Hargraves Lookout
Hargraves Lookout
A stretch of escarpment at Blackheath where the cliffs line the edges of the valley, with views as far as the horizon on a clear sunny day. Far enough that the view stops feeling like something you’re looking at, and starts feeling like somewhere you’re standing in. This is Hargraves Lookout, Panorama Point, and Mount Blackheath Lookout.
Quick Details
Total Length: 1km
Elevation: 80m
Grade: Easy to moderate
Best season: Year-round but best enjoyed on clear sunny days
Suitable for kids: Only with supervision around sheer edges
Starting the Trail
We’d just finished our weekend hike early and weren’t quite ready to head home yet, so we decided to check out a couple of lookouts nearby. Having never been to Hargraves Lookout before, we had no idea what to expect. We pulled into the carpark and wandered the short distance to the main lookout areas.
Blue Mountains City Council have done a great job upgrading the facilities here, with paved pathways and fences around the lookouts. There’s a large covered hut with a couple of picnic tables that would make a great spot for lunch.
There’s also a great seat at one of the smaller lookouts if you’d like to just sit and take in the view for a while. There’s certainly a lot to see. On a clear day you can even glimpse Kanangra Walls, way off in the distance.
Panorama Point
From one of the smaller lookouts, an old track leads away down into the trees. It’s not a long walk, but one that definitely requires some care, as you’re walking out over a narrow sliver of rock with a steep drop on either side.
There are some old staircases in places, but there’s also a lot of stepping down rocks that, over time, have had footholds worn into them.
Having never been here before, it was kind of surprising just how far the trail extends from Hargraves Lookout. There were a couple of spots just to the side of the trail where you could probably stand to see the view. They’re unfenced though, so be sure to exercise caution if you step out onto them.
We found Hargraves Trig, or at least what’s left of it — it’s nothing more than a concrete block at this point.
We thought this was where the trail would end, but just a little further on we could see a fenced lookout with uninterrupted views over the valley.
While it may be the same view as the one at Hargraves Lookout, there’s just something about standing right at the edge of a cliff with nothing in front of you.
Narrow Neck Plateau stretches out on the left and into the distance. This would be a great place for sunset, to see the cliff line lit up in golden afternoon light. So many times we’ve seen Narrow Neck from the other side — we’re not sure if we’ve seen it from this side before.
On the other side, it’s common to see phantom falls on cold mornings. We wondered if this side would have the same thing.
This view has quickly become one of our favourite lookouts in the Mountains, and we’ve already added it to our list to visit again for sunrise and sunset. For now though, it was time to head back up to the car — after one final look back at the view, of course.
Mount Blackheath
Since we were already in the area, we decided to also head out to Mount Blackheath — another dog-friendly location not too far away.
Mount Blackheath used to be frequently visited for the old timber hang gliding ramp on the hill. The ramp has been torn down now though, as it was falling apart. The new one may not be as Instagram-worthy, but the view is still incredible.
It’s important to remember that this is a hang gliding spot, so if you see people launching or landing in the area, stand back and wait for them to finish.
This would be another great spot for sunset. It’s also pretty great to see the hang gliders in the air flying over the valley.
Getting There
Hargraves Lookout can be found at the end of Shipley Road in Blackheath.
Mount Blackheath Lookout is at the end of Mount Blackheath Road, which you can get to from Shipley Road.
Tips and Tricks
These lookouts are dog-on-leash friendly, but please keep them on the leash — there are steep drops nearby.
There are toilets, picnic tables, and seating areas at both lookouts.