Last updated: October 28, 2020
The Princes Rock Lookout is a scenic viewing platform in the Wentworth Falls area of the Blue Mountains that offers superb waterfall and valley views.
A short walking track starting at the picnic area leads to this lookout, the perfect opportunity to see the entire waterfall without having to do tough bushwalking.
Surprisingly, this lookout often gets overlooked by visitors to Wentworth Falls, even though it’s one of the best viewpoints in the area.
| Princes Rock Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.5 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
How to Get There
The start of the track to the Princes Rock Lookout is close to the Wentworth Falls picnic area, which is also home to a car park.
To get to the picnic area, take the Falls Road exit (map) from the Great Western Highway and drive all the way to the car park at the end of the road. This is where Falls Road flows into Sir H Burrell Drive that loops around the car park.
If you prefer to use public transport, Wentworth Falls has a train station that you can easily travel to from Sydney. From the train station, follow the short Charles Darwin walking track to the waterfall, from where it’s a short stroll to Princes Rock.
Princes Rock Track and Lookout
The track to the Princes Rock Lookout is very easy, and is the perfect spot to see Wentworth Falls, the waterfall, in its entirety.
The following map gives you a bit of an idea where this track is located:
From the Wentworth Falls picnic area, simply follow the walking path along Sir H Burrell Drive. The first major lookout there is the Jamison Lookout, which offers panoramic views of Jamison Valley.
As good as that lookout may be, you can’t actually see the waterfall from this point. Which is why we’re heading to Princes Rock!
From the Jamison Lookout, keep following the path along the road until you see the Princes Rock Track signpost, where the trail heads into the bush.
The track to the lookout isn’t difficult at all, but it is a little steep. Easy on the way down, and a bit more challenging on the way up, but certainly doable.
The path itself is very well maintained from start to finish, but proper shoes is definitely recommended. Especially if you’re planning on doing more hiking in the Wentworth Falls area.
From the signpost, it only takes about 10-15 minutes before you get to the lookout, from where you can enjoy fantastic views of the waterfall as well as of the valley.
The actual viewing platform is rather small, especially compared to the one at the Jamison Lookout.
But since this lookout typically doesn’t attract huge crowds, you should be able to find enough space to enjoy the views and take some great photos.
As mentioned, the Princes Rock Lookout is one of the few lookouts in the Wentworth Falls area from where you can see the entire waterfall.
Especially after a period of rain, the waterfall can be such a beautiful natural spectacle to watch.
If the waterfalls views aren’t spectacular enough already, the uninterrupted views of Jamison Valley and beyond are quite impressive as well.
If you look right ahead, you can recognise the Narrow Neck Plateau, Mount Solitary, and Ruined Castle in the far distance.
On your way back up, you have the option to go visit the Wentworth Falls Lookout. Simply turn right at the intersection (see picture) to get there.
Once you’re there, you can continue the walking track that goes over the top of the waterfall, followed by a steep descent into the valley via the historic and very steep Grand Stairway.
There is also the option to do a short loop trail to the Rocket Point Lookout, which is another great viewpoint that offers scenic views of the waterfall but from the opposite side.
