Lookouts and scenic vantage points
Allen Strom lookout
Clear your mind and refresh your senses with the stunning vistas on offer at the Allen Strom lookout, located on the ridge above Rocky Point.
Standing at this fenced lookout, it’s a pleasure to watch the boats bobbing up and down in Hardys Bay. The views extend across to Wagstaffe and Ettalong and you can even see as far as Brisbane Water National Park.
It’s easy to reach the lookout by foot or bike – simply combine Rocky Point trail to your Bouddi Ridge explorer experience. This trail commences near the intersection of Wards Hill Road and Maitland Bay Road, and you’ll tread a carpet of flannel flowers if you plan a springtime visit.
Allen Strom lookout was named in memory of the man who dedicated much of his life to the establishment of many national parks and nature reserves in the state.
Activities: day walking, sightseeing, photography
Natural setting: dry eucalypt forests
Getting there: Allen Strom lookout is in the Maitland Bay precinct of Bouddi National Park and is accessible via Rocky Point trail.
To get there from Gosford:
- Follow Central Coast Highway towards Erina
- Turn right onto Avoca Drive and continue through Kincumber
- Turn right at Empire Bay Drive
- Turn left into Cochrone Street and then right onto The Scenic Road
- Turn right into Maitland Bay Drive at Maitland Bay Information Centre
- Turn left into Wards Hill Road and continue 50m to the gravel carpark on the left
- Follow the signage along Rocky Point trail to the lookout
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Opening hours: Allen Strom lookout is:
- Always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger
Facilities: lookout, trackhead/access point
Gerrin Point lookout
Soak up the scenery at Bouddi National Park’s Gerrin Point lookout.
Gerrin Point lookout is located along Bouddi coastal walk, reached from the eastern end of Putty Beach. It’s easy to find from Putty Beach, simply follow the track for about 1.2km, and then climb the stairs to a boardwalk which leads to the Gerrin Point lookout.
Once there, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Maitland Bay and the Bouddi National Park Marine Extension. Backed by the Bouddi Grand Deep rainforest, these views are second-to-none. There’s a comfortable bench built into the lookout fence, making it an ideal spot to rest your legs and take in the coastal views and sea air. If you're there during whale watching season, you're in for an extra treat. Don't forget to record your whale sighting.
Activities: sightseeing, whale watching, birdwatching, photography
Location:
shown on Maitland Bay map
Getting there: Gerrin Point lookout is on Bouddi coastal walk, which begins at Putty Beach picnic area located in the Putty Beach precinct of Bouddi National Park.
- Turn into Wards Hill Road at Empire Bay
- Turn right into The Scenic Road at Killcare Heights
- Turn left into Putty Beach Road and continue past the campground to the picnic area
- The walk commences approx 300m away at the eastern end of Putty Beach
- Follow Bouddi coastal walk for approx 1.2km to the lookout
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD (no long vehicle access).
Marie Byles Lookout
Wheelchair access: easy
Parking is available at the lookout
Marie Byles Lookout, one of the most popular in the area, is on the Scenic Road at Killcare Heights and can easily be reached by car. During the early 1930s the Federation of Bushwalking Clubs, of which Marie Byles was a member, prompted the reservation of lands north and south of Maitland Bay. The lookout gives commanding views of Putty Beach, Box Head, Broken Bay and Barrenjoey Head.
Activities: sightseeing, whale watching, photography
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Water supply: No water available
