Probably the best place to start your trip to the Blue Mountains, Echo Point in Katoomba has amazing views, access to several walks and an information centre. Parking is available in the surrounding streets, where parking meters ensure no-one visits for free.
Our first stop was the Visitor Information Centre because recent rain had closed many tracks and we needed to find out which ones were still open. After speaking to the helpful staff, we walked around the viewing area which has fantastic views of the Three Sisters and the Megalong Valley. The Three Sisters are probably the most famous rock formation in the Blue Mountains with this being the best pace to see them.
A small track behind the Visitor Information Centre leads to Spooners Lookout with more great views over the valley and an end-on view of the Three Sisters. This is a paved track, people even took prams along one section of it. From here stairs lead down to the Sisters and the Giant Stairway (800 steps), but were closed for repair work). This small track also forms a section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk which runs from Scenic World to Leura.
Unfortunately the Prince Henry Cliff Walk was cut in several places while storm damage was repaired. However, we walked a small section, seeing some amazing views.
Something to look out for on the way to Spooners Lookout is a series of metal sculptures of Australian wildlife. Placed onto rocks defining the track they make an interesting addition to the walk. These walks are relatively easy, and there are usually lots of people doing them., so can become busy!
The Three Sisters From Echo PointLooking Over the Blue Mountains From Echo PointSpooners LookoutThe Three Sisters From Spooners LookoutBlue Tongue Lizard Sculpture on the Walk
Besides amazing beaches, Seal Rocks has a lighthouse at Sugarloaf Point overlooking the ocean and more beaches.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse stands on a headland east of Seal Rocks village. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet as his first lighthouse, it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. Although built to guide ships along the rocky coastline, there were still 20 wrecks after its completion.
The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.
Getting There
With a three and a half hour drive, 280km drive north of Sydney, Seal Rocks is too far for a day trip from Sydney, but excellent for a long weekend. From our home in the Hunter Valley, it took us a little over two hours to drive the 180kms.
A carpark at the base of the headland provides spaces for those walking to the lighthouse. A fee applies, as the area is managed by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife.
The Walk
Starting at the locked gate, a bitumen road leads up through the coastal forest, making it an easy walk. An information board near the gate provides details about the lighthouse and the wider Myall Lakes Area. Although the walk is easy underfoot, it can still be a bit of a challenge, because it is all uphill.
If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.
Information BoardLighthouse Walk
Sea Cave
Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.
Sea CaveSmall Rocky Inlet
Path to the Lighthouse
On reaching the lighthouse area, the patch becomes much steeper, but this section is also short. So, take your time and enjoy the views over the coastline. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used for guests, which would be a great way to experience the area.
Walk Up to the Lighthouse Keeper’s CottageLighthouse Keepers CottageWalkway to Lighthouse
The Lighthouse
Set at the top of the headland, the lighthouse overlooks some rocky cliffs and a spectacular beach to the west. With the stairs on the outside instead of inside, it looks different to others we have seen. We spent quite some time here, looking at the scenery and lighthouse, before retiring to our car.
Sugarloaf Point LighthouseSugarloaf Point LighthouseLighthouse Beach
What Did We Think of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse?
This was a fun visit, with the sea caves adding something a little extra. the lighthouse was well maintain and in pristine condition. Parking may be an issue in school holidays and peak season because it is quite small.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
On a wet and rainy morning, we decided to go bush walking at Rumbalara Reserve near Gosford to see the statues. The forecast said some light drizzle clearing to a fine day. Well, it rained all the way during our drive there, where on arrival we waited another hour for the rain to ease. So, not to be put off by a bit of a wet track we took off. This was when we discovered that wet weather plus Rumbalara Reserve equals leaches. Lots of leaches. Fortunately, we came prepared and the first attack was repelled by carefully applied salt. This was followed by lots of Bushman Plus Repellent which seemed to keep them off skin, but not boots, so these were monitored and cleaned regularly.
Anyway, despite this minor setback we really enjoyed the area, especially the statues.
Getting There
Located in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast, Rumbalara Reserve is 1.25 hours north of Sydney or 1.5 hours south of Newcastle. On arrival, we stopped at the Yaruga Picnic Area on Dolly Avenue, where toilet facilities and picnic tables are available.
Once the rain cleared, we started our walk by going to the Statue of Edward John Eyre.
Mist and light rain over Dolly AvenueView of Gosford from Yaruga Picnic Area
Statue of Edward John Eyre
This statue is the hardest of the four to find. Located by itself on the Mouat Trail it is some distance from the other three. This makes it fun to find. Starting at the Yarunga Picnic Area, we walked back down Dolly Avenue and past the large water tank. Not far past the water tank, a sign on the left-hand side gives directions to Mouat Trail and the statue.
The track is surrounded by Australian coastal eucalypt rainforest with a nice fern understory. With the recent rainfall the track was a little muddy but easy to walk. not far down the track we came across the statue of Edward John Eyre hidden in the ferns. One of us jumped and nearly had a coronary because he appeared so suddenly.
Famous as a colonial explorer of Australia, Edward John Eyre was the first European to traverse the Nullarbor Plain, where the current highway bears his name. Other features named after him include the Eyre Peninsula and Lake Eyre.
Water tank on Dolly DriveSign to the Mouat Walk and Eyre StatueEucalypt Forest on the Mouat WalkHollowed out eucalyptus tree on the Mouat WalkStatue of Edward John Eyre
Flannel Flower Walk
From the statue we retraced out steps to the start of the track and took the Flannel Flower Walk. This was where we noticed the leaches, making a quick stop to remove them and apply repellent.
The trail itself is very nice with the eucalyptus rain forest providing a great atmosphere to walk in. There are several steep drop offs and cliffs but there are fenced and safe if you stay away. As it goes uphill, the trail climbs over rocks so be aware of this, as it’s rough in places.
At the top of the hill, Flannel Flower Walk meets Dolly Avenue and the Start of Iron Bark Loop.
Part of the Flannel Flower Walk
Iron Bark Loop and Three Bronze Statues
Located on Iron Bark Loop, the remaining three statues are very easy to find. Getting here can be by walking along the trails, or drive to a parking spot at the end of Dolly Avenue. On the loop walk and below the carpark the three statues look out over the surrounding landscape.
The statues are:
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith
Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith was an early Australian aviator.
In 1928, he made the first transpacific flight from the United States to Australia. He also made the first non-stop crossing of the Australian mainland, the first flights between Australia and New Zealand, and the first eastward Pacific crossing from Australia to the United States; and, also, made a flight from Australia to London, setting a new record of 10.5 days.
Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith Statue
Matthew Flinders
Lieutenant (later Captain) Matthew Flinders was a British navigator and cartographer who led the first inshore circumnavigation of mainland Australia, then called New Holland. He is also credited as being the first person to utilise the name Australia to describe the entirety of that continent including Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania).
Matthew Flinders Statue
Charles Sturt
Charles Sturt was a British officer and explorer of Australia, and part of the European exploration of Australia. He led several expeditions into the interior of the continent, starting from Sydney and later from Adelaide.
