Top 12 Lookouts on the Central Coast

Best Lookouts on the Central Coast

From sprawling hinterland to glittering coastlines, one can only be continually astounded by the natural beauty of the Central Coast. The best way to drink it all in? Getting a glimpse of the bigger picture from one of the region’s many beautiful lookout points, designed intentionally to inspire appreciation for this marvellous landscape. Whether you’re chasing a whale, a good hike, or a top photography shot, here’s our top lookout recommendations.

The Skillion, Terrigal

      Though tackling the stairs up to this iconic perch can be gruelling – there’s a reason this hill is often used for group fitness training sessions – the views of Avoca, Terrigal and all the way up the coastline make the workout absolutely worth it. Visit between May-November and you might also catch a glimpse of a whale following the migratory path dubbed as the “Humpback Highway.”

      Crackneck Lookout, Wyrrabalong National Park

Another beautiful and lofty coastal lookout is the popular Crackneck Lookout, where you can drink in the brilliant panorama of Bateau Bay and Forresters from recently installed picnic tables and benches scattered across the levelled-out tiers of grass. A great spot for a picnic, and also for a bushwalk – this spot links up with the great Coast Walking track (3km, 1.5 hours) and is also very close to the other great lookout points at Cromarty Hill and Bateau Beach Viewing Area.

 READ FURTHER: Central Coast Whale Watching Spot Crackneck Lookout’s Upgrade is Complete

Lobster Beach Lookout

There are so many stunning lookouts around the areas of Box Head, it can be hard to pick. Fortunately, the Flannel Flower walking track provides a good connection to many of them and can be covered in around 45mins-1hr30mins (return). We love Lobster Beach lookout for its spectacular views across Umina, though recommend the local tip of parking near the corner of High View Rd and Venice Rd in Wagstaffe to visit. There you can find a set of stairs leading over a hill and onto Lobster Beach in about 15-20 minutes.

  Staples Lookout

Offering expansive views of Brisbane Water, Woy Woy Bay and even Mount Wondabyne, this lookout is also popular for the things you can see up close, too, such as rare bird species like the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, and spotted-tail quolls.

 Nyari Lookout, Green Point  

A personal fav of ours, this lookout is the embodiment of ‘Surf and Turf’ and has a bit of everything – glittering expanses of ocean expanding from Avoca and Terrigal, bright green depths in Pickets Valley and a large swath of vivid green mountain reserve in between. It also attaches to a fire trial that serves as a brilliant route for hikers and bikers alike.

Jilliby Lookout, Wyong

A great spot to gaze across the Watagan range, and to feel like you’re really in the remote, untamed Australian wilderness.

Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head

Another unmissable lookout point on the Coast must be Noah Head Lighthouse, with its instantly recognizable structure and a terrific view of the nearby turquoise bays and pale beaches. You can park here at the lighthouse itself, or make a great bushwalk out of your visit by stopping at the Norah Head General Store and walking from there.

Warrah Lookout, Patonga

A perfect half-way stop along the gorgeous bushwalk between Pearl Beach and Patonga is Warrah Lookout, offering picturesque views of the Hawkesbury. If you’re driving from Ettalong’s direction, also be sure to stop by Mt Ettalong look out for a great angle of Box Head across the waterway. 

RELATED: The Top 10 Central Coast Walks For a Nature Hit

Best Views on the Central Coast

Allen Strom Lookout, Rocky Point

      For brilliant views across Cockle Bay and Brisbane water, a scenic bushwalk through rich woodlands and a glimpse of unique Aboriginal cultural heritage, Allen Strom lookout point is a top choice for all Central Coast visitors and locals alike. Pack snacks with you if you want to complete the Daley’s Ridge circuit (6.8km, 2-3 hours) and be sure to stop off at Milligan’s cave (or Fish Hook shelter) to witness the significant Indigenous sandstone engravings there.

      Captain Cook Lookout, Copacabana

Avoca is a beauty that is photogenic from every angle, but especially from this wonderful spot at Copa, where you can also drink in the views of nearby Terrigal and Macmasters, too.

Somersby Falls, Somersby

The list of top lookout spots on the Coast wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Somersby Falls. Having undergone recent developments to include more accessible viewing platforms and walkways, this park offers three levels of lookout points across its extensive network of waterfalls, whilst also boasting mesmerizing views of the nearby hinterland

Gerrin Point Lookout, Bouddi National Park

The best way to cover all the top lookout spots along this beautiful stretch of coast is to take the 8.5km Bouddi Coastal Walk, which delivers you from one impossibly beautiful viewing point to the next via a schmick combination of boardwalks, white-sandy beaches and trails. Also, a great place to visit during the whale watching season for a chance to spot the majestic visitors our Coast receives at this time of year.

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Whale Watching on the Central Coast: The Best Places to Spot Them

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