Reids Plateau is a small headland in Katoomba that is home to three lookouts offering fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls.
The plateau is very easy to access, and with several walking trails nearby, it’s a great starting point for a fun day out in the Blue Mountains.
| Reids Plateau Loop | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 500 m (part loop) |
| Duration: | 30 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Parking: | Katoomba Falls Reserve (map) |
Getting There
The best spot to park your car is at Katoomba Falls Reserve on Cliff Drive, which is close to the access point to Reids Plateau.
Alternatively, you can park your car at Scenic World or the Katoomba Cascades picnic area. Both these locations are within walking distance.
If you’re travelling by public transport, catch a bus from Katoomba Station and get off at the Katoomba Falls Reserve bus stop on Cliff Drive.
Track Notes
This is a very short, family-friendly walking trail suitable for all ages. However, there are steps, so it’s not considered wheel-friendly.
Below is a map with the parking area, the walking trail, and the three lookouts:
- Solitary Lookout
- Katoomba Falls Lookout
- Orphan Rock Lookout
1. Solitary Lookout
Assuming you’re starting from Katoomba Falls Reserve, cross the road and find the walking trail that goes into the bush, west of the old kiosk building.
You’ll soon arrive at a four-way intersection where you need to go straight ahead and up the staircase, signposted as Katoomba Falls Lookouts.
Once you’re on the plateau, follow the walking trail clockwise to visit the three lookouts and the picnic area in the centre.
The first (signposted) lookout is the Solitary Lookout, with panoramic views of the Jamison Valley and, if you’re lucky, the Scenic Skyway flying over.
2. Katoomba Falls Lookout
The Katoomba Falls Lookout is the most impressive of the three lookouts, as it offers the best opportunity to see the Three Sisters, the waterfall, and the Scenic Skyway in one view.
We think this is one of the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains, but it doesn’t seem to get as much attention as other, more well-known viewpoints, such as nearby Echo Point.
3. Orphan Rock Lookout
The third viewpoint is the Orphan Rock Lookout, which offers views of a rock formation called Orphan Rock against the backdrop of the Jamison Valley.
Many years ago, there was a walking trail leading directly to this rock formation, but it has been closed for a long time due to safety concerns.
On your way back, it’s worth checking out the picnic area. It’s a sheltered, cave-like structure with benches and tables, perfect for a quick lunch.
Once you’ve visited all the lookouts on the plateau, we recommend doing either the Katoomba Falls Round Walk or the walking trail to Katoomba Cascades. Both these trails are easy and can be started from Reids Plateau.
For a slightly longer adventure, do the walk from Echo Point to Reids Plateau.
Beginners Guide to the Blue Mountains
Grab our ebook and discover seven of the finest walks and seven of the most scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains, perfect for first-time visitors.
