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Published Dec 2024
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Travel & Touring| WA Things To Do
By: Tatum Stafford and Julia D'Orazio
Sometimes, to find Western Australia’s best views, you’ll need to climb a few steps.
Stretching from the far North West to the Great Southern region, WA is overflowing with beautiful forests, oceans, bushland and national parks that appear most impressive from above. And lucky for visitors, there are tons of skywalks, viewing platforms and lookouts across the State to explore.
So if you’re ready to take your next local holiday to the next level (literally), here are 18 of our favourite scenic lookouts in WA.
Perth & surrounds
1. Mount Brown Lookout, York
Sitting 342 metres above sea level, the towering Mount Brown is a short drive from the York townsite, and provides 360-degree views of York and its beautiful surrounding bushland. The neighbouring Mount Bakewell is best viewed up here, and you’ll also be treated to beautiful wattle acacia, wild pittosporum and mulla mullas that have regrown within rocks near the lookout platform.
Access: There’s a car park at the base of the lookout’s steps, or a longer walk trail if you’d prefer to explore more of the town before climbing Mount Brown. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as the trail follows firebreaks and some rocky surfaces. Just before the lookout point sits a picnic and barbeque area, perfect for a sunset dinner.
2. Kings Park, Perth
Perth's premier parklands, Kings Park, offer some of the city's best vantage points. Visit gum-tree-lined Fraser Avenue to enjoy views of the city skyline, Swan and Canning Rivers, Elizabeth Quay, Darling Range, and Perth Hills. There are many grassed areas in the Fraser Avenue Precinct to soak in the scenery, or head to the designated lookout, Kaarta Gar-up, for peak viewing.
Appreciate the scenery from another angle at The State War Memorial, a 250-metre walk away. Continue your exploration of Kings Park by entering the Western Australian Botanic Garden, east of the Forrest Roundabout. Within the garden is access to the Lotterywest Federation Walkway - a 52-metre arched glass and steel bridge suspended over tall eucalypts. The popular tourist attraction also offers panoramic city views, connecting the garden to Beedawong Meeting Place.
Access: The Wadjuk car park is the closest to Kaarta Gar-up and The State War Memorial, and it is accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
3. Lions Lookout Walk, Lesmurdie
Though it takes a bit of effort to reach this lookout, the views you’ll enjoy of the scenic Korung National Park are well worth it. This four-kilometre walk trail follows four-wheel drive tracks within rich jarrah forest, and involves a gradual ascent to the 600-metre-high lookout point. On the way up, you’ll be treated to beautiful wildflowers (in springtime), other local fauna and numerous glimpses of the Perth CBD – though none compare to the spectacular lookout point.
Access: There’s a car park at the trail’s entry point. A moderate level of fitness is recommended as sections can be quite steep. Take extra care if completing the trail in wet weather.
RELATED: 10 hikes in national parks near Perth »
South West region
4. Sugarloaf Rock, Naturaliste
Rising from the Indian Ocean is one of the region's most mesmerising coastal landmarks, Sugarloaf Rock, 14 kilometres northwest of Dunsborough. The immense, conical-shaped granite rock formation is located off Cape Naturaliste in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. A photographer's favourite, the South West icon continues to be sculptured by the sea, constantly battered by powerful waves and weather conditions.
From the lookout, bask in views of the soaring rock and the region’s finned and feathered residents with ample birdlife and whale-watching opportunities.
Access: A bitumen path with 39 steps links the main parking area and coastal lookout.
5. Canal Rocks, Yallingup
Walk on water (almost!) visiting Canal Rocks, 4 kilometres west of Yallingup. Located in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this part of the South West's rugged coastline features naturally built canals shaped between granite rock over thousands of years. Admire the geological formations following raised pathways and timber bridges sitting atop rocky islands and watch the oceans' might right under your toes. Simply epic.
Access: The car park is at the start of Canal Rocks Walkway.
Great Southern and Esperance region
6. Granite Skywalk, Porongurup National Park
Perched atop the iconic Castle Rock, the Granite Skywalk is comprised of a suspended walkway that spirals around the rock’s granite outcrop, and two lookouts that offer spectacular views of the national park and farmland surrounding Albany. The rock’s tallest point is 670 metres high, making it one of the Porongurup National Park’s tallest climbable peaks.
Access: To reach the skywalk, hop on the 4.4-kilometre return Castle Rock Walk Trail. The walk travels through beautiful marri and karri forests, takes you past the famous Balancing Rock, and offers plenty of spots to rest your legs on the steep climb upwards. Near the summit, you’ll need to scramble under and over granite rocks, and climb a six-metre ladder – so moderate levels of fitness are required.
7. The Gap, Albany
Albany's The Gap is not for the faint-hearted. Located 19 kilometres south of Albany in Tornirrup National Park, the popular tourist attraction is named after a channel between coastal boulders, with a lookout platform floating 40 metres above. The Southern Ocean's surge constantly batters the narrow passageway, so have a waterproof jacket on standby in case of extreme spray!
A few footsteps away is Albany's other coastal lure, Natural Bridge, where weathering has shaped the granite rock to appear as a natural window. Both attractions provide coastal views from Bald Head to West Cape Howe.
Access: An elevated pathway permitting wheelchair access leads from the car park and picnic area to The Gap viewing platform, hovering over rock surfaces and native plants. For the Natural Bridge, walk along a sealed section of the pathway to see it from a safe distance on land.
8. Observatory Point and Lookout, Esperance
Esperance’s Observatory Point and Lookout is one of the best vantage points of the sprawling Cape Le Grand National Park, a park famed for its wildflower walks, native wildlife and countless natural attractions. It’s a place of military significance as it was a place of shelter for French explorers in 1792, and is also a fantastic spot for whale-watching from June to October.
Access: There’s plenty of parking close to the lookout steps, and it’s a gentle climb to reach the top vantage point.
RELATED:10 of the best whale-watching spots in WA »
9. Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout, Walpole
For a truly unique view of the Walpole forest, head for the 411-metre-high Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout. Nestled amongst karri, jarrah and tingle trees, the lookout offers uninterrupted views of the sprawling natural landscape, and is one of three key sites that forms the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre – the other two are the Swarbrick art in the forest, and the famous Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
Access: It’s a short, 600-metre walk from the car park to the lookout – and in spring, the walk trail is a hotspot for native wildflowers. The lookout is wheelchair accessible.
10. Mount Clarence summit/Padre White Lookout, Albany
Albany Heritage Park is home to many of Albany's revered attractions. After visiting the National ANZAC Centre, head to the summit of Mount Clarence. Here, you'll find the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, a statue commemorating the fallen and the site of Albany's ANZAC Day dawn service.
Padre White Lookout is also at the summit. The rounded steel walkway is the region's most visited lookout, offering stunning views of Albany's pristine beaches, Princess Royal Harbour, and King George Sound.
After making your ascent, head back down to dine at Garrison Bar & Restaurant adjacent to the National ANZAC Centre. Continue to enjoy views of Albany’s coastline while treating yourself to haute cuisine using regional produce.
Access: Follow the signs from Mount Clarence car park to the summit, which is reached via a series of stairs and walkways.
Coral Coast
11. Kalbarri Skywalk
Located in the impressive Kalbarri National Park, this picturesque skywalk is one of WA’s newest lookouts – and definitely makes a statement with its twin 100-metre-high viewpoints of the sweeping Murchison Gorge below. As well as the incredible views, visitors to the skywalk can learn about traditional Nanda heritage and culture through a series of interpretive signs, and view a collection of statues depicting local fauna.
Access: The skywalk provides easy access for wheelchairs and prams as the pathways are flat and at the same level as the twin platforms. It’s an easy 100-metre walk between the platforms.
12. Eagle Bluff, Shark Bay/Denham
Take in the dramatic scenery at Eagle Bluff, 23 kilometres south of Denham town centre. The bluff features cliffs overlooking Denham Sound and is a great place to see Shark Bay's bountiful wildlife. Its shallow waters attract various shark species, dolphins, turtles, rays, and dugongs seen darting through and feeding on seagrass meadows. Pack the binoculars for a closer inspection of osprey and eagles that may hover above.
Eagle Bluff features a 400-metre boardwalk with views of the Useless Loop salt pile and two limestone islands just offshore.
Access: The Eagle Bluff car park is closest to the lookout and is accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
13. Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, Exmouth
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is undoubtedly the region's most spectacular sunset spot. Located 19 kilometres from Exmouth town, the 112-year-old lighthouse, perched on a hilltop, offers 360-degree views of Exmouth, the North West Cape, Ningaloo Reef, and the Indian Ocean. It also features interpretive displays and the former sites of a World War II radar station and anti-aircraft positions.
If visiting at sunset, we recommend arriving early to secure a parking spot along the snaking road - just make sure to bring a picnic hamper! You can also catch free entertainment, with whales often sighted breaching along the coast.
Access: Follow Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Scenic Drive to arrive at the lighthouse.
North West regions
14. Kelly's Knob Lookout, Kununurra
Boasting panoramic views of Lake Kununurra, Elephant Rock and the Ord River, Kelly’s Knob Lookout is the highest point in Kununurra at 191 metres high. The lookout is a popular spot for picnics, and is also one of the best spots in town to watch the sun set.
Access: The base of the lookout is a short one-kilometre drive from town, and can be accessed via a sealed road which leads to a path with steps. The walk up to the lookout takes around 20 minutes each way, and can be rocky in sections, so enclosed shoes are recommended.
15. Oxer Lookout, Karijini
Karijini National Park is one of WA’s most remarkable destinations, and the Oxer Lookout is one of the best vantage points of the park’s impressive gorges, chasms and crystal-clear rock pools. This lookout isn’t one for the faint of heart, as if you peek over the edge you’ll see gorge walls that plunge 100 metres to a floor of pools and layered rocks.
Access: From the Weano Gorge car park, it’s a short 15-minute walk to reach the Oxer Lookout. After you’ve enjoyed the view, make your way over to the neighbouring Junction Pool Lookout, which you can reach on the 800-metre walk trail that connects the two lookouts.
16. Roebuck Bay Lookout, Broome
Located in Broome’s Chinatown, the recently completed Roebuck Bay Lookout provides beautiful views over Dampier Creek and Roebuck Bay (including its famous mangroves). The viewing platform features interesting artwork and interpretive information about the area, created by local high school students and Yawuru Traditional Owners.
Access: There’s a car park near the lookout entry, with access for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
17. Kungkalanayi Lookout, the Bungle Bungles
Be in a permanent state of awe at Kungkalanayi Lookout. Located within Purnululu National Park, the lookout offers all-encompassing views of the western escarpment of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range and surrounding landscapes. Stick around for sunset and be treated to a spectacle with the sky and land transforming into brilliant hues.
Access: Kungkalanayi Lookout is 2.5 kilometres from the visitor centre and 500 metres from the car park. It is open from April to November, pending road conditions.
18. Radio Hill Lookout, Newman
Located in the mining town of Newman, Radio Hill Lookout provides a 360-degree view over the Newman township, and a glimpse at the Mount Whaleback mine site in the distance. It’s a brilliant spot to catch a Pilbara sunset, thanks to the red dust that surrounds the town and appears to melt into the sun’s yellow tones as it sets.
Access: It’s a short drive up the hill from the Newman Visitor Centre to reach the lookout. There’s plenty of observation space at the lookout, as well as a few sheltered tables and barbeques that are perfect for a sunset picnic.
Last updated: April 2024
