The Holiday Hunter

🌄 Jamison Lookout – Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains   Located just a short stroll from the Wentworth Falls picnic area, Jamison Lookout offers one of the most striking and easily accessible views in the Blue Mountains. From the platform, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panorama over the Jamison Valley, with its sweeping cliffs, deep forested valleys, and distant peaks fading into soft layers of blue.   The short, level walk makes this lookout ideal for families, casual visitors, and anyone wanting an incredible view without a long hike. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning when mist drifts across the valley, or late afternoon when the escarpment glows gold in the sunlight. The lookout is also a favourite with photographers, offering clear, uninterrupted views of one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.   For those with extra time, the nearby Wentworth Falls Lookout and Princes Rock Track provide deeper views of the valley and the waterfall...

🌊 Wentworth Falls Lookout – Blue Mountains, NSW   Wentworth Falls Lookout is one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the Blue Mountains National Park, offering sweeping views of the Jamison Valley and the cascading tiers of the Wentworth Falls waterfall. From the edge of the escarpment, visitors can watch as the water plunges dramatically into the deep valley below, surrounded by cliffs, forested slopes, and endless horizons of blue haze.   The lookout is easily accessible via a short, sealed path from the carpark, making it perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who wants a big view with minimal walking. For those wanting more adventure, a network of walking tracks begins nearby — including the Wentworth Falls Track, the National Pass, and the Undercliff and Overcliff Walks — leading to even closer views of the falls and surrounding wilderness.   It’s a magical spot at sunrise and sunset, when soft light paints the cliffs gold and the mist r...

🌄 Mount Portal Lookout – Blue Mountains, NSW Set high above Glenbrook Gorge, Mount Portal Lookout offers one of the most spectacular and accessible views in the Blue Mountains. From its elevated timber platform, you can see the dramatic meeting of the Nepean River and the rugged sandstone cliffs of the lower mountains. The sweeping panorama stretches across the wilderness towards the plains of Western Sydney — a breathtaking contrast between untamed nature and the city beyond.   The lookout is reached via a short, sealed walk from the carpark, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The path is wheelchair-friendly and ideal for families or photographers looking for a quick but unforgettable view. It’s a favourite spot for sunrise and sunset, when the cliffs glow gold and the river reflects the changing light.   Because it’s in the Glenbrook area of the national park, Mount Portal is one of the first major lookouts you’ll reach when driving from S...

🌄 Wynnes Rock Lookout – Mount Wilson, Blue Mountains   Perched on the edge of the Mount Wilson plateau, Wynnes Rock Lookout offers one of the most breathtaking and lesser-known views in the Blue Mountains. From this dramatic clifftop vantage point, you can look out across the deep wilderness of the Wollangambe Wilderness Area, with its rolling ridges, forested valleys, and endless layers of misty blue horizon. It’s a view that captures the raw beauty and immense scale of the Blue Mountains World Heritage landscape.   The lookout is easily accessed via a short bush trail through tall eucalypt forest. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by native bird calls, wildflowers, and the scent of mountain air. The walk is short but rewarding, leading to a large natural rock platform where you can sit, relax, and take in the silence. Early morning brings soft mist rising from the valleys, while late afternoon sunlight turns the cliffs golden — a perfect moment for photographers....

🌿 Windyridge Garden – Mount Wilson, NSW   Tucked away in the heart of Mount Wilson, Windyridge Garden is a beautifully designed and meticulously maintained cool-climate garden that perfectly captures the charm of the Blue Mountains. Once a private estate, it’s now one of the most celebrated open gardens in New South Wales, welcoming visitors to wander through its elegant terraces, sweeping lawns, and vibrant flower beds.   The garden blends structure and softness — stone pathways and sculpted hedges lead you past colourful borders, tranquil water features, and manicured lawns framed by towering trees. Seasonal change transforms the entire scene: in spring, tulips, azaleas, and blossoms fill the air with colour and fragrance; in autumn, the Japanese maples glow in brilliant shades of crimson and gold. Every turn feels designed for both quiet reflection and stunning photography.   Windyridge also offers spectacular views over the Blue Mountains valleys, making...

Mount Wilson is famous for its private gardens, many of which open to the public at different times of year. In autumn, the entire village bursts into colour — golds, reds, and fiery oranges transform the landscape into one of Australia’s most breathtaking seasonal displays. In spring, cherry blossoms and rhododendrons bring new life to the gardens, while quiet walking trails lead you through temperate rainforest, fern gullies, and mossy escarpments.   Despite its beauty, Mount Wilson remains wonderfully unspoiled. There are no shops, service stations, or cafés, which adds to its charm and peaceful atmosphere — visitors bring their own supplies and slow down to enjoy nature. With limited phone reception, it’s the perfect place to disconnect, explore waterfalls, photograph the gardens, or enjoy a picnic at one of the shady reserves. Whether you visit for the colours, the stillness, or the scenery, Mount Wilson is one of the Blue Mountains’ most enchanting escapes.   #Th...

🏞️ Nestled on the edge of the Jamieson Valley in the Blue Mountains National Park, Du Faur’s Rocks Lookout offers spectacular panoramic views of sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and sweeping forest ridges. From this vantage you’ll look out over the Jamieson Valley — a lesser-visited spot which often means fewer crowds and more serenity.   The walk to the lookout is part of the experience: meandering through bushland, often quieter and less trafficked than more popular lookout spots.   🌅 Why Visit Photography heaven : Capture golden-hour light scattering across the valley and cliff edges. Quiet escape : Compared with major lookouts, you’ll often get this place almost to yourself. Nature & culture : Combine sweeping vistas with subtle touches of heritage — from rock art to the untouched bush track. 📝 Visitor Tips Best time: Sunrise or late afternoon for dramatic lighting and quieter moods. Access: The trail...

 Mount York Lookout – Mount Victoria, Blue Mountains Perched at the western edge of Mount Victoria , Mount York Lookout offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Blue Mountains . From this historic vantage point, you can gaze across the vast Kanimbla and Hartley Valleys — an endless sea of blue-green ridges, farmland, and escarpments that glow golden in the late afternoon light. It’s a place that perfectly captures the drama and scale of the Blue Mountains landscape.   Mount York isn’t just about scenery — it’s steeped in Australian history. This was the site where European explorers Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth first descended into the western plains in 1813, opening a route beyond the mountains. Nearby interpretive signs tell the story of early road-building efforts, including Cox’s Road , Lockyer’s Line , and Lawson’s Long Alley , which still survive as historic walking trails. History buffs and hikers can follow sections of these old colonial tracks thro...

Retford Park is one of the Southern Highlands’ most celebrated heritage properties, combining grand architecture, beautifully designed gardens, and a rich history. Built in 1887 by businessman Samuel Hordern, the house is a striking example of Victorian Italianate design, set among sweeping grounds that showcase the Highlands’ elegance and charm.   In the late 20th century, Retford Park became the home of philanthropist James Fairfax AC of the Fairfax publishing family, who lovingly restored and expanded the gardens. Fairfax was deeply devoted to the estate, creating a cultural and horticultural treasure that reflected both his personal passions and his family’s legacy. In 2016, he gifted Retford Park to the National Trust of Australia (NSW), ensuring its preservation for future generations.   The gardens are a highlight for visitors, with manicured hedges, rose beds, lush lawns, and parkland dotted with sculptures and exotic plantings. Seasonal colours bring the groun...