“A new house blocks the old view.” That’s what they say about Colliers Lookout now. But let’s not dwell on what’s lost. Instead, let’s journey back to a time when the view from Colliers Lookout was the stuff of legends.
Colliers Lookout wasn’t always Colliers Lookout. This place got its name from Henry Justice Collier. He was no ordinary bloke. Collier was a Blackheath store owner. He also served as one of the first trustees of the Blackheath Reserves. And to top it off, he was the Mayor of the Blackheath Council in 1922 and 1923. So, when you stand here at Colliers Lookout remember the name.
Colliers Causeway, the track, was constructed in 1916. From here, you could see the agricultural Kanimbla Valley.
Imagine the scene back then. It’s the early 20th century. You’re standing at Colliers Lookout. The air is crisp and clean. The scent of eucalyptus fills your nostrils. Before you lies the vast expanse of the Kanimbla Valley. It stretches out like a patchwork quilt of green and gold.
The track soon descends steeply. Stone steps carved into a slot are between the rocks. As you continue along the Colliers Causeway track, there’s a view over the agricultural Kanimbla Valley to the west.
The track continues beyond the base of the waterfall, before crossing Centennial Glen Creek a short distance downstream. The path is narrow and hugs the cliff face. To your left, towering sandstone cliffs rise majestically. They are streaked with natural colours. To your right, the valley unfolds. Views from along the track are magnificent. The cliffs near Porters Pass and the Kanimbla Valley are below.
The Porters Pass track climbs steeply up the gap in the cliffs and along the small creek, with a series of stone steps. The pass is steep and emerges from the dense rainforest into a more open area.
The Clifftop Walk starts right after passing Fort Rock. This last stretch of the Porters Pass Loop is a fantastic way to complete this hiking adventure. There are wonderful views of the Kanimbla and Megalong Valley.
Okay, maybe a house blocks the view today. But close your eyes. Breathe in the mountain air. Think of Henry Justice Collier. Think of the visionaries who created this lookout. Remember the valley’s beauty. Even with a house in the way, Colliers Lookout remains a place of history. It is a testament to the enduring power of nature.