Cahill’s Lookout near Katoomba is one of the most impressive lookouts in the Blue Mountains, offering panoramic Megalong Valley views.
Quietly tucked away on the westernmost point of Cliff Drive, the lookout offers breathtaking views of the valley, Megalong Head, Boars Head Rock, and the Narrow Neck Peninsula.
A paved 500-metre long walking path leads to this lookout with multiple viewing platforms to explore.
| Cahill’s Lookout Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 500 m (one way) |
| Duration: | 15 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No (steps) |
Getting There
The Cahill’s Lookout is very easy to drive to, either via Cliff Drive (from Scenic World) or Valley Road and Narrow Neck Road (from the Great Western Highway).
There is a dedicated car park (paid) at the start of the walking trail that leads to the lookout (see map location).
The nearest bus stops are on Narrow Neck Rd and Cliff Dr, within walking distance from the lookout.
The official address of Cahill’s Lookout:
258-276 Cliff Drive
Katoomba NSW 2780
About Cahill’s Lookout
The Cahill’s Lookout was named after John Joseph Cahill, Premier of New South Wales in the 1950s who was responsible for the commissioning of the Sydney Opera House and construction of the Cahill Expressway.
A short and pleasant 500-metre walking path brings visitors to this beautiful lookout, which consists of one large viewing platform and two smaller ones on lower levels.
The walk also passes the Boars Head Lookout, from where you can enjoy views of a unique rock formation that resembles, you guessed it, a boar’s head. And it actually does, with a healthy dose of imagination.
There are two things that make Cahill’s Lookout unique compared to most other lookout points in the area.
Firstly, even though this lookout is one of the prettiest in the Blue Mountains, the big crowds haven’t yet discovered this magnificent spot. That’s a good thing because it allows visitors to enjoy the serenity of the area.
Secondly, unlike lookouts such as Echo Point and Lincoln’s Rock that face the Jamison Valley, Cahill’s Lookout faces the Megalong Valley, which offers a very different perspective.
The Narrow Neck Peninsula, clearly visible from the viewing platform, is the plateau in the middle that divides these two major valleys.
The short walking trail to the lookout is short and family-friendly, but it does contain steps closer to the lookout. As such, it’s not a 100% wheel-friendly destination.
Sights Nearby
When visiting Cahill’s Lookout, we recommend also visiting the Boars Head Rock and the Narrow Neck Lookout.
1. Boars Head Rock
About a hundred metres away from the entrance to the Cahill’s Lookout is the starting point of a short walking track to Boars Head Rock.
Look for a small sign that says Boars Head climbing area. This is a popular spot for abseiling and rock climbing, where climbers can descend up to 200 metres into the valley.
Be mindful that there is no fencing at Boars Head, so it’s best to stay well away from the cliff edges.
2. Narrow Neck Lookout
The Narrow Neck Lookout offers scenic views of the Narrow Neck Peninsula, a large plateau that separates the Megalong Valley from the Jamison Valley.
This lookout is located right in front of the peninsula, only a short drive from Cahill’s Lookout, along Cliff Drive.
From the Narrow Neck Lookout, you can hike all the way to Castle Head via the Castle Head walking trail.
Last updated: August 19, 2024
