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Kanangra Walls Lookout vs Kanangra Plateau Lookout: Insider Tips

Kanangra Walls Lookout vs Kanangra Plateau Lookout: Insider Tips

Kanangra Walls is an impressive sandstone cliff wall located in Kanangra-Boyd National Park in the Greater Blue Mountains. In recent times, photos of people standing atop the Kanangra Walls have been doing the rounds on social media, making it an increasingly popular place to visit. For the first-time visitor, it can be confusing to know where to go to that epic photo. Sure, the views from the Kanangra Walls Lookout (AKA Kanangra Boyd Lookout) are awesome. But, to get that classic photo, you’ll actually have to do the Kanangra Plateau Walk.

Undoubtedly, Kanangra Walls is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New South Wales. And, your trip to this awe-inspiring natural attraction will be a whole lot better by capitalising on that well-known photo op. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting this area. This will include details about the two main lookouts – Kanangra Walls Lookout and Kanangra Plateau Lookout. In short, it’s the Kanangra Plateau Lookout, along the Kanangra Plateau Walk, where you’ll get that dynamite photo.

What Is the Kanangra Walls Lookout?

Kanangra Walls Lookout (AKA the Kanangra Boyd Lookout) is the main lookout marked by NSW National Parks in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. You’ll find the Kanangra Walls Lookout at the end of the Kanangra Walls Lookout Track. From this lookout, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the long sandstone structure, as you face opposite it. You’ll also enjoy far-reaching views of Kanangra Canyon.

Beck and Dan at a viewpoint called the Kanangra Walls Lookout (AKA the Kanangra Boyd Lookout)

For sure, the views from this lookout are breathtaking. But, many people visit the area to get that famous photo, which is along the Kanangra Plateau. Below, we’ll look at more details about the lookout you’ll need to get to for that photo.

What Is the Kanangra Plateau Lookout?

Kanangra Plateau Lookout is an unofficial and unmarked lookout. Along the Kanangra Plateau Walk, which follows along the cliff line of Kanangra Walls, there is a prominent rocky outcrop. From this spot, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Kanangra Canyon, rather than any views of Kanangra Walls (because you’re standing on top of them!)

Dan at a lookout atop Kanangra Walls along the Kanangra Plateau Walk in Kanangra-Boyd National Park

It’s this spot, which has become a well-known place to stand, atop the cliff line, to get that incredible photo.

Dan at a lookout atop Kanangra Walls along the Kanangra Plateau Walk in Kanangra-Boyd National Park

To help you get your bearings with the whereabouts of these lookouts, let’s look at a map below.

Where Are the Lookouts?

This is a map showing the approximate location of both the Kanangra Walls Lookout and the Kanangra Plateau Lookout. For your convenience, we’ve also marked where a potential photographer would roughly need to be to capture you for that classic snap.

Bear in mind, that this map is only a rough guide with potentially inaccurate markings. Please only use this map to gain a rough idea regarding the whereabouts of the lookouts described in this guide.

A screenshot of a map showing the location of the main lookouts at Kanangra Walls

How to Get to the Kanangra Walls Lookout

Certainly, it makes sense to visit both lookouts during a trip to the Kanangra Walls. That way, you can see and enjoy the natural attraction in all its glory from different perspectives.

Let’s start by looking at some more specific details about visiting the Kanangra Walls Lookout, which is also known as the Kanangra Boyd Lookout. As mentioned, to get to the Kanangra Walls Lookout, you’ll need to do the Kanangra Walls Lookout Walk.

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Person canyoning down Empress Falls

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Kanangra Walls Lookout Walk

The Kanangra Walls Lookout Walk (AKA the Kanangra Walls Lookout Hike) is one of the most popular walks in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. After all, from this excellent lookout, you’ll enjoy some of the best views in the national park. Below, we’ll look at some trail specs for the walk and provide a link to a map.

Beck at a viewpoint called the Kanangra Walls Lookout (AKA the Kanangra Boyd Lookout)

Kanangra Walls Lookout Walk Details

  • Type: Out & Back
  • Distance: 1.1km
  • Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Accumulated elevation gain: 65 metres
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trailhead: Kanangra Walls Car Park
  • Map: AllTrails

Starting from the Kanangra Walls Car Park, you’ll follow the signposted and well-defined Kanangra Walls Lookout Walk. Early on, the trail veers to the left before straightening again. During the early stages of the walk, you won’t have much in the way of views. But, that all changes once you arrive at the lookout. From the main track, you’ll turn right onto a small side trail that leads directly to a rocky outcrop called the Kanangra Walls Lookout.

Views From the Kanangra Walls Lookout

From the Kanangra Walls Lookout, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of, you guessed it, the Kanangra Walls. Essentially, the lookout faces directly opposite the cliff line where the walls are most prominent. So, you’ll get a solid view of the sandstone structure. To the left of the walls, you’ll have far-reaching views of the forest-covered Kanangra Canyon where Kanangra Creek lies hidden.

From the lookout, you can simply retrace your steps to return to the car park. But, there is a waterfall that’s nearby (Kalang Falls), that you really ought to see!

Views of a forest-covered valley seen from a viewpoint called the Kanangra Walls Lookout (AKA the Kanangra Boyd Lookout)

Kalang Falls (Kanangra Waterfall Walk)

Technically speaking, by extending the walk, you’re completing the Kanangra Waterfall Walk (AKA the Kalang Falls Walk). From the lookout, the stepped trail sharply descends towards Kanangra Brook. Beck and I thought the natural scenery along this descent was stunning.

Dan walks down a stepped track near a viewpoint called the Kanangra Walls Lookout (AKA the Kanangra Boyd Lookout)

After passing some large sandstone formations, you’ll eventually arrive at a wooden viewing platform for Kalang Falls. This is the most well-known waterfall in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. The cascade waterfall elegantly slides down the rough rock surface, creating a tranquil setting.

Beck looks at a waterfall near a viewpoint called the Kanangra Walls Lookout (AKA the Kanangra Boyd Lookout)

Once you’ve explored Kalang Falls, you can simply retrace your steps to return to the car park.

It’s now time to look at some more specific details about getting to the Kanangra Plateau Lookout – the photo spot!

How to Get to the Kanangra Plateau Lookout

As mentioned, to get to the Kanangra Plateau Lookout, you’ll need to do a section of the Kanangra Plateau Walk.

Kanangra Plateau Walk

The Kanangra Plateau Walk is an outstanding trail in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. Of course, many people do the walk to get that classic photo. But, as well as seeking this photo op, there are actually other good reasons to do the track. Along the Kanangra Plateau Walk, there is an epic cave to explore. Also, there are several other waterfalls to see.

Below, we’ll look at some trail specs for the Kanangra Plateau Walk and provide a link to a map.

Dan walks down a stepped trail along the Kanangra Plateau Walk in Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Kanangra Plateau Walk Details

  • Type: Out & Back
  • Distance: 3.4km
  • Time: 1 hour
  • Accumulated elevation gain: 140 metres
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trailhead: Kanangra Walls Car Park
  • Map: AllTrails

The Kanangra Plateau Walk also starts from the Kanangra Walls Car Park. From the car park, you’ll initially follow the Kanangra Walls Lookout Track. But, after 300 metres, you’ll turn right to follow the Kanangra Plateau Walk. After enjoying sweeping views across Kanangra Canyon, soon enough, the track descends into a dense forest. You’ll then arrive at a small side trail, leading away from the Kanangra Plateau Walk, that steers you towards Dance Floor Cave.

Dance Floor Cave

Not only is Dance Floor Cave a mesmerising natural attraction but it’s also a historical place. Interestingly, in 1891, a dance platform was built in the cave! That’s because the cave was centrally located along the Oberon-Colong stock route, where farmers used to run their cattle and sheep from Oberon to the Burragorang Valley. Dance Floor Cave was a place where farmers, travellers and settlers would get together to socialise.

Unfortunately, since the dance floor was made of timber, it’s since rotten or been used for campfires. Regardless, the cave is still worth exploring even without a dance floor!

After exploring Dance Floor Cave, you’ll rejoin the Kanangra Plateau Walk. We assume your mission is to probably find the Kanangra Plateau Lookout for that epic photo!

From the cave, the lookout is around 450 metres along the Kanangra Plateau Walk. To get to the lookout, you’ll need to veer to the left, walking away from the main walking trail. Almost immediately, you’ll arrive at a large sandstone outcrop, which is the location of the unofficial lookout.

Views From the Kanangra Plateau Lookout

As mentioned, from the Kanangra Plateau Lookout, you’ll enjoy immense views of Kanangra Canyon. But, of course, the reason you’re probably here is so that your hiking buddy can snap you atop the magnificent Kanangra Walls!

Dan at a lookout atop Kanangra Walls along the Kanangra Plateau Walk in Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Getting the Kanangra Plateau Lookout Photo

To get the classic photo, your hiking partner (and now photographer) will need to head back along the Kananagra Plateau Walk, around 150 metres or so. There are some obvious spots adjacent to the track, where it’s safe to take photos.

Of course, for the person on the rocky outcrop along the plateau, there is no need to get too close to the edge of the cliff. Certainly, this is one of those occasions where it looks worse in photos. In reality, you can stay well clear of the cliff’s edge and it still looks like you’re pretty close to it. So, the moral of the story is to go nowhere near the edge.

So, there you have it – you’ve got that memorable photo along the Kanangra Plateau!

Beck and I enjoyed some nice weather the day we visited. We took these photos around 9–10am before the sun was too high. Of course, for the best photography, you may want to consider visiting at sunrise or sunset!

Dan atop the Kanangra Walls along the Kanangra Plateau Walk in Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Views of Kanangra Falls

After visiting the unofficial lookout along the Kanangra Plateau, we recommend continuing along the trail. That’s because, near the end of the Kanangra Plateau Walk, you can see a bunch of waterfalls in the distance. One of these waterfalls is Kanangra Falls, which is another epic waterfall in Kanangra-Boyd National Park worth exploring on a different walk (the Kanangra Falls Access Track).

Once you’ve scoped out the waterfalls, you’ll simply retrace your steps along the Kanangra Plateau Walk to return to the car park to complete the walk.

Read more: Kanangra Falls – How to Visit This Hidden Kanangra-Boyd Waterfall

Kanangra Walls Lookout vs Kanangra Plateau Lookout: Recap

So, which lookout in Kanangra-Boyd National Park is better – the Kanangra Walls Lookout or the Kanangra Plateau Lookout? Well, both lookouts offer something completely different. The Kanangra Walls Lookout provides unbeatable views of the walls, while you’ll need to stand at the Kanangra Plateau Lookout to get the best photo in the national park.

With this said, it’s worth visiting both lookouts in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. In action, this means doing both the Kanangra Walls Lookout Walk and the Kanangra Plateau Lookout Walk. That’s exactly what Beck and I did – we highly recommend doing this combined walk. Personally, we did the Kanangra Plateau Walk first while it was still quiet and before the sun was any higher. This might be a good approach, especially if you visit during a busier time on the weekend, to avoid having as many people in your photos.

Dan and Beck atop the Kanangra Walls along the Kanangra Plateau Walk in Kanangra-Boyd National Park

How to Get to Kanangra-Boyd National Park

The only way to get to Kanangra-Boyd National Park is to drive there. There is no public transport going to this remote area of the Greater Blue Mountains.

From Sydney, it’s around a 3.5 hour drive to get to Kanangra-Boyd National Park. Bear in mind, that Jenolan Caves Road has been closed for some time due to landslides. This means you may have to use a longer route, via Duckmaloi, to get to the national park.

Also, to reach the Kanangra Walls parking area, you’ll need to drive approx. 28km along the unsealed Kanangra Walls Road. Thankfully, the road is 2WD accessible. Personally, Beck and I managed fine with a 2WD. Similar to what other people have said, we found the Kanangra Walls Road condition to be good, mostly flat and void of potholes. Of course, the drive will be much quicker in a 4WD.

A dirt road

Car Hire

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If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Facilities at Kanangra Walls

You’ll find some basic yet useful facilities at Kanangra Walls. At the parking area, there are drop toilets. There is also an information board, detailing the geography and history of the area.

Dan looks towards an information board

Kanangra-Boyd National Park Camping

Although camping isn’t allowed at the Kanangra Walls Lookout or along the Kanangra Plateau, there is a nearby campsite in the Kanangra-Boyd National Park. Boyd River Campground is the only campground in the national park and isn’t too far from Kanangra Walls. If you want to arrive at the walls early for sunrise or late for sunset, your best bet will be to camp at Boyd River Campground.

A barren campground
Boyd River Campground

Read about the best Blue Mountains accommodation

Hiking Gear For Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Below, you’ll find some of the hiking gear that we use when walking in Kanangra-Boyd National Park.

Osprey Skarab 30
Osprey Skarab 30

The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.

Osprey Ultralight Raincover
Osprey Ultralight Raincover

A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.

GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.

BUFF Original Ecostretch
BUFF Original Ecostretch

The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.

Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII

Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Want to explore more of the Blue Mountains? Read our Blue Mountains 3 Day Itinerary.

We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Daniel Piggott

Dan is a travel blogger, physiotherapist, hiker, natural wonder seeker and world traveller. He loves writing travel guides to help his readers explore the most beautiful destinations in the world.

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