From the city to the coast and the countryside, Australia is full of picturesque places for hours of uninterrupted gazing. To truly soak in our country’s breathtaking beauty, you need to know where to go. Lucky for you, we’re sharing the best lookout spots in every state and territory, as chosen by you guys in the 2024 Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards.
Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet, TAS
Boasting vibrant blue water, secluded serenity and soft white sand, Wineglass Bay Lookout in Tasmania was crowned as the best lookout spot in all of Oz. You can take in postcard-perfect views from the viewpoint, which is reachable via a rather steep and rocky 1.3-kilometre track that ascends through coastal woodland and past striking granite boulders. If you look hard enough, you might even spot dolphins and whales swimming in the azure waters down below.
Echo Point Lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW
If you’re partial to a lookout, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk connecting Echo Point and Katoomba Falls is the MVP of the Blue Mountains. There are no fewer than nine viewing decks along this walk, with the famous Three Sisters at Echo Point Lookout stealing the show.
Kalbarri Skywalk Lookout, WA
You’ll be floating on air as you walk along the Kalbarri Skywalk, which is suspended 100 metres above the Murchison River Gorge. As you reach the edge, you’ll be treated to views of the river’s winding path and the dramatic, rugged beauty of the deep gorge below.
Mount Lofty Summit, Cleland, SA
Every weekend, scores of eager Adelaide locals head to the base of Mount Lofty to attempt the heart-pumping two-kilometre hike to the summit. At the peak, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views stretching from the city to Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula.
Nawurlandja Lookout, Kakadu, NT
If you love a good sunrise (or sunset) spot, look no further than Nawurlandja Lookout in Kakadu National Park. The 1.9-kilometre loop trail leads you up to a rock platform with sweeping views of the bright green savannah, the Anbangbang Billabong and the ochre cliffs of the Arnhem Land escarpment. Keep your eyes peeled for rock wallabies and let yourself dissolve into the soft pastel silence.
Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout, QLD
Only 15 minutes from the CBD, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the largest natural area in Brisbane, coming in at a whopping 1,600 hectares of lush rainforest gullies, eucalypt forests, creeks and waterfalls. The summit offers panoramic views of the city, so close you could almost reach out and touch the skyscrapers.
Point Ormond Lookout, Elwood, VIC
With St Kilda on one end and Brighton on the other, this grassy hill is one of the most popular sunset spots in Melbourne. Roll out a picnic rug and bask in the afternoon sun as you take in stunning views of Elwood Beach and the city skyline.
Mount Ainslie Lookout, Ainslie, ACT
If you’re a sucker for a 360-degree lookout, this short and steep trail up Mount Ainslie is a must. You’ll want to time your summit with sunrise or sunset to beat the heat and enjoy the best views overlooking the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, the mountains of Namadgi National Park and beyond.
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