Pros & cons
PROS
- Huge, open views over Lake Burragorang
- Two short walks to separate lookouts from the car park
CONS
- Long, rough unsealed access road; 4WD recommended
- No drinking water and limited reception
Overview
McMahon's Lookout sits at the far end of Kings Tableland and stares straight across Lake Burragorang. It’s remote, quiet, and feels worlds away from the busier clifftop lookouts. If you’re willing to tackle the unsealed approach, you’re rewarded with some of the widest lake-and-ridge panoramas anywhere in the mountains.
What You'll See
Expect a sweeping, elevated view across the blue-green folds of the southern Blue Mountains and the vast expanse of Lake Burragorang below. Big skies make this a prime spot for moody weather, sunrise color, and long-lens landscapes.
Getting There
Access is via a long, unsealed road along Kings Tableland. Conditions vary with weather; the surface can be rough, potholed, and slow after rain. A capable vehicle is best—4WD is the smart choice. Plan your time and fuel accordingly; this is a there-and-back journey on a management-style road with little traffic.
On-site Layout & Amenities
There’s a small car park at the end of the road. From here, two short tracks lead to separate viewpoints: roughly 800 m to the main lookout and about 300 m to a secondary vantage. Basic amenities include a pit toilet and picnic tables, but no taps or running water—come self-sufficient.
Wildlife
You’re in classic Blue Mountains bushland—bring binoculars for birdlife (parrots, cockatoos, and raptors are all possibilities). Reptiles are commonly seen on warm days. Around dawn or dusk, you may spot macropods along the approach.
Is It Worth It?
If you want solitude and a big, cinematic view, absolutely. The drive deters casual crowds, so you often share the rim with only the wind and the occasional wedge-tailed shadow. If you prefer quick, roadside lookouts, this isn’t that.
Best Time to Visit
- Light: Sunrise and sunset give the softest light and the strongest sense of depth across the ridges.
- Crowds: Even on weekends it’s usually quiet; midweek can feel completely wild.
- Weather: Avoid or allow extra time after heavy rain—road conditions degrade quickly and the drive becomes slow.
Essential Prep
Carry plenty of water, food, and a first-aid kit. Download offline maps—mobile reception is patchy at best. Let someone know your plan before you head down the Tableland.
Where it is
-33.8905, 150.3830Tips for McMahon's Lookout
- 01Bring all your drinking water—there are no taps on site.
- 02Download offline maps; reception is limited along Kings Tableland.
- 03Plan extra time for the long unsealed approach, especially after rain.
- 04Sunrise and sunset deliver the best light and atmosphere.
- 05Carry a spare and puncture kit; the road surface can be sharp and rough.
Amenities
Near McMahon's Lookout
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayMcMahons Lookout TrackQuiet clifftop over Lake Burragorang via easy fire trailEasy · 4.7 mi · 2.5 hr
8.2 mi awayMount SolitaryRemote sandstone ridge with epic valley views and real solitude
8.5 mi awayKedumba Pass TrackSteep fire trail to a quiet valley with history and big escarpmentsChallenging · 8.7 mi · 6 hr
8.8 mi awayNarrow NeckLong ridge walk with grand valley views for hikers and ridersTrailhead · Scenic Viewpoint
9.9 mi awayJamison ValleyIconic cliff-to-waterfall vistas with walks into a wild eucalyptus valley
10.1 mi awaySplendour RockRemote memorial lookout with huge wilderness views over the Wild DogsScenic Viewpoint
10.3 mi awayMurphys Glen walking trackShaded forest stroll to a quiet glen and bush campsite near WoodfordEasy · 1.9 mi · 1.3 hr
10.9 mi awaySublime Point TrackQuick stroll to a cliff-edge lookout with huge Jamison Valley viewsEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
