Mt Ettalong Lookout
Darkinjung & Guringai Country

30 min to 1 h

1.3 km
return

↑ 24 m
↓ -24 m

Easy track
This lovely short walk takes you from the large water tank, along an old trail and track to two fantastic fenced lookout platforms. There are a few unfenced views along this shaded walk. A picnic table among the Sydney Red Gums, just before the two main lookouts, makes a wonderful spot for a snack. The lookouts provide great views over Umina Beach, Brisbane Water, Bouddi National Park, Pearl Beach and out to the ocean. A great spot on a sunny day or for a sunset. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Patonga Drive from car park. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Water tank. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Locked gate at the car park. | Photo by admin, 2009.
One of several painted lookout signs. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Old management trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking along the trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Side track and filtered views. | Photo by admin, 2009.
An unfenced informal view over Pearl Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
An unfenced rock slab beside the trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from beside the trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
End of the management trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Picnic table. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Angophora lanceolata Sydney Red Gum. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Lookouts intersection. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Pearl Beach lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Pearl Beach lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking over Pearl Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Out to Lion Island the ocean and the Pittwater. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Ducking under the Sydney Red Gum. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Following the track at the top of the ridge. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View just near Mt Ettalong Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
ramp to Mt Ettalong Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Compass plaque at Mt Ettalong Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View along Umina Beach from Mt Ettalong Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking up the Brisbane water from Mt Ettalong. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Umina Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Brisbane Water. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rock outcrop next to lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Lookout past Box Head to the ocean. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Lion Island and Barrenjoey. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.5362949,151.3060912)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Ocean Beach Road
  • Turn on to Sydney Avenue then drive for 1.8 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Mount Ettalong Road and drive for another 1.7 km
  • Turn sharp left onto Mount Ettalong Lookout and drive for another 25 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park (next to the large water tank beside Patonga Dr, 200m east of Pearl Beach Dr), this walk follows the management trail around the water tank and then around the locked gate. The trail then leads through the bush, passing a few painted 'Lookout' signs. The walk leads passed some lovely Sydney Red Gums and a few tracks off to the side (to informal unfenced viewpoints). The trail continues along the top of the ridge until coming to a turning circle and the end of the management trail, marked by a picnic table on the right.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
After 65 m head through/around the gate.
After another 420 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right).
After another 110 m continue straight.
After another 70 m come to "Pearl Beach Lookout".
Pearl Beach Lookout
Pearl Beach Lookout

Pearl Beach Lookout is a fenced lookout on a sandstone platform, looking south from Mount Ettalong. The main view below the lookout is along Pearl Beach and the village. There is a great view to Lion Island siting in the middle of the water. There are also distant views out the heads to the ocean, to West Head, Barrenjoey and up the Pittwater. The views on a sunny day are amazing.
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Pearl Beach Lookout is a fenced lookout on a sandstone platform, looking south from Mount Ettalong. The main view below the lookout is along Pearl Beach and the village. There is a great view to Lion Island siting in the middle of the water. There are also distant views out the heads to the ocean, to West Head, Barrenjoey and up the Pittwater. The views on a sunny day are amazing.

Turn around here and retrace the main route for 670 m to get back to the start.
About 20 m past the end is "Mt Ettalong Lookout".
Mt Ettalong Lookout
Mt Ettalong Lookout

Mt Ettalong Lookout is found at the eastern end of Mount Ettalong and is a fenced lookout on a large sandstone boulder. A metal compass plaque helps visitors identify the major landmarks. From the left to right, there are great views along Umina Beach, up the Brisbane Water, across Brisbane Water National Park, Box Head, out the heads to the South Pacific Ocean, Lion Island, Barrenjoey and up the Pittwater. An amazing spot on a sunny day, well worth the walk.
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Mt Ettalong Lookout is found at the eastern end of Mount Ettalong and is a fenced lookout on a large sandstone boulder. A metal compass plaque helps visitors identify the major landmarks. From the left to right, there are great views along Umina Beach, up the Brisbane Water, across Brisbane Water National Park, Box Head, out the heads to the South Pacific Ocean, Lion Island, Barrenjoey and up the Pittwater. An amazing spot on a sunny day, well worth the walk.

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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Mt Ettalong Lookout


Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length 1.3 km
Time 30 min to 1 h
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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