pass by or even be on the watch for whales as they are frequently seen in the nearby coastal waters.

The lookout is also an important part of Australian military history, as artillery batteries were created at this location during World War One and World War Two.

The North Head Lookout is accessible from the car park by a one kilometre-long pathway called The Fairfax Track. The track is only gently sloped, therefore should be an easy enough trek for all ages.

[SECTION]The Mt. Keira Lookout[/SECTION]
The Mt. Keira Lookout is approximately 4 kilometres northwest of Wollongong and the mountain is 463.9 metres above sea level. From the lookout viewers can see Sydney city, as well as the Blue Mountains and Kurnell Oil Refinery. Viewers can also enjoy panoramic views of the New South Wales Coastline and the large oil tankers that are moored far out at sea.

Mt. Keira is an indigenous Australian term that means 'high mountain' and the location has a rich Aboriginal history as it is heavily connected to a well-known dreamtime story. The story states that Mount Keira, also named Geera, is the daughter of the West Wind. She had five other siblings named Mimosa, Wilga, Lilli Pilli, Wattle and Clematis, however one by one her five siblings began to misbehave. Their father, the West Wind, soon had enough of their mischievous behaviour so he sent them out to sea before turning them to stone. Geera was now the only child left at home and had no one to play with or talk to, as her father always went away for long periods of time. She spent all day sitting looking out to sea at her five sisters until eventually she turned to stone and became a part of the escarpment.

There is a car park located near the lookout, as well as other facilities that include toilets, seating areas and a kiosk.

[SECTION]The West Head Lookout[/SECTION]
The West Head Lookout is part of the Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park, located 25 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD.

From the lookout viewers can expect to see locations such as Barrenjoey, Broken Bay and Palm Beach, as well as beautiful panoramic views of the open sea. The added bonus of attending the lookout on weekends is that you will be able to watch as numerous yachts and boats sail around Pittwater. Because the views are so impressive, the West Head Lookout is also a popular location for weddings.

The West Head Lookout is accessible via numerous walking tracks within Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park and there are a number of facilities including toilets, picnic areas and seating available.