Overcast day on the rocks
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Drawing Room Rocks

4.8
·265 reviews·Broughton Vale, Australia

Discover Drawing Room Rocks, a stunning lookout near Berry, NSW, offering panoramic views and unique sandstone formations after a rewarding bushwalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Overcast day on the rocks

Drawing Room Rocks

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Drawing Room Rocks, a stunning lookout near Berry, NSW, offering panoramic views and unique sandstone formations after a rewarding bushwalk.

4.8
(265 reviews)

"Incredible panoramic views and unique rock formations make this a must-do hike!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The rocky, uneven terrain requires good grip. Don't underestimate the need for proper shoes!

🔭 Bring Binoculars

Enhance your view by spotting towns, roads, and headlands from the summit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Unique Rock Formations

The Unique Rock Formations

Summit

Discover the namesake rock formations resembling flat-topped tables, perfect for a unique picnic spot.

Panoramic South Coast Vistas

Panoramic South Coast Vistas

Summit Lookout

Soak in sweeping views of Kangaroo Valley, the South Coast, and distant headlands on a clear day.

Bushwalk Through Native Scenery

Bushwalk Through Native Scenery

Drawing Room Rocks Walking Track

Enjoy a relatively short but rewarding hike through the natural beauty of Barren Grounds Nature Reserve.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

The Drawing Room Rocks walk offers breathtaking panoramic views, but clouds can easily obscure them. For the best experience, check the weather forecast and aim for a clear day. The last stretch of road to the trailhead can be tricky, so a suitable vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.

Trail Conditions & What to Pack

The Drawing Room Rocks walking track is a rewarding, albeit sometimes challenging, uphill trek. Recent heavy rains have caused some damage, but repairs are underway. Wear sturdy, proper shoes as the terrain is rocky and can be slippery. Consider bringing binoculars to fully appreciate the expansive vistas.

Best Times

When
Clear mornings
Why
Best views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less busy, good light
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Experience the buzz
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Relaxing charcoal drawing session. I got my drawing room back so I'm back till they ban Tiktok. Hopefully it doesn't happen. I'm not sure what to call this one so it's untitled for now. #fyp #foryou #charcoaldrawing #fypシ゚viral #art #relaxingvideos #drawing #figuredrawing
@charcotik
263K likes • 5.9M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The rocky, uneven terrain requires good grip. Don't underestimate the need for proper shoes! Reddit

🔭 Bring Binoculars

Enhance your view by spotting towns, roads, and headlands from the summit. Reddit

Materials: Sailor Fude de Mannen fountain pen, Aquash ater brush filled with diluted DeAtramentis Urabn Grey ink, Etchr softcover sketchbook. #drawing #sketchbook #penandink #paulheaston #fountainpen #art #fudepen
@paulheaston
103.6K likes • 613.2K views
⛰ DRAWING ROOM ROCKS 🪨 Berry, NSW South Coast. @leigh_hikeau from the @hike_australia team exploring the Barren Ground Nature Reserve. Drawing Room Rocks gets its name from the unique shapes of a series of rock formations at the summit that look like small flat table tops. It is actually the result of the weathering of the Hawkesbury sandstone over a long time (wind, rain, cold, heat and chemical...
hike_australia
510 likes • 26.8K views

☁️ Check Weather for Clear Skies

Clouds can obscure the incredible views, so aim for a sunny day. Reddit

🚗 Tricky Access Road

The final road can be challenging, especially after rain. Consider your vehicle's capability. Reddit

Drawing Room Rocks @nswadventureguides
despina_caruana
57 likes • 442 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The rocky, uneven terrain requires good grip. Don't underestimate the need for proper shoes! Reddit

🔭 Bring Binoculars

Enhance your view by spotting towns, roads, and headlands from the summit. Reddit

☁️ Check Weather for Clear Skies

Clouds can obscure the incredible views, so aim for a sunny day. Reddit

🚗 Tricky Access Road

The final road can be challenging, especially after rain. Consider your vehicle's capability. Reddit

🅿️ Limited Parking

Parking is informal and limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or check locally. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and enjoy a snack on the unique rock formations at the top. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(265 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the incredible panoramic views from Drawing Room Rocks, calling it one of NSW's best lookouts. The unique rock formations are a highlight, offering a natural seating area. While the hike is rewarding, some find the uphill climb challenging, and the limited parking can be an issue on busy days. Clear weather is crucial for the best experience.

"It's about a 3km round trip to the summit & back. The track is about to go under some big repair work as has been damaged by recent heavy rains, so will be easier soon. Big steps, easy to trip or slip- so advise to take it slow. The view is incredible at the top - take a snack and linger on the rocks that make nice flat seats. And take binoculars!! You'll want to pick out the many towns, roads, and headlands you'll see."

Kate Ford

"Nice walk up to the rocks through the bush. Not too long, just over an hour up and back. Clouds obscured the view at the top which was disappointing, would definitely be better off waiting for a clear day to go. Last stretch of road to the start of the walk was a bit treacherous. Overall a positive experience, a good, relatively short bush walk, with rewarding views of Broughton Vale (at least on a clear day)"

Christian Bathie

"Ummm, it’s an amazing lookout, however, if you’re unfit you will need others around you to jolly you along! The ascent is challenging, for the unfit. The descent is a dream for the unfit! It is worth it, very beautiful views and somewhere a bit different. I imagine it would be very tricky on the weekends, parking wise, so maybe check with a local first before driving up. The parking is very limited and informal. Don’t have a big lunch before the climb! Enjoy!"

Steven Makaroff

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Unique rock formations
Rewarding bushwalk

What People Dislike

Challenging uphill climb
Limited parking
Clouds obscuring view

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Drawing Room Rocks is located in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve near Berry, NSW. The drive from Sydney takes approximately 2-3 hours. The last stretch of road to the trailhead can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is advisable. InstagramReddit

The final road can be treacherous, especially after heavy rains. Travelers recommend checking local conditions and being cautious with your vehicle. Reddit

The main access is via the Drawing Room Rocks Walking Track, which starts from a small parking area. Some suggest walking up Woodhill Mountain to reach the viewpoint. Instagram

Public transport options are limited. It's generally recommended to drive to Drawing Room Rocks. Instagram

Parking is informal and very limited. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no entry fees or tickets required to visit Drawing Room Rocks, as it's located within a nature reserve. Instagram

Drawing Room Rocks is accessible at any time, as it is an outdoor natural attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

No, there is no entrance fee for the Drawing Room Rocks Walking Track. It's a free natural attraction. Instagram

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to unfenced cliffs and potential slippery conditions. Daylight hours are best for safety and views. Instagram

No permits are required for general visitors to Drawing Room Rocks. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The walk is approximately a 3km round trip, taking about an hour up and back, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop. Reddit+1

The ascent is challenging for those who are unfit, with big steps and rocky terrain. However, the descent is easier. It's a rewarding hike with breaks recommended. Reddit+1

It's essential to wear sturdy, proper shoes with good grip due to the rocky and potentially slippery path. Reddit

The rocks are unique natural formations at the summit that resemble small, flat table tops, giving the location its name. Instagram+1

Yes, there are unfenced cliffs at the summit, so caution is advised, especially when taking photos or if visiting with children. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The summit lookout offers incredible panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The unique rock formations themselves also make for interesting shots. Instagram+1

Early morning for sunrise or late afternoon for golden hour light can provide stunning photographic opportunities. Clear days are crucial for capturing the expansive vistas. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the relevant national parks authority for current rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Don't forget a lens cloth for potential dust. Instagram

The 'drawing room' rock formations offer a unique foreground element for landscape shots. The contrast between the rocks and the distant scenery is a popular subject. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Drawing Room Rocks walk can be a fun adventure for families, but requires some preparation. The uphill climb can be challenging for very young children or those with limited stamina, so be prepared to take breaks and encourage them along. Reddit Ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes as the rocky path can be slippery. The unique rock formations at the top are a great point of interest for kids, and the expansive views offer a sense of wonder. However, due to unfenced cliffs at the summit, close supervision of children is essential for safety. Instagram

🚶 Hikers Seeking Views

For hikers, Drawing Room Rocks offers a fantastic short-to-medium difficulty trail with an exceptional reward. The 3km round trip is manageable for most fitness levels, though the uphill section demands some effort. Reddit+1 The primary draw is the breathtaking panoramic view from the summit, which is best enjoyed on a clear day. Reddit Bring binoculars to fully appreciate the distant landscapes and consider packing a snack to enjoy while perched on the unique rock formations. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Drawing Room Rocks a picturesque location, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. The unique 'drawing room' rock formations provide a compelling foreground element for landscape shots, contrasting beautifully with the sweeping vistas of the South Coast. Instagram+1 A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive scenery. Remember to check the weather for clear skies, as clouds can significantly impact the view. Reddit Be mindful of the unfenced cliffs when setting up shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology Behind the Rocks

The distinctive rock formations at Drawing Room Rocks are a testament to the power of natural erosion. Formed from Hawkesbury sandstone, these unique shapes have been sculpted over millennia by wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. The flat, table-like surfaces are a result of differential weathering, where softer parts of the rock erode more quickly, leaving behind these intriguing structures. Instagram This geological marvel provides a fascinating backdrop for visitors and a unique natural art installation.

These formations are not just visually striking; they offer a tangible connection to the ancient landscape of the region. The process of their creation highlights the slow but persistent forces that shape our planet. For geology enthusiasts, Drawing Room Rocks offers a chance to observe these processes firsthand in a beautiful natural setting. Instagram

Navigating the Drawing Room Rocks Walk

The Drawing Room Rocks Walking Track is a popular choice for those seeking a rewarding hike with stunning payoffs. The trail is approximately 3km round trip and generally takes about an hour to complete, though this can vary based on fitness and how often you pause to admire the surroundings. The path involves a noticeable uphill climb, characterized by large steps and rocky sections, which can be challenging for some, particularly if they are not accustomed to hiking. Reddit+1

Recent heavy rains have impacted the track, leading to some damage, but repairs are in progress to make it more accessible soon. It's crucial to wear proper shoes with good grip, as the terrain can be slippery and uneven. Taking your time, especially on the descent, is advised to avoid slips and falls. Reddit+1 The effort is well worth it, as the summit offers unparalleled panoramic views that make the climb a memorable experience. Reddit

Parking at the trailhead is limited and informal, so arriving early, particularly on weekends, is highly recommended. The final stretch of road leading to the walk can also be a bit treacherous, so drivers should exercise caution. Reddit+1 Despite these minor challenges, the Drawing Room Rocks walk remains a highly recommended activity for its natural beauty and rewarding vistas. Instagram+1

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