Gazing down into the Grose Valley, what do you see? This is the Vale of Avoca Lookout. It offers stunning views across the deep gorges. It shows the wilderness of the Lower Grose Valley.
The Vale of Avoca Lookout is located in the Blue Mountains National Park. This is a World Heritage-listed area near Richmond. It’s only a fifteen-minute drive from Richmond or Kurrajong. Yet, it feels worlds away from the city.
From here, you are perched 250 meters above the wild Grose River. Take in the wild landscapes of the Lower Grose Valley. The walk from the car park to the lookout is only 140 meters.
Notice the unfenced sandstone rock platforms. Admire the natural amphitheater of forest-clad mountains. They plunge into deep V-shaped gorges. In the distance, you can see the round hump of Mount Hay. It is near Katoomba.
Feel free to bring a picnic to Vale of Avoca Lookout. Meditate. Indulge your inner artist. Spot the local wildlife. Wedge-tailed eagles are common here. You might glimpse a rare glossy black cockatoo. You might even see a koala.
The Vale of Avoca Lookout is home to many uncommon plants. These include the native cranberry and critically endangered scrub turpentine. One of the world’s rarest species of heath grows here too. It is sparse heath. Look for its cream, tubular bell-shaped flowers from April to June. They grow below the lookout and by the Grose River.
If you want to make a day of it, enjoy a bushwalk to the Grose River. Take the nearby Waterboard fire trail. This is a five-kilometer return walk and allows three hours. Cool off in the pristine river in spring and summer. You can even try your luck fishing for Australian bass.
To get here, head to the end of Cabbage Tree Road in Grose Vale. The last few kilometers are a dirt road. It can be slippery after rain. Return the way you came.
Please take care. This lookout is unfenced. Stay back from cliff edges. Ensure children are supervised. This walk will give you a sense of remoteness. You will descend steeply into the narrow-sided river valley.
Vale of Avoca is situated about 300m above the Grose River Gorge. The best times to visit are on a cool, sunny day. The less windy, the better. Bring some water. Bring a hat. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. Avoid visiting on a rainy day. Also avoid visiting soon after a rainy day. This is due to the dirt road on approach.
At the end of Cabbage Tree Road, you’ll find an unsealed dirt road. This continues for another 1.5km. It is known as the Avoca Fire Trail.
If you have a 4WD, you should drive comfortably along the Avoca Fire Trail. You can reach the main car park easily. From there, walk less than 150m to the Vale of Avoca Lookout.
If you have a small hatchback or a lowered car, park near the entrance of the dirt road. Then walk up to the lookout. This takes about 20 minutes at a moderate pace. The walk is uphill. Take your time. Be careful.
The surface is mainly compacted dirt and not sealed. There are numerous potholes, bumps, and uneven surfaces. It is not easy to turn around once you commit to driving up the dirt road. The road gets narrow in parts.
The lookout itself is not fenced. Be very careful with young kids. Pets are not permitted since this is a national park. It’s definitely a beautiful view once you get to the top. It is very quiet and peaceful. Not many people are ever around. It’s a great spot to sit with a blanket on the sandstone. Relax. Simply take in the surroundings. There are no toilets or rubbish bins available on-site.
So, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty. Let’s leave this place as pristine as we found it. Remember the name: Vale of Avoca Lookout. A true gem of the Blue Mountains.