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Hargraves Lookout

4.8
·438 reviews·Blackheath, Australia

Experience breathtaking, far-reaching views of the Megalong Valley and unparalleled stargazing with zero light pollution.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid morning fog for clear views

CrowdLow
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Hargraves Lookout - Image 1

Hargraves Lookout

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid morning fog for clear views

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience breathtaking, far-reaching views of the Megalong Valley and unparalleled stargazing with zero light pollution.

4.8
(438 reviews)

"Amazing Lookout, so peaceful. Amazing beauty in God's Creation!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for Adventure

Wear sturdy shoes for the walk to Panorama Point. :athletic_shoe: The gravel road is fine for most cars. :car:

Picnic Perfection

Enjoy a relaxing picnic with stunning views. Be mindful of steep areas. :forkandknife:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Megalong Valley Panorama

Megalong Valley Panorama

Main Lookout

Experience breathtaking, far-reaching views of the vast Megalong Valley. A truly expansive and peaceful vista.

Panorama Point Trek

Panorama Point Trek

Further track from main lookout

An adventurous walk leading to an even more secluded lookout with incredible, expansive scenery.

Stargazing Paradise

Stargazing Paradise

Main Lookout

With zero light pollution, this spot offers an unparalleled, surreal stargazing experience. See the universe in its purest form.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Clear Views

Morning fog can obscure the stunning Megalong Valley views at Hargraves Lookout. While rain can contribute to humidity, clear mornings are best for unobstructed vistas. Check weather forecasts and aim for early daylight hours for the most spectacular scenery.

Accessibility and Adventure

Hargraves Lookout offers disabled access to the main viewing platform, making it inclusive. For the more adventurous, a further walk to Panorama Point provides even more expansive views and a sense of discovery. The gravel road is suitable for most vehicles.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Avoid morning fog for clear views
Crowd
Low
When
Clear evenings
Why
Spectacular stargazing opportunities
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What is the best lookout in the Blue Mountains in your opinion?

Pack for Adventure

Wear sturdy shoes for the walk to Panorama Point. :athletic_shoe: The gravel road is fine for most cars. :car:

Picnic Perfection

Enjoy a relaxing picnic with stunning views. Be mindful of steep areas. :forkandknife:

reddit.com

Quiet proposal spot

reddit.com

In need of good stargazing spots!

Check the Weather

Morning fog can obscure views. Aim for clear days for the best experience. :cloudwithrain:

Embrace the Stars

This is an incredible spot for stargazing due to zero light pollution. :star2:

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for Adventure

Wear sturdy shoes for the walk to Panorama Point. :athletic_shoe: The gravel road is fine for most cars. :car:

Picnic Perfection

Enjoy a relaxing picnic with stunning views. Be mindful of steep areas. :forkandknife:

Check the Weather

Morning fog can obscure views. Aim for clear days for the best experience. :cloudwithrain:

Embrace the Stars

This is an incredible spot for stargazing due to zero light pollution. :star2:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(438 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hargraves Lookout is highly praised for its absolutely sensational and expansive views of the Megalong Valley, offering a peaceful and beautiful experience. It's also lauded as an exceptional spot for stargazing due to its zero light pollution. Some visitors note that morning fog can occasionally obscure the views, and caution is advised on steeper picnic areas.

"⭐️FIVE STARS⭐️
I cannot express how amazing and good this lookout (and little track further out) is !!!!

It has sensational views that stretch very very far out, and if you take the little track from the farther lookout it is a fun and adventurous little hike/walk that goes even MORE further out with another lookout.
I would recommend if you are fit and well and able that you go! It’s worth the drive and time well spent."

Madison Kingsly

"Amazing Lookout, so peaceful. Good amenities with disabled access to the lookout. Short walk to the lookouts, plus a further walk out to Panorama Point for the more adventurous! Gravel road in is suitable for all cars. Amazing beauty in God's Creation!"

Joshua Kassel

"Beautiful look out,spectacular view and relaxing.
You can do picnic there too."

Mayumi Tam

What People Like

Sensational panoramic views
Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere
Incredible stargazing opportunities

What People Dislike

Occasional morning fog
Steep picnic areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hargraves Lookout is accessible via a gravel road suitable for most cars. It's located near Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. Driving is the most common method of access. Reddit

No, the road leading to Hargraves Lookout is a gravel road. It is generally well-maintained and suitable for most standard vehicles. Reddit

Public transport options to Hargraves Lookout are limited. It's best accessed by car. You might be able to take a train to Blackheath and then a taxi or rideshare, but this is not always reliable. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at Hargraves Lookout, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Early mornings are recommended to avoid potential fog and enjoy clearer views of the Megalong Valley. Evenings are also great for stargazing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hargraves Lookout is a free public access point. There are no admission fees required to visit. Reddit

Hargraves Lookout is generally open 24/7, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, access might be restricted during extreme weather events. Reddit

Yes, Hargraves Lookout features disabled access to the main viewing platform, ensuring it's accessible for visitors with mobility needs. Reddit

Yes, Hargraves Lookout is an excellent spot for night-time stargazing due to its minimal light pollution. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors should always be mindful of safety, especially near edges and on walking tracks. Check local advisories for any temporary closures. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy spectacular, far-reaching views of the Megalong Valley. There's also a further walk to Panorama Point for even more expansive vistas. It's also a prime spot for stargazing. Reddit

Yes, there is a short walk to the main lookout and a further, more adventurous walk to Panorama Point for those seeking more exploration. Reddit

Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Megalong Valley and the clear night skies make it a fantastic location for landscape and astrophotography. Reddit

Yes, there are lovely small spots suitable for picnics, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and a camera. For stargazing, consider a blanket and a red-light torch to preserve night vision. Reddit

🎫 ⭐ Stargazing

Hargraves Lookout is considered one of the best stargazing spots due to its complete lack of light pollution, offering a surreal view of the universe. Reddit

The absence of artificial light pollution allows for an incredibly clear and immersive view of the night sky, revealing countless stars and celestial bodies. Reddit

Clear nights, especially during new moon phases, offer the darkest skies and the most spectacular stargazing experience. Check astronomical calendars for meteor showers or visible planets. Reddit

While you can enjoy the view with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. A star chart app on your phone can also be helpful. Reddit

Always use a red-light torch to preserve your night vision and that of others. Be aware of your surroundings and stick to marked paths. Inform someone of your plans. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hargraves Lookout offers a fantastic outing for families. The main lookout provides easy access and stunning views that will captivate children without requiring strenuous effort. The presence of picnic spots makes it ideal for a family lunch amidst nature. Reddit

For families with slightly older or more adventurous children, the walk to Panorama Point can be a fun mini-adventure. It’s a great way to encourage exploration and enjoy the outdoors. Remember to pack snacks and water, and keep a close eye on children near any steep edges. Reddit

🌌 Astronomy Enthusiasts

This lookout is a dream destination for stargazing. Its remote location ensures zero light pollution, offering an unparalleled view of the night sky. You'll be able to see the Milky Way, numerous stars, and potentially planets with incredible clarity. Reddit

To maximize your stargazing experience, aim for a clear night, preferably around the new moon. Bringing a comfortable chair or blanket, a red-light torch, and perhaps a star chart app will greatly enhance your celestial observations. It's a chance to witness the universe in its most pristine state. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Adventurers

While the main lookout is easily accessible, the trek to Panorama Point offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a bit of a walk. This trail provides a more adventurous route with even more spectacular, expansive views of the Megalong Valley. Reddit

Ensure you wear appropriate footwear for the gravel road and the walking track. The added effort to reach Panorama Point is well worth it for the enhanced sense of discovery and the even more dramatic vistas. It’s a great way to combine scenic appreciation with light physical activity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of the Megalong Valley View

The primary draw of Hargraves Lookout is its sensational panoramic views that stretch incredibly far across the Megalong Valley. Visitors consistently praise the expansive and peaceful nature of the vista, describing it as a place to truly connect with nature's grandeur. The sheer scale of the valley unfolding before you is a powerful reminder of the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains. Reddit

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, a short, adventurous walk from the main lookout leads to Panorama Point. This extended track offers an even more secluded and breathtaking perspective, rewarding the effort with an even grander display of the valley's beauty. It's a perfect spot for those who enjoy a bit of exploration alongside their scenic appreciation. Reddit

Reviewers highlight that the gravel road access is suitable for all cars, making it relatively easy to reach this stunning viewpoint. The combination of accessible main views and the option for a more adventurous trek caters to a wide range of visitors. Reddit

A Celestial Spectacle: Stargazing at Hargraves Lookout

Hargraves Lookout is a hidden gem for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the magic of a truly dark sky. The complete absence of light pollution here transforms the night sky into an awe-inspiring spectacle. Visitors describe the experience as surreal, feeling like they've stepped into another dimension under an endless expanse of stars. Reddit

This lack of artificial light pollution is crucial for appreciating the universe in its purest form. Unlike many other locations, Hargraves Lookout allows you to witness the Milky Way in all its glory and observe countless stars that are often hidden by city lights. It's a profound experience that reminds you of the vastness of the cosmos and the beauty that light pollution obscures. Reddit

To make the most of your stargazing visit, it's recommended to go on a clear night, ideally during a new moon phase for maximum darkness. Bringing a blanket to lie on and a red-light torch to preserve your night vision will enhance the experience. It's a truly unforgettable opportunity to connect with the universe. Reddit

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