The question is, which top picnic spots with a view in the Blue Mountains are worth visiting? A proper answer – one that I’ve spent years shaping while wandering through the cliffs, valleys and stone escarpments of the Blue Mountains National Park. I’m Paul Beames, and I’ve spent many days lugging my esky to the top of lookouts with views over the Jamison Valley, the Grose Valley, and the ancient landscapes that make this national park feel like it’s been around since the beginning of time.
When I started guiding groups for Wildlife Tours, I quickly learned that choosing the wrong vantage point can make a picnic feel flat – just like a cold front blowing through Mount Solitary out of the blue. So here’s my take on the picnic spots that consistently deliver – pulled straight from my own experiences of tramping through the bush, early starts, and fighting off mozzies.
Contents
Lunch Spots With Serious Atmosphere
You can find lookouts all over the Greater Blue Mountains, but only a handful have a view worth stopping for. These spots offer space, atmosphere, and scenery that’s not just a repeat of what you see at Echo Point or Scenic World.
Evan’s Lookout: Picnic Eating With The Grose Valley Dropping Away
Evan’s Lookout sits high above the Grose Valley, where stone escarpments glow golden in the late afternoon light. The Grand Canyon Track starts nearby, making this a perfect picnic-and-walk combo if you don’t mind earning your lunch. I’ve spent many quiet breaks here watching the wind move through the trees.
Best for:
- Grand Canyon Track walkers
- Travellers chasing raw valley views
- Avoiding Echo Point crowds
Hargraves Lookout: Sunset Picnics Without The Fuss
Perched above the Megalong Valley, Hargraves Lookout delivers a sunset that genuinely stops you in your tracks. No hype, no sales pitch – just a quiet, honest view. It’s one of my favourite spots for an end-of-day picnic, and it’s far calmer than places like Sublime Point or Govetts Leap.
Why it works:
- Easy access with plenty of space
- Wide panoramas without the tour bus chaos
- Cracking sunsets over ancient country
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area: Big Views, Proper Tables
If you’re after some cliff action, a couple of crashing waterfalls & some pretty basic but solid infrastructure – then this spot near Wentworth Falls is where you want to be. Only a short little stroll from your picnic blanket and you’ll stumble upon Prince’s Rock Lookout, Fletcher’s Lookout & the top of one of the most photographed waterfall drop-offs in NSW. You can also hook up with the National Pass or Prince Henry Cliff Walk if a scenic hike is what you’re after.
Good for:
- Families who actually want a decent spot to sit and eat
- Travellers who are looking for viewpoint action but can’t be bothered doing a long hike
- Anyone who thinks a real picnic table is worth getting excited about
Places That Hold Up When The Weather Turns Moody
The mountains don’t mess around – fog rolls in, the wind whips across Narrow Neck Peninsula & the weather can turn on you in an instant & turn that nice sunny lunch into a right old comedy show. But these spots still manage to deliver even when the weather decides to throw a tantrum.
Echo Point’s Bushy Corners: Views Even When The Weather Has A Tantrum
The main deck at Echo Point Lookout is usually mobbed – especially when it comes to The Three Sisters, but if you wander around to the fringes, you’ll find some nice quiet picnic spots nestled amongst eucalyptus trees & a bit of soft bushland. Fog actually makes the place feel pretty mystical rather than a disappointment, especially if you take a short stroll along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Weather Bonus:
Fog rolls in, and the cliffs just turn into a bunch of silhouettes – a real treat if you can be bothered waiting it out.
Anvil Rock: A Wind-Loving Lookout With Grose Valley Drama
Anvil Rock is perched above the Grose Valley, and it’s like it was made for people who want to get out into the open spaces. If you like Govetts Leap but want an even quieter spot, this is the place to be. Just be sure to pack everything lightly, or it’ll all get blown down to the valley floor.
Good During:
- Crisp winter mornings
- When the clouds are all moody & grey
- When you want some drama without having to compete with all the other trail-goers
A Handy Comparison Table For Quick Planning
Below is a quick rundown of the most popular picnic spots mentioned above – with a rough idea of how busy they get. Visitor numbers are based on some NSW Parks data (2023), which shows how many people usually visit the key lookouts per year.
| Lookout / Picnic Area | Valley | Access | Visitor Volume | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan’s Lookout | Grose Valley | Short walk | Medium | Grand Canyon Track access |
| Hargraves Lookout | Megalong Valley | Car access | Low–Medium | Sunset Rock vibe |
| Lincoln’s Rock | Jamison Valley | Easy walk | Medium–High | Wide stone escarpments |
| Wentworth Falls Picnic Area | Jamison Valley | Car access | High | Princes Rock + Fletchers Lookout |
| Echo Point Side Areas | Jamison Valley | Fully accessible | Very High (main deck) / Low (side pockets) | Three Sisters atmosphere |
| Anvil Rock | Grose Valley | Short walk | Low | Clifftop Walk connections nearby |
Local Tricks So Your Lunch Doesn’t Fall Apart
A great view is half the story – the rest is all about getting your prep right. I’ve lost count of the number of picnics that’ve been ruined by a forgotten lighter or some other careless mistake.
Food That Survives A Bit Of Chaos
- Sliced up your food before you head out – wind is not to be trifled with.
- Keep the sweet treats sealed up tight – ants can move faster than you think.
- Don’t bother with flimsy packaging near cliff edges – it’s just asking for trouble.
Respecting Country The Right Way
You’re walking on Dharug and Gundungurra Country – land steeped in Aboriginal lore and legend. Do the right thing and stick to the paths. Take all your rubbish with you and treat the place with the respect it deserves.
Making Peace With Mountain Weather
The weather around here can change in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re enjoying the sunshine, the next you’re freezing your socks off. Dress for the unexpected and be prepared for anything.
Short Walk Add-Ons To Earn Your Lunch
If you want to work up an appetite – or you’re just looking for an excuse to crack open a tinnie after your picnic – why not try one of these short walks?
Grand Canyon Track (Near Evan’s Lookout)
An old favourite, this one’s got it all – rock overhangs, cool gullies and a bit of history to boot.
Prince Henry Cliff Walk (Echo Point Area)
Link up a string of lookouts without having to put in a full day’s walking. Gordon Falls Reserve, Olympian Rock and Leura Cascades are just a few of the spots on this one.
National Pass / Wentworth Falls Area
This one’s got some serious history and some pretty spectacular views, but do check the track closures after a storm.
Charles Darwin Walk (Wentworth Falls)
A gentle stroll that’ll get you to the cascades in no time.
My Favourite Picnic Moment
Years ago, after a long day exploring the Grand Clifftop Walk region and watching the sunset from Cahills Lookout, I joined a Blue Mountains tours from Sydney with Wildlife Tours. We headed to Hargraves Lookout. As the light turned that molten gold over the Megalong Valley, the whole group just fell silent. Someone put the billy on, someone else whipped out the Tim Tams, and for a while, everything just seemed to come to a stop. It was one of those moments you can’t plan – you just have to earn it.
FAQs
Are these picnic spots suitable for kids?
Yeah, they’re pretty safe – Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, Echo Point side areas and Hargraves Lookout are all good choices. Some areas, like Lincoln’s Rock, though, require a bit more care.
Is parking available at most lookouts?
Most of them are free, but some – like Echo Point and some of the Wentworth Falls areas – have metered parking.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, not in national park areas – but some lookouts outside the park might let you bring a leashed dog along.
What happens if fog rolls in?
The views change, but the mood gets a whole lot better. Places like Leura Cascades and Prince Henry Cliff Walk become pretty atmospheric.
Are cliff edges safe?
Just be careful – stick behind the barriers, watch your step and make sure you keep your bags weighted down. The wind can be a real menace.