View over Kanimbla valley,Blackheath
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Perry's Lookdown Blue Mountains

4.7
Β·72 reviewsΒ·Blackheath, Australia

Breathtaking lookout and trailhead for the iconic Blue Gum Forest hike in the Blue Mountains National Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Clearer skies, better light for photos

CrowdLow
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View over Kanimbla valley,Blackheath

Perry's Lookdown Blue Mountains

Best Time

Morning

Clearer skies, better light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Breathtaking lookout and trailhead for the iconic Blue Gum Forest hike in the Blue Mountains National Park.

4.7
(72 reviews)

"Spectacular views over Grose Valley and an unforgettable hike down to the Blue Gum Forest!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Easy Drive In

The road to the car park is now fully bitumen, making access smooth for all vehicles. πŸš—

πŸ₯Ύ Steep Valley Hike

The hike down to Blue Gum Forest is strenuous, especially the climb back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grose Valley Views

Grose Valley Views

Main Lookout

Panoramic vistas of the vast Grose Valley, Mount Banks, and the iconic Blue Gum Forest. Absolutely breathtaking!

Blue Gum Forest Hike

Blue Gum Forest Hike

Valley Floor

An awe-inspiring trek through ancient, towering Blue Gum trees. A truly magical and humbling experience.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Surrounding Areas

Keep an eye out for kangaroos, including mothers with joeys, often seen on the drive to or from the lookout.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Perry's Lookdown

The drive to Perry's Lookdown is now on a new, flat tar road, making it accessible for most vehicles, including caravans. Free parking is ample, with designated spots for tow vehicles. While the lookout itself is a short, easy walk from the car park, the hike down into the valley is steep and challenging, requiring good fitness. Reddit

Hiking and Camping

Perry's Lookdown is a fantastic starting point for hikes into the Grose Valley, including the spectacular Blue Gum Forest. Note that the car park is no longer a free campground, but camping is permitted at Acacia Flat. Be prepared for a strenuous return hike from the valley floor. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Clearer skies, better light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on the valley
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Me and a 3 mates (16-17M) want to do the Lockleys Pylon to Perrys Lookdown return hike, but none of us have our license yet and trailhead is too far to walk from Leura. Advice needed.

Hitch hiking could possibly be an option but if there's an alternative we'd rather take that option due to the safety concerns regarding 4 teenagers hopping into a car with a stranger.

πŸš— Easy Drive In

The road to the car park is now fully bitumen, making access smooth for all vehicles. Reddit πŸš—

πŸ₯Ύ Steep Valley Hike

The hike down to Blue Gum Forest is strenuous, especially the climb back up. Wear sturdy shoes! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Hiking advice needed

Just wondering if anyone knows a decent way to get to Pierces Pass without a car? Thinking about going for the walk down to Acacia flats, and not a big fan of leaving my car there overnight. any buses that go down there or a taxi service/uber would be great but i havent found…

reddit.com

Another stunning weekend hike - such a special place.

Shorter version go down Perry's look down. Easy walk from blackheath along the dirt road....or park at top

🚽 New Toilets Available

Fresh drop toilets are available at the car park, a welcome addition for visitors. Reddit 🚽

πŸ“Έ Stunning Photo Ops

The views are incredible, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Acacia Flats

What’s the best way to tackle home down to Acacia flats? Still down via Govetts and back up via Perry’s? Thinking first night up top, second down in the valley then home on day three?

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Easy Drive In

The road to the car park is now fully bitumen, making access smooth for all vehicles. Reddit πŸš—

πŸ₯Ύ Steep Valley Hike

The hike down to Blue Gum Forest is strenuous, especially the climb back up. Wear sturdy shoes! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🚽 New Toilets Available

Fresh drop toilets are available at the car park, a welcome addition for visitors. Reddit 🚽

πŸ“Έ Stunning Photo Ops

The views are incredible, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:

🦘 Wildlife Encounters

You might spot kangaroos on your visit, particularly around dawn and dusk. Reddit 🦘

What Travellers Say

4.7
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the spectacular panoramic views of the Grose Valley and the awe-inspiring Blue Gum Forest hike. The recent road upgrades and new facilities at the car park have been well-received, making access easier. However, the steepness of the valley hike, particularly the return climb, is a significant challenge for many.

"Lovely drive out to the lookout. Parking is close to the entrance of the walk, and toilets available. The walk down to the lookout has about 40 stairs, no handrails and no wheelchair access. We visited when raining, but still a lovely view."

Beckie Tickner

"Anvil lookdown has better views, but this is a great starting point for a hike down to the blue gum forest, which is spectacular. And we saw kangaroo with a Joey on the way out!"

Bradford Sledge

"Access is now bitumen all the way to the carpark where there are toilets and picnic benches. A short walk with some gradual steps to the lookout where there are spectacular views. Another lookout is a short walk down some more steps. The walk continues on down into the bottom of the valley but is very steep and long, especially coming back up. Well worth the effort if you're familiar with grade 4 hikes though."

Carla

What People Like

Spectacular valley views
Magical Blue Gum Forest
Improved road access

What People Dislike

Steep, challenging hike back up

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Perry's Lookdown is accessible via a well-maintained, bitumen road, suitable for all vehicles including caravans. There is ample free parking available at the lookout car park. Reddit

Public transport options are limited. While hitchhiking might be considered, it's not recommended for safety reasons, especially for younger travelers. It's best to drive or arrange a ride. Reddit

The road has been recently upgraded to bitumen all the way to the car park, making for a smooth and easy drive. Reddit

Yes, the car park at Perry's Lookdown serves as the trailhead for hikes into the Grose Valley, including the Blue Gum Forest. Reddit

Absolutely! The new flat tar road and designated tow vehicle parking make it very caravan-friendly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Perry's Lookdown and the surrounding national park area is free. Parking is also free. Reddit

Perry's Lookdown is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor lookout point within the national park. Reddit

No booking is required for Perry's Lookdown. It's a public access point within the Blue Mountains National Park. Reddit

The car park at Perry's Lookdown is no longer a free campground. However, camping is permitted at Acacia Flat, and you can leave your car at the lookout parking area. Reddit

The car park area offers new drop toilets and picnic benches. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The walk from the car park to the main lookout is very short and easy, with gradual steps. There are additional steps to a lower lookout. Reddit

No, the walk down to the lookout involves stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. Reddit

The most popular hike is down to the spectacular Blue Gum Forest. The return journey is steep and challenging. Reddit

The hike down is described as exhausting but worth it. The time taken will vary greatly depending on fitness levels, but expect it to be a significant undertaking. Reddit

You'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Grose Valley, Blue Gum Forest, and Mount Banks. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography Tips

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes of the Grose Valley. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. :camerawithflash:

The main lookout provides the primary, breathtaking panorama. The lower lookout offers a slightly different perspective. Reddit

The vastness of the Grose Valley, the ancient Blue Gum trees, and the rugged escarpments are prime subjects. Keep an eye out for wildlife too! Reddit

Drone usage is subject to national park regulations. Always check the latest rules and guidelines from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before flying. :drone:

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