Wentworth Falls Lookouts Precinct

PROJECT NAME

NPWS Wentworth Falls Lookouts Precinct - Blue Mountains National Park

LOCATION

NSW

CLIENT

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

DURATION

2009

Wentworth Falls Lookout and Picnic Area provides one of the main access points for visitors to Blue Mountains National Park.  For tourists out of Sydney it is often the first stop after ascending 900m from the Sydney Basin.  From this famous location visitors experience views and have access to the extensive walking track network of the classic Blue Mountains scenery of escarpment and valleys.

The picnic area site is on the periphery of a framework of historic walking tracks, many of them built over 100 years ago.  The surrounding vegetation is open forest, predominantly Eucalypt and Banksia species.  The site receives an estimated 300,000 visitors a year.   The majority of visitors stop for a short walk and a look at the views, or slightly longer walk (1 – 1.5 hrs) to the waterfall or around the top of the escarpment. It is also an important start / end point for longer walks, particularly the iconic National Pass, known as one of the classic half day walks in the state.

Environmental Partnership undertook stakeholder consultation and led a multi-disciplinary team in the design and documentation of improvement works. Works constructed include:

  • extended lookout areas to provide better opportunities for views and vistas into the valley
  • upgraded pathways that cater to high visitation numbers and requirements visitors with reduced mobility
  • upgraded roadway for coach access and parking for buses and cars
  • picnic area facilities including barbecues, picnic tables grassed area and native plantings
  • New toilet and entry and vehicular entry to the park.