13 Best Wollongong Lookouts Including Lesser-Known Viewpoints

Wollongong is home to many breathtaking lookouts. Dotted along the Illawarra Escarpment, you’ll find numerous viewpoints, which provide outstanding views over Wollongong. Most of the lookouts are easy to reach with conveniently placed car parks nearby. Yet, some of the best views of Wollongong are from lesser-known viewpoints and vantage points along various coastal and mountain walks.

In this article, we’re going to reveal the best Wollongong lookouts. We’ll cover details about all of the well-known and easy-to-reach lookouts. But, we’ll go that step further and talk about walks, where you’ll find well-concealed vantage points, which provide equally impressive views over Wollongong. In addition, we’ll talk about other excellent lookouts near Wollongong.

Read about the best caravan parks in Wollongong

Wollongong Lookouts Guide: Overview

The location of Wollongong is where the mountains meet the sea. Generally speaking, it’s from the lookouts in the mountains (AKA the Illawarra Escarpment), which provides stellar coastal views. Undoubtedly, Wollongong has some of the best lookouts in New South Wales.

To help you explore these awesome lookouts on the South Coast of New South Wales, we’re going to go beyond just listing the names of them and providing a photo. We’ll also provide maps showing the exact location of the lookout and exactly where to park.

On top of that, we’ll talk about the difficulty of accessing the lookout, whether it’s easy to reach via a short walk or whether it requires doing a challenging hike. Finally, we’ll detail facilities at the lookout and whether the lookout is wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly.

In addition, we’re going to talk about the best lookouts near Wollongong. This will include covering details about lookouts just north, south and west of Wollongong, which aren’t too far away.

Wollongong Lookouts Map

For your convenience, we’ve made an interactive map showing the exact location of all the best Wollongong lookouts.

FYI – the Dharawal Aboriginal people are the Traditional Custodians of the land where Wollongong is located.

The Best Wollongong Lookouts

Without further ado, let’s look at the best lookouts in Wollongong! Just so you know, we’ve ordered the lookouts geographically from north to south.

1. Bald Hill Lookout

• Location: Stanwell Tops
• Where to Park: Bald Hill Lookout Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Very easy
• Facilities: Public toilets, cafe, picnic tables, observation deck
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

Bald Hill Lookout is a well-known lookout in Stanwell Tops that’s a favourite among tourists and locals alike. Providing superb views of Stanwell Park Beach and the Sea Cliff Bridge, Bald Hill Lookout is perhaps the best lookout in Wollongong. For the best view and photo, most people head to the grassy area by the main car park, and photograph in a southerly direction. Otherwise, there is also an observation deck and another viewing area, where you can enjoy alternate views.

Besides the breathtaking views, Bald Hill Lookout also has exceptional facilities. The lookout has three main parking areas and even a cafe with outdoor seating and picnic tables. Of course, given its popularity, this lookout can get very busy on the weekend. So, we recommend visiting earlier or later in the day to avoid the crowds.

2. Mount Mitchell Lookout

• Location: Stanwell Park
• Where to Park: Wodi Wodi Walking Track Trailhead
• Difficulty to reach: Hard (hike required – map)
• Facilities: None
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Dog-Friendly: No

The Mount Mitchell Lookout is a lesser-known viewpoint found along a walking track in Wollongong called the Wodi Wodi Track. From the roadside Wodi Wodi Track trailhead, you’ll walk around 2km up a steep track to reach the viewpoint at Mount Mitchell.

Unfortunately, the track was closed when Beck and I intended to visit. So, personally, we haven’t been to this lookout yet. But, we’ve heard, that Mount Mitchell affords superb views of the Wollongong coastline. In addition, the Wodi Wodi Track itself is one of the best walks in Wollongong. So, that’s another reason to explore this trail!

3. Sea Cliff Bridge Viewpoint (Not Lookout)

• Location: Clifton
• Where to Park: Lawrence Hargrave Drive (called ‘Sea Cliff Bridge View Point’ on Google Maps)
• Difficulty to reach: Very easy
• Facilities: No
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

The Sea Cliff Bridge is an iconic section of the Grand Pacific Drive, which is a famous scenic drive and coastal tourist route. Since opening in 2005, visitors have been able to walk along the Sea Cliff Bridge, which offers outstanding coastal views.

Around 2018, an unofficial lookout called the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout went viral on social media. This led to more people accessing the lookout perched on the edge of a cliff. Following deaths at the lookout, from people falling off the cliff, access to the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout is now prohibited.

With this said, we haven’t listed the prohibited Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout as one of the best lookouts in Wollongong. Rather, we’ve named the official Sea Cliff Bridge Viewpoint, which is located at the south end of the Sea Cliff Bridge, as one of the best lookouts in Wollongong. From this viewpoint, you’ll enjoy excellent views of the winding road above the sea. It’s also a great place for whale watching.

Read more: Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout Prohibited But Bridge Walk Is Still Epic

4. Sublime Point Lookout

• Location: Austinmer
• Where to Park: Sublime Point Lookout Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Very easy
• Facilities: Public toilets, cafe, sheltered picnic tables and BBQs
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

Alongside Bald Hill Lookout, Sublime Point Lookout is one of the most well-known lookouts in Wollongong. From the lookout, you’ll enjoy sweeping 180° views of Wollongong’s beaches and rainforest.

Similar to Bald Hill Lookout, there is loads of parking at Sublime Point Lookout. From the parking area, it’s very easy to reach the main viewing platform. By following the escarpment railing at the lookout, you’ll reach other viewing areas with equally impressive yet similar views of the coastline.

Sublime Point also has excellent facilities. The adjoining park has sheltered picnic tables and BBQs, so it’s a great place to hang out after enjoying views from the lookout.

5. Bulli Lookout

• Location: Bulli
• Where to Park: Bulli Lookout Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Very easy
• Facilities: Public toilets
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

Located near Sublime Point Lookout, Bulli Lookout offers very similar coastal views to what’s on offer at Sublime Point Lookout. For sure, the views at Bulli Lookout are just as impressive as the views from Sublime Point Lookout. Yet, Bulli Lookout is nowhere near as popular. That’s mainly because Bulli Lookout lacks facilities and it isn’t promoted as much as Sublime Point Lookout.

Nevertheless, Bulli Lookout is certainly still worth visiting, especially if you want to visit all of the best lookouts in Wollongong. Similar to Bald Hill Lookout and Sublime Point Lookout, Bulli Lookout is located right next to a car park, so it’s very easy to reach.

FYI – Sublime Point Lookout used to have a cafe but it’s been closed for some time.

6. Southern Gateway Centre Lookout

• Location: Bulli
• Where to Park: Southern Gateway Centre Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Very easy
• Facilities: Visitor information centre, public toilets, restaurant, cafe, outdoor seating, function centre
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

The Southern Gateway Centre is well-known for its accredited visitor information centre and excellent contemporary restaurant called Altitude 1148. But, it also has an official lookout, which provides some of the best views of Wollongong and the Illawarra.

Perhaps, the best way to take in the views, is with a coffee from Altutide 1148, at the restaurant’s outdoor seating area! After all, the outdoor area of the restaurant itself provides a superb lookout in Wollongong!

Either way, the official lookout and views at the centre are easy to reach from the large parking area.

7. Brokers Nose

• Location: Corrimal
• Where to Park: Mount Ousley Road Layby (opposite Mount Ousley Road Car Park)
• Difficulty to reach: Hard (hike required – map)
• Facilities: No
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Dog-Friendly: No

The Brokers Nose Track is one of the most underrated walks in Wollongong, which leads to a phenomenal lookout. At the summit of Brokers Nose (AKA Brokers Point), you’ll enjoy far-reaching views over Wollongong.

Bear in mind, that the walk to reach Brokers Nose is fairly challenging. And, often, people get confused about where to park. Well, Beck and I did anyway.

To reach the trailhead of the Brokers Nose Track, make sure to park at the layby on Mount Ousley Road. If you’re heading to Wollongong from Sydney, you’ll simply turn left to access and park at the layby. This is a layby, which also functions as a truck stop. Don’t make the mistake we made and park at the Mount Ousley Road Car Park, which is on the other side of the highway!

8. Mount Keira Lookout

• Location: Mount Keira
• Where to Park: Mount Keira Lookout Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Very easy
• Facilities: Public toilets, kiosk, sheltered picnic tables, BBQs, park
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

Mount Keira Lookout is one of the most popular lookouts in Wollongong, providing incredible views over the rainforest, the city and the coastline. Located at Mount Keira Summit Park, there are plenty of great facilities at the lookout. Featuring a kiosk and BBQs, it’s a scenic picnic spot. So, it’s a popular place for families to visit, especially on the weekend and during the summer school holidays.

At the summit park, there is also plenty of parking. You’ll find a sealed car park right next to the lookout as well as unsealed parking under the shade of trees. The lookout itself, is quite extensive, featuring several viewing areas, which all give you an epic view of Wollongong.

9. Mount Keira Summit Track

• Location: Mount Keira
• Where to Park: Mount Keira Lookout Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Easy
• Facilities: Yes (facilities listed above)
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Dog-Friendly: No

Not to be confused with the Mount Keira Ring Track, the Mount Keira Summit Track (AKA the Mount Keira Lookout Track) is a short walk, with several viewpoints overlooking Wollongong. From the Mount Keira Lookout, the Mount Keira Summit Track leads to a lookout called Five Islands Lookout, which is officially closed and fenced off due to rock instability. Essentially, between the Mount Keira Lookout and the closed Five Islands Lookout, you’ll find several unnamed viewpoints, which provide superb views of Wollongong.

Personally, Beck and I combined both the Mount Keira Summit Track with the Mount Keira Ring Track (map). For sure, this is one of the best walks in Wollongong. Along the Mount Keira Ring Track, you won’t have much in the way of views as it’s more of a rainforest walk. But, it’s still a fantastic walk!

10. Robertson Lookout

• Location: Mount Keira
• Where to Park: Robertson Lookout Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Easy
• Facilities: None
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: No

Robertson Lookout is one of the most underrated lookouts in Wollongong. Located near Mount Keira Lookout, Robertson Lookout is a small viewing platform, which provides excellent views across the Illawarra.

From the small roadside car park, you’ll follow a flat and paved trail around 200 metres long, to reach the viewing platform. The wooden platform is bordered by a metal fence that extends a few metres from the coastal escarpment. This gives you the feeling that you’re really amongst the rainforest as you eye the beautiful coastline in the distance.

11. Mount Kembla Lookout

• Location: Mount Kembla
• Where to Park: Mount Kemla Lookout Roadside Parking
• Difficulty to reach: Very easy
• Facilities: None
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

Mount Kembla Lookout is a lesser-known Wollongong lookout that’s easy to reach. Park on the roadside at the end of Cordeaux Road, and you can enjoy views from the lookout, positioned on a grassy area next to the road. Admittedly, the lookout doesn’t provide the best views in Wollongong. For one, there is a large communications tower at the lookout. So, there are quite a few wires overhead. Also, the lookout can be impeded by bushland. On top of that, you’ll feel quite far away from the coast.

But, by doing the Mount Kembla Summit Track, which starts from the Mount Kembla Lookout, you can visit better viewpoints.

Bear in mind, that doggo can be with you at this lookout. But, dogs aren’t allowed on the Mount Kembla Summit Track.

12. Mount Kembla Summit Track

• Location: Mount Kembla
• Where to Park: Mount Kemla Lookout Roadside Parking
• Difficulty to reach: Hard
• Facilities: None
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Dog-Friendly: No

The Mount Kembla Summit Track is one of the most underrated walks in Wollongong. The somewhat challenging trail steeply ascends to the top of Mount Kembla. Albeit, at the summit of Mount Kembla, your views will be considerably impeded by bushland.

From our experience doing this walk in Wollongong, we think the best views aren’t from the summit. The best views of Wollongong along this walk can be enjoyed before reaching the summit. Near the metal ladder, there are rock platforms, which provide unimpeded views across the Illawarra. Of course, care must be taken as you near the cliff edge. This area isn’t prohibited to explore but there are warning signs given the interest risks. With this in mind, only experienced walkers should explore these rock platforms.

13. Port Kembla Lookout Hill 60

• Location: Port Kembla
• Where to Park: Port Kembla Lookout Hill 60 Car Park
• Difficulty to reach: Easy
• Facilities: Public toilets, picnic area, BBQs
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No but accessibility upgrades are in progress
• Dog-Friendly: Yes

Last but not least, Port Kembla Lookout Hill 60 is another great viewpoint to visit in Wollongong. Other than being a place of natural beauty, the lookout has cultural and historical significance. The lookout is a heritage-listed Aboriginal site, and there are also WWII batteries around the lookout.

This is one lookout that isn’t along the Illawarra Escarpment. So, no, you won’t enjoy far-reaching views. But, this lookout still provides lovely views of the surrounding coast.

Lookouts Near Wollongong

So, that’s all of the best lookouts in Wollongong! Of course, there are other lookouts and places near Wollongong that are also worth checking out. Below, we’ll talk about other excellent lookouts worth seeing near Wollongong.

Best Lookouts North of Wollongong

Let’s start with the best lookouts that are immediately north of Wollongong. Of course, we’re talking about lookouts in the Royal National Park.

Royal National Park Lookouts

The Royal National Park has some of the best lookouts in Sydney, which are just a stone’s throw from Wollongong. For sure, to enjoy some of the best viewpoints in Sydney, you’ll want to go to the city’s premier national park. Below, we’ll list lookouts in the Royal National Park geographically from south to north. Essentially, we’ll start with the lookouts that are closer to Wollongong, and end with the lookouts that are closer to Sydney.

Otford Lookout

Technically speaking, Otford Lookout falls within the Wollongong area. But, the lookout also lies at the southern end of the Royal National Park. Anyway, from the Otford Lookout, you can enjoy splendid views of Wollongong. On a clear day, you’ll even catch a glimpse of the Sea Cliff Bridge! This lookout also marks the southern endpoint of the Royal Coastal Track.

Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock Undercliff Lookout

Along the Royal Coastal Track, outside of the Wollongong area, you’ll find the iconic Eagle Rock alongside the impressive Curracurrong Falls. Facing opposite Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls, you’ll find a hidden lookout, which provides awesome views of both of these attractions.

Read more: Curracurrong Falls – Wattamolla to Eagle Rock, Royal National Park

Providential Point Lookout

From Wattamolla, you can follow the Providential Point Lookout Track, which leads to the stunning Providential Point Lookout. From the lookout, you’ll enjoy immense views of the coast, while it’s also a great place for whale watching.

Read more: Wattamolla Falls and 12 Other Epic Attractions Around Wattamolla

Bungoona Lookout

Located in Audley, at the northern end of the Royal National Park, you’ll find the lesser-known Bungoona Lookout. Admittedly, Beck and I haven’t got to this lookout yet. From what we’ve heard, you’ll enjoy great views of Hacking River from the lookout.

Best Lookouts South of Wollongong

Aside from lookouts north of Wollongong, there are plenty of nice lookouts to enjoy south of Wollongong. Not far from Wollongong, there are loads of excellent South Coast lookouts. Below, we’ll roughly list lookouts geographically from north to south. Again, we’ll start with the lookouts that are closer to Wollongong and end with ones that are further away.

Killalea Beach Lookout

Located in Killalea Regional Park, next to The Farm Kiosk, you’ll find a grassy area with a wooden viewing platform. From this viewpoint, you’ll enjoy far-reaching views across Killalea Beach (AKA The Farm). This is a great place to watch the surfers in action as the world-class surf breaks roll in.

Minnamurra Lookout

From James Oates Reserve, you can follow a section of the Kiama Coastal Walk to get to the Minnamurra Lookout, which is located at the Minnamurra Headland. From the lookout, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Minnamurra Beach, Minnamurra River and Stack Island.

FYI – you can also reach the lookout by following a paved track from the town of Minnamurra.

Werri Beach and Point

To enjoy the best views in Gerringong, head up to the headland south of Werri Beach (AKA Werri Point). That’s where you’ll enjoy glorious views of the beach and its turquoise-coloured ocean and golden sand. At this headland, you’ll also find the Gerringong Whale Watching Platform.

Jamberoo Lookout

Located in Budderoo National Park along Jamberoo Mountain Road, Jamberoo Lookout provides some of the most sweeping views over Jamberoo in the Southern Highlands. From this lookout, you’ll also enjoy views of Kiama and Lake Illawarra.

Saddleback Mountain Lookout

South of Wollongong, you’ll find the magnificent Saddleback Mountain Lookout. When it comes to NSW lookouts, Saddleback Mountain Lookout is one of the most popular to visit on a South Coast road trip. At Saddleback Mountain, there are three short walks that all reach different lookouts. There is a northern, southern and western viewing platform, which all provide differing views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

Drawing Room Rocks

The Drawing Room Rocks is a collection of otherworldly-shaped sandstone formations. By doing the Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, you can find this natural attraction. From the vantage point at the rocks, you’ll also enjoy sweeping views of the Illawarra Escarpment, Kangaroo Valley and Didthul Mountain.

Read more: Drawing Room Rocks – This Is An Epic Sunrise Walk

How to Get to Wollongong Lookouts

Most of the lookouts and walks in Wollongong are difficult to reach by public transport. Indeed, it’s best to drive to the various lookouts and walking track trailheads in Wollongong.

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

Hiking Gear For Wollongong Walks

Here is some useful kit when doing walks in Wollongong.

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.

Wollongong Lookouts FAQs

Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about lookouts in Wollongong.

Where Can I Watch the Sunset in Wollongong?

There are many great places to watch the sunset in Wollongong. Most of the lookouts in Wollongong could be a great place to watch the sun bid farewell to the day. If we had to pick one or two lookouts to watch the sunset, it’s Bald Hill Lookout and Mount Keira Lookout.

What Is the Sea Off Wollongong?

It’s the Tasman Sea, which is a section of the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Why Visit Wollongong?

Other than having exceptional lookouts, Wollongong is a gorgeous coastal town with plenty of beautiful beaches.

Bonus Tips About Visiting Wollongong Lookouts

• Visit Bald Hill Lookout earlier or later in the day: this is perhaps the most visited lookout in Wollongong. To avoid crowds, we recommend going earlier or later in the day. Better yet, try and visit during the week.
• Stay hydrated: if you’re doing walks to some of the lookouts, make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, especially in summer when it’s roasting.
• Slip, slop, slap: even if you’re only stopping at the lookouts briefly, it’s worth being sun smart!

Please leave us a comment below.

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.