The Tarpeian Rock Lookout is a beautifully isolated viewpoint in the Leura area that offers scenic views of the Jamison Valley.
This lookout can be reached via the short Tarpeian Rock Access Walk, starting from Cliff Drive, with the option to visit other nearby lookouts.
| Tarpeian Rock Access Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 200 metres (from road) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
Getting There
Although the lookout is quite isolated, it is easy to get to. The easiest way to get there is via the access walk that starts from Cliff Drive (see map location).
From there, it’s only a short 200-metre walk to the lookout via a well-maintained path with some steps.
The other option is to walk to Tarpeian Rock via Olympian Rock (from the east) or Leura Cascades (from the west). Both of these options are short sections of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Below is a map of the Tarpeian Rock Access Walk from Cliff Drive.
About the Tarpeian Rock
Tarpeian Rock is one of the many lookouts that exist in the Katoomba and Leura area facing the beautiful Jamison Valley.
While this one may not be as well-known as, for example, Echo Point and Gordon Falls Lookout, the views are fantastic.
Tarpeian Rock Lookout consists of two fenced viewing platforms, both offering views of the Jamison Valley, Kings Tableland, and Mount Solitary.
The viewing platforms are similarly sized, but the views are from a different angle. Plus, from the first viewing platform, there is a nice view of the second platform against the backdrop of the valley.
The second viewing platform is generally considered the actual Tarpeian Rock.
You’ll notice the fascinating circular patterns in the rock, which is what makes this lookout extra unique.
The lookout was named after the ancient Tarpeian Rock (Rupe Tarpea) in Rome, a steep cliff at the Roman Forum that was used to execute people.
That cliff, in turn, was named after Tarpeia, the daughter of a Roman commander who betrayed the Romans. You can read more about that story here.
Access Walk
The start of the Tarpeian Rock Access Walk can be found along Scenic Drive in Leura, close to the junction with Olympian Parade.
The trail is signposted, so you won’t miss it. From that starting point, the trail heads into the bush via a well-maintained set of stairs.
Closer to the lookout, the trail hits a junction with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, where you need to go straight ahead to visit Tarpeian Rock.
When visiting Tarpeian Rock, it makes sense to also visit the Bridal Veil View lookout. That signposted viewpoint is only 5 minutes away and offers fantastic views of the Bridal Veil Falls waterfall.
Another lookout we strongly recommend visiting is the Olympian Rock, which is a 500-metre walk eastbound via the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. From there, you can continue to the Elysian Rock Lookout, which is very close by.
For another quiet viewpoint a bit further away, visit the Peckmans Plateau Lookout in Katoomba and enjoy scenic Megalong Creek Valley views.
