Scenic Lookouts
Panoramic views, peaceful moments, and nature’s drama — all from the best vantage points in the region.
Tenterfield Shire is home to some of the most breathtaking lookouts in New South Wales. From dramatic granite outcrops to plunging waterfalls and sweeping valley views, these high points are perfect for photographers, bushwalkers, or anyone chasing a moment of stillness and perspective.
Worth the Climb
Some of the best views in the region are earned with a short walk. These lookouts sit within national parks and conservation areas — each one rewarding in its own way.
Thunderbolts Lookout
Situated in Torrington State Conservation Area, this lookout offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding tablelands. It’s named after the infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt and is accessible via a short walking track through dramatic balancing granite boulders.
Heritage
Thunderbolt’s Hideout
Fred Ward, better known as Captain Thunderbolt, was the longest roaming bushranger in Australia’s history. He was very familiar with…
Woollool Woolloolni Lookout
Found within Basket Swamp National Park, this lookout is significant to the local Aboriginal community and provides serene views of the surrounding wetlands and woodlands. A quiet and meaningful place to pause.
National Park
Basket Swamp National Park
A hidden gem of wetlands, rockpools, and sacred stories.
Bald Rock Summit
As Australia’s largest granite monolith, Bald Rock offers a summit with expansive views stretching across the New England Tableland into Queensland. The climb is rewarded with a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Hike
Bald Rock – Summit
Australia's largest granite monolith is an unforgettable climb.
Explore the National Parks
Many of the best lookouts sit within Tenterfield’s national parks and conservation areas. Explore them further.
National Park
Bald Rock National Park
Granite giants, rare wildlife, and views for days.
National Park
Basket Swamp National Park
A hidden gem of wetlands, rockpools, and sacred stories.
National Park
Boonoo Boonoo National Park
Rivers, rockpools, waterfalls and a touch of gold rush history.
National Park
Girraween National Park
Lying on the Qld-NSW border is the wild and spectacular Giarraween National Park. The park, filled with massive granite outcrops,…
National Park
Koreelah National Park
A remote rainforest escape with wild swimming and rare wildlife.
National Park
Tooloom National Park
World Heritage rainforest, rare wildlife, and sweeping views.
National Park
Torrington State Recreation Area
Granite giants guard a timeless land.