Echo Point
[ez-toc]
In Australia’s New South Wales state, Echo Point is a viewpoint located approximately two kilometers (1.2 miles) south of Katoomba.
An estimated 1.5 to 2 million people visit the viewing point every year.
Echo Point is at the boundary of Blue Mountains National Park.
On the plateau’s edge, it provides one of the best views of the Three Sisters from a height of almost a kilometer above sea level.
Popular among locals and visitors alike, the viewpoint also features magnificent views of Narrow Neck, Mt. Solitary, the rock formation known as the Ruined Castle, and Kings Tableland.
You may take several walks or check out other sights after admiring the stunning view at Echo Point Blue Mountains Australia.
History
The Darug and Gundungurra people were the region’s original inhabitants before the European invasion.
Its colonial observers initially called it Tri Saxa, meaning “three stones,” Point.
It was part of an industrial facility between 1879 and 1925, with coal and shale mines operating between Narrow Neck and Mount Solitary.
The region rose to prominence as a tourist destination in the 1920s.
The famous Three Sisters drew more than a million people to the site yearly, but Victorian tourists were more interested in Orphan Rock.
Located west of the viewpoint, Orphan Rock is a lone rock formation with an unstable foundation.
The Three Sisters gained popularity during the early 1900s when they took over the top page of Katoomba’s official travel guide from Echo Point.
By stocking their establishments with images of the Three Sisters, souvenir shops in the adjacent town of Katoomba contributed to elevating the significance of Echo Point.
Renamed in 1890 as “Echo Point,” the controversy about whether or not there is an echo at Echo Point still persists.
Some locals assert that a “Coo-ee” from the hanging lookout will echo to the left of the Three Sisters.
Others claim it will return from the Kanimbla Valley beyond Narrow Neck after a long interval.
| You can learn more about the region’s history and wildlife by booking the full-day guided tour from Sydney to Featherdale Wildlife Park and nearby attractions. |
What to do at the Echo Point lookout
Echo Point offers easy-to-moderate hikes to nearby attractions apart from the Three Sisters vistas and panoramic views of the Jamison Valley.
You can also visit various other attractions located near Echo Point.
Download the Echo Point map to learn about nearby attractions and activities.
Activities
Visitors can enjoy nature hikes and see other attractions besides the beautiful views from the overlook.
The following are a few walks you can make.
Prince Henry Cliff walk
Along the route to Leura Cascades, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk overlooks various landscapes.
Following the cliff edge from Katoomba Cascades to Gordon Falls, near Leura, this 7-km one-way walking track with gorgeous wildflowers provides the best scenery in the area.
The three- to four-hour walk is rated a grade 3, making it a demanding hike, but the experience is optional.
On the walk, you will pass by river lookouts, the Katoomba waterfalls, and the Three Sisters.
Echo Point to Scenic World via the Giant Stairway
Walk to Scenic World from Echo Point while passing the Three Sisters Aboriginal Place through the Giant Stairway.
The 4.7 km one-way walk has breathtaking scenery, clean mountain air, and fascinating history.
After the long walk and descending the steep stairs, you might want to take the world’s steepest passenger railway up the cliff.
Ride the Scenic Cableway for even more stunning panoramas, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the valley below due to the glass-floored cabins.
With an elevated walkway through the historic forest and the exciting history of the coal mine, the Scenic World has much more to offer.
Dardanelles Pass Loop: Katoomba Falls
The Dardanelles Pass loop walking track is a 5.3 km loop passing through beautiful views of The Three Sisters, waterfalls, and rainforest.
Take the Giant Stairway, which includes more than 900 stairs down, and you will encounter a dense canopy of exquisite coachwood, sassafras, and lilly pilly.
With picnic tables and shelters nestled among the natural beauty, Leura Forest, at the base of the cliffs, is the ideal location for a picnic break.
Observe the captivating cascades of water that flow down the rocks into the creek below.
The route then circles back to Echo Point along the cliff’s edge, climbing Dardanelles Pass to the breathtaking Marguerite Cascades via a clear stream.
Events
These beautiful vistas in Greater Sydney are also perfect for hosting events.
Echo Point Lookout offers several event venues capable of accommodating around 20 to 600 guests for weddings, business gatherings, school trips, group reservations, and other events.
For more information, please contact events@thelookoutechopoint.com.au.
Nearby attractions
There are several easily accessible attractions near Echo Point Blue Mountains Australia.
You can travel from Echo Point to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Waradah Aboriginal Center, Sublime Point Lookout, Katoomba’s Scenic World, or Wentworth Falls.
The Govetts Leap, Evans, and Gordon Falls lookouts are a few others in the Blue Mountains close to Echo Point.
| Take the personalized guided tour to explore the Blue Mountains with Echo Point Lookout, Featherdale Wildlife Park, and Katoomba Scenic World. |
How to reach the Echo Point lookout
Traveling from the state’s capital, Sydney, takes around two hours to the Echo Point lookout in Katoomba.
Drive west from Sydney via the Great Western Highway (M4 and A32) to reach Katoomba.
Follow the signs to Three Sisters and Echo Point after turning left at the traffic lights in Katoomba off the Western Highway.
Ample Echo Point Blue Mountains parking spaces are available in and around the viewpoint.
With a fee of around $4 per hour, between 9 am and 5 pm, you can park seven days a week.
Echo Point Lookout Blue Mountains Address: 33/37 Echo Point Rd, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
Contact: 1300 653 408
Best time to visit
December to February are some of the best months to explore the whole region to avoid extremely cold or hot temperatures.
| To make the most of your visit and learn about the region’s cultural history, native wildlife, and more, purchase the 11-hour guided tour from Sydney. |
Echo Point is the most visited destination in Katoomba, so reach the destination as early as you can to escape the heavy traffic at this viewpoint.
Echo Point Blue Mountains Map
The Echo Point Blue Mountains map is a valuable resource that showcases the numerous attractions, activities, and facilities in and around the iconic Echo Point lookout.
To plan your visit effectively, you can easily download this map pdf to help navigate and make the most of your experience in this breathtaking natural wonderland.
Blue Mountain Echo Point restaurants
Here are two eateries near Echo Point Australia Blue Mountains to satisfy your cravings and enhance your visit.
The Lookout Echo Point
Perched on the edge of the world-famous, the Echo Point Blue Mountains cafe and restaurant provides a dining experience with views of picturesque mountain and valley vistas.
Whether you’re savoring a gourmet meal or enjoying a casual coffee, the combination of food and scenery is simply unforgettable.
Address: 33/37 Echo Point Rd, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
Phone: +61 2 4782 1299
Blue Mountains Chocolate Company
A short stroll away from the Echo Point lookout and the iconic Three Sisters rock formations, this charming establishment is a must-visit for its delectable hot chocolate drinks crafted from real chocolate.
The cozy atmosphere and the rich, velvety flavors of their beverages make it an ideal spot to warm up and indulge in a sweet treat after exploring the natural wonders.
Address: 176 Lurline St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
Phone: +61 2 4782 7071
Hotels near Echo Point Australia Blue Mountains
Echo Point hotels in the Blue Mountains offer a range of comfortable options for travelers seeking to explore the natural wonders of this region.
Below are some nearby Echo Point hotels Blue Mountains that are comfortable and convenient.
Echoes Boutique Hotel
The Echoes Hotel Blue Mountains Australia is a splendid 4-star hotel, located just a short 6-minute stroll from the renowned Three Sisters rock formation and only 2 km away from Katoomba train station.
Rooms feature Wi-Fi, TVs, minibars, and coffee makers.
Some have valley-view balconies, living areas, and espresso machines.
The hotel also offers Australian/Asian cuisine, a terrace, and access to a fitness center, spa, and pools at the sister property, along with on-site parking.
Address: 3 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia; +61 2 4782 1966
Hotel Blue & Cottages
Nestled near the A32 highway, this modest yet charming hotel is situated 1 km from Katoomba train station and 2 km from the legendary Three Sisters rocks, steeped in Aboriginal folklore.
The relaxed rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and tea and coffee facilities.
You can start their day with a satisfying breakfast and unwind in the luxurious lounge bar, which specializes in regional wines.
Address: Corner of Merriwa and Lurline Streets, 88 Lurline St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia; +61 2 4782 6922
Echo Point Discovery Motel
Conveniently situated, this straightforward Echo Point Motel Blue Mountains Australia is a mere 3-minute walk from the Three Sisters rock formation viewing platform and just 2 km from Katoomba train station.
Rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and basic amenities.
Complimentary parking and a train station shuttle are available.
You can also enjoy a bar, BBQ area, and coin-operated laundry facilities, with a continental breakfast buffet option.
Address: 18 Echo Point Rd, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia; +61 2 4782 2088
Featured Image: Tripadvisor.com