Hargraves Lookout sits on the Shipley Plateau near Blackheath, with sweeping views across the Megalong Valley. We visited on a winter trip in 2025, and we liked it because it’s so quiet: not many people go here, and you get incredible views all the same. Compared with the main tourist lookouts in the Blue Mountains, it has a peaceful, almost meditative feel.
About Hargraves LookoutAbout
The lookout is at the end of the Shipley Plateau, about a 10-minute drive from Blackheath town centre. From the clifftop the view opens up over the Megalong Valley: farmland on the valley floor and ranges fading into the distance behind it. The views are particularly good at sunset, when the light comes in low across the valley.
Quick facts
- AddressHargraves Lookout, Shipley Plateau, Blackheath, NSW 2785, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- Phone receptionGood
- FacilitiesPet FriendlyParkingViewing PlatformWalking TrailsLookoutsToiletsWheelchair Accessible ToiletPicnic ShelterPicnic TablesNo Drinking Water
- 9.0/10Overall rated
- Good to knowBlackheath 10 min driveGravel at the end, 2WD fineDogs on a leash
- FeesFree
Getting There and the Panorama Point WalkGetting there
The last bit of road in is gravel, but it’s very doable in a 2WD, so you don’t need a 4WD to get here. From the car park you walk up to the viewing platform, which is where most people stop.
We also did the short walk along the Panorama Point trail. It’s unfenced and rugged, and it can be pretty dangerous and windy out there, so watch your step, keep back from the edge and keep the dog on a short leash. The views are very nice and worth the walk if the conditions are right.
Facilities and Dogs
Hargraves Lookout is one of the rare lookouts in the Blue Mountains where you can bring your dog, on a leash. It’s looked after by the local council and isn’t inside the national park, where pets aren’t allowed. Near the parking area there are modern, accessible toilets, and an old stone picnic shelter with two tables under cover. There’s no picnic lawn, so those two tables fill up quickly at busy times.
There is running water on site, fed from an old tank, but it isn’t suitable for drinking, so bring your own for yourself and the dog. Phone reception at the main lookout platform is stable, with Blackheath town centre only about a 10-minute drive away.
Summary
Hargraves Lookout is the one to pick if you want a big view without the crowds. Not many people come out here, and that’s what we liked most about it. It’s an easy side trip from Blackheath, and worth timing for the end of the day. Govetts Leap Lookout is close by in Blackheath. For more places nearby, see our Blue Mountains guide.
A quiet clifftop lookout that not many people visit, with incredible views across the Megalong Valley.
The last bit of road is gravel but fine in a 2WD, dogs are allowed on a leash, and there are toilets and a small picnic shelter. Take care on the unfenced Panorama Point trail, and bring your own drinking water.
- Travellers
- Couples
- Hikers
Yes. It’s free and far quieter than the main lookouts, with views that are just as good. Bring your own drinking water.
Recommended Gear for Hargraves Lookout
There’s no drinking water here, so pack water storage for yourself and the dog. A pair of binoculars is worth having for the long view down the Megalong Valley. The picnic shelter only has two tables, so a couple of camping chairs mean you always have a seat, and coffee gear makes sunset here even better.
