Located on the Tomaree Peninsula, Gan Gan Lookout gives amazing views over Nelson Bay, Tomaree National Park and the Stockton Sand Dunes. There are also great views over the Katich River and out to both Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands.
Getting there is only a five- minute drive from Nelson Bay where a narrow track takes you to the lookout. At the top of the track, is a small car park. To the right of the car park, a small viewing platform gives views towards Stockton Sand Dunes. The dunes are visible in the distance surrounded by Australian coastal forest.
To the left of the car park, a track leads to the main viewing area with excellent views over the surrounding area. Binoculars mounted at both platforms (which need to be paid for to use), let you get a better view of distant objects.
Because of its elevation, several large communication towers are also here. Although not most people’s idea of an attraction, there are still interesting because of the numerous transmitters and receivers covering them.
Looking towards Tomaree and Yacaaba HeadlandsView towards the Stockton Sand DunesView towards the Stockton Sand DunesTelecommunications Tower on Gan Gan Lookout
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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
A beautiful place with views over Gunnedah, Pensioners Hill Lookout also has a sculpture park, which makes an even more interesting place to visit. The walkway through the park is named after Ailsa Iceton, a nurse who performed many charitable works in Gunnedah. During the Great Depression, she would bring meals to the residents of Pensioners Hill.
The park’s brick wall is constructed from bricks recovered from the demolition of a chimney used for a nearby mine, thereby incorporating its heritage value into the new park. A plaque near the entrance gate details the history of the chimney.
Alisa Iceton Walkway Information Board
Pensioners Hill Reserve Entrance Plaque
Kamilaroi Peoples
On entering the park, the first display on your right is a series of carved trees. These are a remembrance of the Kamilaroi People and their ancestral animals totemic beings. The Kamilaroi people’s lands extend from New South Wales to southern Queensland. They form one of the four largest Indigenous nations in Australia.
Carved Trees as a Remembrance of the Kamilaroi Peoples and their Ancestral Animals Totemic Beings
Pensioners Hill Lookout and Heritage Sculpture Park
The park contains four sculptures by Carl Merten and Joan Relke, with each depicting the heritage of the Gunneda area. The sculptures show:
The Red Chief, a Kamilaroi man who lived in the area in the 18th century. He had a reputation as a warrior and wise leader of the Gunn-e-darr tribe.
The Pioneer Woman, early settlers facing harsh environments, isolation and loneliness.
Agriculture representing the rich grazing lands and crops across the Liverpool Plains.
The Coal Miner labouring underground.
Carved on the back of each sculpture is the Great Rainbow Serpent of Aboriginal mythology, tying them all together.
Sculptures on Pensioners Hill
Snake Sculpture
The Rainbow Serpent Sculpture
Coal Miner Sculpture
The Rainbow Serpent Sculpture
Pioneer Woman Sculpture
The Red Chief Sculpture
Agriculture Sculpture
Mining Heritage
Behind the rock sculptures is a display of three mine skips on rail tracks. This display sponsored by the CFMEU (the mine workers’ Union) pays tribute to the coal miners of the district. It not only commemorates the workers, but those who did not make it home, after working in the dangerous mine conditions.
These skips add to the mining heritage reflected in the entrance wall, which shows the importance of the industry in the districts past.
Mine Cars
Places to Relax
Placed throughout the park are beautifully carved seats, where you can sit and enjoy the park. If you want to relax under cover, a rotunda at the top of the hill is a great place to get out of the weather.
Rotunda on Pensioners Hill
Seat With Carved Eagle Wings
The View
The viewing platform gives a great view of Gunnedah. The silos and red roofed building in the photo is where the Dorothea Mackellar silo art sits. While there, look at the town from inside the rotunda, because it can be framed nicely by the entrance.
View of Gunnedah From Pensioners Hill
View of Gunnedah Through the Rotunda
What Did We Think
If you are in Gunnedah, this is a great place to visit, because not only do you get a great view, but see great sculptures at the same time. It was nice to see the heritage of the districts tied together using aboriginal culture with the Great Rainbow Serpent.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
