Cahill’s Lookout in Katoomba (Megalong Valley Views)

Cahill’s Lookout in Katoomba is a scenic vantage point offering sweeping views of the Megalong Valley and the Narrow Neck Plateau.

A short walking trail from Cliff Drive leads to this peaceful spot, with a stop at Boars Head Lookout along the way.

Cahill’s Lookout (from car park)
Distance: 300 metres (one way)
Duration: 15 minutes
Grade: Easy
Wheel-friendly: Partly (up to Boars Head Lookout)
Dog-friendly: Yes (on a lead)
Maps: Download mapPDF map
Interactive mapInteractive map

Getting There

Cahill’s Lookout is located in the southwestern part of Katoomba, with a (paid) car park available on Cliff Drive.

It’s easily accessible by car from the busy Scenic World and Katoomba Falls area, as well as from the Great Western Highway.

The nearest bus stops are on Acacia Street and Narrow Neck Road, both within walking distance of the lookout. Buses run regularly to and from the train station.

Below is a map of the walk with the car park and the two lookouts marked:

  1. Boars Head Lookout
  2. Cahills Lookout

Map of Cahills Lookout and parking

Track Notes

The 500-metre trail to the lookout is an easy, paved walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The path is wheel-friendly up to Boars Head Lookout, where a set of stairs leads the rest of the way to the main lookout.

Start of the walk
Start of the walk

1. Boars Head Lookout

About 100 metres into the walk, you’ll reach the first highlight.

Boars Head Lookout is a fenced vantage point offering views of a striking rock formation shaped like a boar’s head.

Boars Head Lookout
Boars Head Lookout

Looking further west, you’ll see the impressive Narrow Neck Plateau, a large peninsula separating the Megalong Valley from the Jamison Valley.

If time allows after visiting Cahill’s Lookout, consider stopping by Narrow Neck Lookout, which provides spectacular views of the peninsula.

Narrow Neck Plateau as seen from Boars Head Lookout
Narrow Neck Plateau as seen from Boars Head Lookout

From Boars Head Lookout, the walking path continues straight ahead to the main attraction.

2. Cahill’s Lookout

Cahill’s Lookout features one large viewing platform and two smaller ones on lower levels, accessible via side trails with steps.

The lookout is named after John Joseph Cahill, a long-serving New South Wales politician who was Premier from 1952 to 1959.

Path to Cahills Lookout
Path to Cahills Lookout

Unlike the busy Echo Point, Cahill’s Lookout offers a quieter experience, with superb views of the Megalong Valley, the Narrow Neck Plateau, and Megalong Head.

It’s a refreshing change from the more popular lookouts in Leura and Katoomba, which primarily face the Jamison Valley.

Cahill's Lookout
Cahill’s Lookout

At the main viewing platform, you’ll find two paths leading to the smaller platforms. We recommend visiting both, as each offers a slightly different perspective.

Lower lookout platform
Lower lookout platform

Once you’ve finished exploring this wonderful spot, we highly recommend visiting Peckmans Plateau Lookout nearby. It’s an easy 300-metre walk from the car park to get to the trailhead for that lookout. Otherwise, you can park at the (signposted) trailhead further up along Cliff Drive if you want to save a bit of time.

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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