The best lookouts in Australia
This country abounds with spectacular beauty.
Its rich contrast of eye-catching landscapes can be admired in many ways, but it’s hard to beat an elevated, uninterrupted vantage point.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best viewing platforms in the country, including dedicated lookouts, tall towers, mountain summits, and more.
Feast your eyes on spectacular scenery from these spots at least once in your lifetime.
kunanyi/Mt Wellington summit
Where: Hobart, TAS.
A drive to the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington rewards with an incredible outlook of majestic, diverse scenery as far as the eyes can see. Alternatively, try the quirky Shot Tower in nearby Taroona.
Stay at: BIG4 Hobart.
Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck
Where: Surfers Paradise, QLD.
One for list tickers – Q1 is the tallest building in Australia. From the observation deck, witness pretty panoramas that take in sand, surf, hinterland, and bustling Gold Coast activity among more. An open-air climb is available for the more adventurous.
Stay at: BIG4 Gold Coast or NRMA Treasure Island.
The Gap lookout
Where: Torndirrup National Park, near Albany, WA.
Marvel at the wild ocean’s power and fury and rugged, rocky features from a raised viewing platform. Torndirrup is filled with funky formations that make it an essential Albany attraction.
Stay at: BIG4 Emu Beach or BIG4 Middleton Beach in Albany.
Big Bend cliffs
Where: Near Swan Reach, Riverland, SA.
The Murray River bursts with sparkling views but staring at the vividly colourful limestone cliffs of Big Bend is hard to top. A lookout near the small township of Nildottie is the perfect place to soak it all up.
Discover: Parks in Riverland.
Twelve Apostles lookouts
Where: Port Campbell National Park, Great Ocean Road, VIC.
Revel in some of Australia’s most iconic views, which are a must-see on any Great Ocean Road drive. Dedicated viewing platforms gift breathtaking views just like those on a tourist brochure. Don’t miss a stop at neighbouring Loch Ard Gorge as it’s equally as impressive as the Apostles.
Wineglass Bay Lookout
Where: Freycinet National Park, Freycinet Peninsula, TAS.
Get your hiking boots on. A 1-1.5hr return walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout reveals glorious views of this famous white sand beach as well as craggy rock formations and wondrous water views.
Stay at: BIG4 Iluka, Coles Bay.
Hill Inlet lookout
Where: Whitsunday Island, QLD.
Google ‘pictures of Australia’ and images like the one below are sure to feature prominently. The lookout reveals the dazzling sight of Hill Inlet, found at the northern end of famous Whitehaven Beach. This spot is best reached on a boat tour from Airlie Beach.
Stay at: BIG4 parks in The Whitsundays region.
Echo Point
Where: Blue Mountains National Park, near Katoomba, NSW.
Another of Australia’s most photographed attractions. The Three Sisters formation is the headliner within star-studded Blue Mountains National Park. A dedicated platform at Echo Point illuminates the feature nightly via floodlights.
Stay at: Day trip from Ingenia Holidays Avina or Ingenia Holidays Sydney Hills.
Bunda Cliffs
Where: Great Australian Bight, Eyre Peninsula, SA.
These are among the most mesmerising sea cliffs on the planet and the longest stretch of them. Extending for roughly 100km from the Great Australian Bight to the WA border, the huge limestone cliffs can be admired from various lookouts. In season, the sight of whales adds to the magic of this experience.
Stay at: Day trip from BIG4 Ceduna or Elliston Caravan Park.
Ubirr lookout
Where: Kakadu National Park, NT.
An icon within an icon. Ubirr consists of various bold rock outcrops – complete with ancient Aboriginal rock art – and its popular lookout reveals enchanting vistas that extend over Nadab floodplain. A visit here is truly special, spiritual even, which no words or photographs can simply do justice to.
Stay at: Mary River Wilderness Retreat in Mount Bundey, BIG4 Howard Springs or BIG4 Hidden Valley in Darwin.
Eureka Skydeck
Where: Melbourne, VIC.
This 297.3m-tall skyscraper delivers an amazing perspective of the Victorian capital, its many landmarks, coastline, and so much more from a dedicated viewing area. Day or night, a visit is among the best things to do in Melbourne.
Stay at: BIG4 Melbourne BIG4 Dandenong or Crystal Brook Tourist Park.
Glass House Mountains
Where: Glass House Mountains National Park, Sunshine Coast, QLD.
The various peaks that protrude from the surrounding greenery are ripe for climbing and make this one of the best destinations for hiking in Australia. Reach the Mt Beerburrum and Mt Ngungun summits for superb panoramas, or for an easier climb that still rewards, plant your feet along the Mt Beerwah view trail.
Stay at: BIG4 Caloundra or Ingenia Landsborough.
Mt Kosciuszko summit
Where: Kosciuszko National Park, NSW.
A climb to the pinnacle of Australia’s tallest mountain has to be included here. The Mt Kosciuszko Summit walk (18.6km/6-8hr return) passes gorgeous scenery, including the iconic Snowy River. But it’s from the 2228m-high summit that the sight of the famous Australian Alps and the Bogong Peaks is truly breathtaking.
Stay at: NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park.
Cape Hauy Track
Where: Tasman National Park, Tasman Peninsula, TAS.
Prepare for visual delights of jaw-dropping proportions: Cloud-piercing dolerite sea stacks, spectacular cliff faces, and rugged sea views. It’s backed by a feeling as though you are literally a million miles from anywhere. While it’s a testing path – four hours return – the views are worth it.
Stay at: NRMA Port Arthur or day trip from BIG4 Hobart.
Castle Hill summit
Where: Townsville, QLD.
Enjoy sensational panoramas atop this imposing granite monolith, which is a striking backdrop to Townsville’s heart. Views incorporate the city centre, sparkling coastline, and Magnetic Island. Castle Hill is central and easily reachable via vehicle or on foot.
Stay at: BIG4 Eco Resort Townsville, BIG4 Tasman - Rowes Bay, BIG4 Townsville Gateway or BIG4 Ingenia Townsville.
Grampians National Park
Where: Near Halls Gap, VIC.
The Grampians is an absolute gem, dotted with jagged sandstone mountain ranges that tower above the gorgeous landscapes below. It’s a clear hotspot for hiking in Victoria where a feast of trails and lookouts gifts sweeping variable views. Some are just a stone’s throw from various car parks.
Stay at: Breeze - Halls Gap, Breeze - Grampians or NRMA Halls Gap.
Kings Park
Where: Perth, WA.
Easily reached. Expansive. Enthralling. Kings Park delivers magnificent CBD and river vistas from its raised positioning. Increase the elevation with a stroll along the Federation Walkway complete with an arched bridge. Among the plentiful parks in Perth, this one is not to be missed.
Stay at: BIG4 Perth or Perth Central Caravan Park.
Towers Hill Lookout
Where: Charters Towers, QLD.
There is plenty to indulge in here, including classic country Queensland surrounds, playful wildlife during early morning, and a whole new perspective of the town centre’s charming heritage buildings. The hill is rich in history and even home to World War II bunkers.
Stay at: BIG4 Aussie Outback Oasis, Charters Towers.
Dove Lake Circuit
Where: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS.
Think Australia pics, think Cradle Mountain. This natural wonder and its accompanying lakes are absolutely captivating, and the Dove Lake Circuit is the perfect path to revel in the gob-smacking beauty. It’s boardwalk covered for much of the way and is among the many action-packed Cradle Mountain walks.
Stay at: BIG4 parks in Tasmania.
Kings Canyon
Where: Watarrka National Park, NT.
The soaring sandstone walls of Kings Canyon are astounding, and their sheer height cannot be fully comprehended without a first-hand visit. These vivid, colourful walls contrast ruggedness with smoothness, which is best admired on the 6km rim walk. Smaller paths still dish up plenty of rewards.
Stay at: G'day Mate Tourist Park in Alice Springs or nearby at Gemtree Roadhouse and Caravan Park.
RoofClimb Adelaide Oval
Where: Adelaide, SA.
This experience delivers the best positioning for absorbing elevated Adelaide views that stretch far and wide. It also showcases the iconic stadium from a completely different perspective both day and night.
Stay at: The Retreat at West Beach Parks or Marion Holiday Park.
Z-Bend lookout
Where: Kalbarri National Park, WA.
Kalbarri abounds with engrossing scenery, and this lookout is among the essential stops, offering breathtaking glimpses of epic Murchison River Gorge. Don't miss Nature’s Window, either. This quirky natural creation is so named for its wind-battered opening.
Stay at: BIG4 parks in the Coral Coast region.
Gold Coast hinterland
Where: QLD.
This spectacularly enchanting area is home to mass swathes of World Heritage rainforest, much of it planted within much-loved national parks like Lamington and Springbrook. The Best Of All Lookout in Springbrook thoroughly deserves its name and is one of many excellent viewing spots in the wider area.
Stay at: BIG4 Gold Coast, NRMA Treasure Island or BIG4 Tweed Billabong in Tweed Heads or Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff in Kingscliff.
Cape Byron
Where: Near Byron Bay, NSW.
Just minutes from Byron Bay is the easternmost point of mainland Australia. Cape Byron affords astounding coastal vistas and the chance to glimpse whales in season. It also reveals a brilliant perspective of Tallow Beach.
Stay at: Ingenia Byron Bay, BIG4 Tasman - Ballina or Ballina Beach Nature Resort.
The Horn summit
Where: Mt Buffalo National Park, High Country region, VIC.
Bring your hiking shoes to tackle this gem-rich national park and its highest point along the 1.5km/45min return Horn Track. From the summit of this distinctive 1723m-high feature, panoramic views incorporate the iconic peaks of Mt Hotham, Feathertop, and Buller and take in the exquisite beauty of the Australian Alps.
Stay at: BIG4 Tasman - Bright, NRMA Bright or BIG4 Porepunkah.
Sea Cliff Bridge
Where: Near Stanwell Park, Illawarra region, NSW.
This coast-hugging 665m-long bridge is an attention-stealer, making frequent appearances on Instagram accounts. Snaking between Sydney and Wollongong, the structure is a vantage point for sparkling coastline on one side and huge cliff faces on the other. Better yet, it comes complete with a dedicated walking path.
Stay at: Day trip from BIG4 Easts Beach, Kiama.
Walking tracks, Phillip Island
Where: VIC.
Phillip Island is ablaze with stunning coastal scenery, best served up on its network of walking tracks: Clifftop walks, beachside paths, and even trails through wetlands. The island’s highest point is Cape Woolamai, and there are several enticing routes within this area, including the popular Pinnacles walk.
Stay at: BIG4 Ingenia Phillip Island, Phillip Island Park Lane or NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park.
Tomaree Head summit
Where: Port Stephens, NSW.
Allow a couple of hours to tackle the 2.2km return Tomaree Head Summit walk, which exposes the immense aesthetic appeal of Port Stephens. Brilliant beaches and turquoise and aqua waters contrast with hilly, tree-clad surrounds.
Stay at: BIG4 Bays, BIG4 Ingenia Soldiers Point, BIG4 Karuah Jetty, Ingenia Middle Rock or Ingenia One Mile Beach.
Bay of Fires
Where: Near St Helens, TAS.
Not quite fitting the elevated theme but the area's astonishing beauty makes it a must for this list. Extending from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, Bay of Fires is dominated by the powerful combination of enchanting orange lichen-covered granite boulders, shimmering white sand, and enticing turquoise waters.
Stay at: BIG4 St Helens or Tasman - St Helens.
BridgeClimb Sydney
Where: Sydney, NSW.
There are plenty of sensational Sydney walks but the one atop its world-famous harbour bridge is unbeatable. The views of this extremely picturesque city are astonishing, and the experience is unforgettable. For something more sedate, reach the top of the city’s tallest structure: Sydney Tower Eye.
Stay at: NRMA Sydney Lakeside, Ingenia Nepean River, Ingenia Sydney Hills or Ingenia Holidays Avina.
Cataract Gorge Reserve
Where: Launceston, TAS.
Dedicated pathways and Kings Bridge allow for ample views of this striking river gorge. There are various attractions within this popular reserve, which has increased appeal considering it’s mere minutes from Launceston’s CBD and BIG4 Launceston.
Stay at: BIG4 Launceston.
Eden Lookout and Rotary Park
Where: Eden, South Coast region, NSW.
Absorb astonishing coastal vistas from this easy-to-reach vantage point, one of several alluring lookouts in Eden and its surrounds. This far-south town is one of the best places in Australia for whale watching (mid-September until mid-November) and the lookout is a prime place to gaze at these marine giants.
Stay at: Ingenia Eden Beachfront.
Baruwei Lookout
Where: Nitmiluk National Park, near Katherine, NT.
Sample a slither of the gob-smacking scenery that explodes from this star-studded national park. The dedicated lookout is reached on a relatively straightforward 1.8km return track and delivers outstanding views that incorporate famous Katherine Gorge, 17 Mile Valley, and more.
Stay at: BIG4 Breeze – Katherine.
Isn’t it time you enjoyed the greatest view? Book your next BIG4 break now. It all starts here.
