We have many trails that include a lookout on a mountain peak, coastal headland or ridge line. See our interactive map below which shows the location of more than 50 panoramic view spots. Here is a selection of our favourite lookouts on the Coffs Coast – how many have you visited?
Best lookouts near Coffs Harbour
Muttonbird Island has a view back over the marina towards Coffs Harbour hinterland. The whale-spotting headlands on the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk all offer views of the coast and Solitary Islands. Our favourites include Look at me Now headland at Emerald Beach, Diggers Headland and Boambee Headland.
Sealy Lookout at an elevation of 300m in Orara East State Forest offers views over Coffs Harbour and south towards Picket Hill, Mt Yarahapinni and Smoky Cape in the distance. There is a lovely picnic area, interpretive signs and toilets. If you have time visit nearby Korora Lookout by walking down the Gumgali Track.
Views of the Orara Valley
Waihou Trig Beacon Lookout in Sherwood Nature Reserve has a lovely view over the forest towards the Upper Orara Valley. Falls lookout nearby overlooks Glenreagh. If you are travelling to Scouts Falls, stop at Ewens Gap for the panorama from atop Sherwood buttress.
Climb Snail Trail in Orara West State Forest, or Bald Knob from Star Creek for a different perspective on the Orara Valley.
Dicks Knob and Knob Trail in Conglomerate State Forest also offers a fantastic view west to Sherwood Nature Reserve and beyond.
Lookouts of the Clarence Valley
The coastal headlands along the Yuraygir Coastal Walk from Yamba through Angourie, Brooms Head and Minnie Water showcase marine life, bird life and of course, the joys of watching fisherfolk and surfers. Upriver, Macleans Lookout offers a view of the lower Clarence.
Tommy’s Lookout has a stunning view down the Mann Valley, and the road through Chaelundi has three different lookouts. High on the Gibraltar Ranges, Raspberry Lookout (off the Gwydir Highway) and Dandahra Crags on the World Heritage Walk are our favourites.
Lookouts around Bellingen
The Skywalk at Dorrigo NP is easy to access, combine with the Wonga Walk to the waterfalls. Also in Dorrigo NP you can hike pretty Slingsbys Trail to access Lanes Lookout.
Griffith Lookout, at the top of Waterfall Way is accessible by car, as is Lardner Lookout closer to Bellingen (you can also enjoy this view on the Fernmount to Bellingen walk).
Climb the challenging Devos Trail up Tuckers Nob for a hard-won panoramic reward of the Bellinger Valley and the distant Glennifer Falls.
Views in Nambucca Valley
The lookouts on Nambucca Heads offer gorgeous views of the river estuary and coastline.
Inland, we love Kosekai Lookout (820m) on Bowra Sugarloaf in Dunggir National Park, with extensive views over the Nambucca headwaters toward the sea. Approach up Hanging Rock or from Taylors Arm.
Killiekrankie Mountain (1013m) in New England National Park looks west, towards the Ebor volcano and Point Lookout. A stunning spot, walk up the mountain after the drive on Horseshoe Road.
Macleay Valley scenic lookouts
Climb Mt Yarrahapinni to be rewarded with a sweeping panorama of the Macleay valley, while the Grassy Head to Stuarts Point walk has closer views of the Macleay arm and the old river entrance.
South of the river, Smoky Cape lighthouse delights with a view of secluded beaches, and the long curve of the bay toward Hat Head and Crescent Head.
Inland, take your 4WD up to Collombatti Lookout for 360 degree views of the hinterland.
Waterfall Way and Oxley Wild Rivers
Point Lookout (1564m) in New England National Park has stunning views over the remnants of the Ebor Volcano, the Bellinger headwaters, and the distance sea. After the big views at Point Lookout, make sure to do Eagles Nest walk and Wrights Lookout.
Take a short detour off Waterfall Way to climb Cathedral Rock for more views of the New England plateau. Or head for Armidale and the views of the Oxley Wild Rivers gorges at Wollomombi.
A detour onto Raspberry Road (Jeogla) from the Kempsey-Armidale road offers lesser known views of the wild gorges of the upper Macleay River system. On the Green Gully Track, we loved the views from the highpoints.
