Vale of Avoca lookout

Vale of Avoca is a lookout above the Grose River in the Lower Grose Valley. Its unfenced sandstone platforms sit about 250 m above the river, with forested ridges folding into deep V-shaped gorges and the rounded hump of Mount Hay in the distance. Keep it in your plans if you want a broad valley view without a long walk: the lookout is about 140 m from the gate-side car park.

From Richmond, follow Kurrajong-Bells Line Road, Grose Vale Road and Cabbage Tree Road, then continue 1.5 km along Vale of Avoca fire trail to the gate car park. The park lists 2WD access on a mix of sealed and unsealed roads and says long vehicles aren't suitable. The walk starts on an unpaved, slightly uphill path; the last 40 m crosses low, uneven natural sandstone. It's not suitable for wheelchairs, prams or visitors with limited mobility.

The lookout isn't fenced, and the rock platforms look into deep gorges. Keep well back from the edge, especially with children. For a photo that shows the depth of the valley, include some foreground rock or trees with the river threading below.

Wedge-tailed eagles are common overhead; glossy black cockatoos and koalas are possible sightings, not guarantees. Native cranberry and critically endangered scrub turpentine are among the local plants. The sparse heath near the lookout and Grose River is one of the world's rarest heath species, with cream, tubular flowers from April to June.

Treat this as a bring-your-own stop: the park recommends drinking water and a picnic, and there are no public toilets or rubbish bins at the lookout. The nearest public toilets are in Kurrajong village, 7.5 km away, or North Richmond, 10 km away.

A separate outing descends to the Grose River via nearby Waterboard fire trail: allow about 3 hours for 5 km return. Swimming and Australian bass fishing are possible in spring and summer; fishing requires a NSW licence.