The Reids Plateau is a small headland in Katoomba that is home to a few 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 |
Getting There
The most logical spot to park your car is at Katoomba Falls Reserve on Cliff Drive, which is close to the access point to the Reids Plateau (see map location).
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. There are steps, so it’s not considered wheel-friendly.
Once you’ve visited all the lookouts on the plateau, we recommend doing either the Katoomba Falls Round Walk or the walking trail to the Katoomba Cascades. Both these trails are easy and can be accessed from the plateau.
Map
Here is a map with the parking area, the walking trail, and the three lookouts on the Reids Plateau:
- 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.
As mentioned, once you’ve finished exploring the lookouts on the Reids Plateau, we recommend hiking towards Katoomba Cascades via the Duke and Duchess of York Lookout, or to Katoomba Falls via the Round Walk for a fun day out.
