Lookouts, Walks & Wild Places — Southern Highlands Guide

You're staying in one of the most beautiful wilderness pockets in NSW. Within a short drive lie dramatic escarpment lookouts, plunging waterfalls, fern-filled glens and the famous Glow Worm Glen. Here are our favourite walks and natural wonders — from gentle 15-minute strolls to challenging full-day descents into the gorges.

Right on Your Doorstep

A few minutes away

Some of the region's most dramatic scenery is in the southern villages closest to The Burrows — Penrose, Wingello and Tallong — and these spots see far fewer visitors than the famous falls.

Closest

Badgery's Lookout

📍 Tallong · ~15 min Lookout · easy

A peaceful, panoramic lookout over the spectacular Shoalhaven gorge and the steep escarpment surrounding it. The car park itself has good views and picnic tables, but the real reward is down the steps at the corner to a fenced rock platform with sweeping views north and south along the valley.

Our tip Drive through Penrose and Wingello to Tallong, turn at the general store. A wonderful spot for a picnic — bring binoculars for peregrine falcons and other birdlife. For the very fit, the steep Badgery's Spur track descends to the Shoalhaven River (a serious half-day return hike).

Closest

Long Point Lookout

📍 Tallong · ~20 min Lookout · easy

Tallong's other great lookout, offering an inspiring view of the dramatic river bend in the Shoalhaven gorge. An easy walking trail leads to the upper lookout; a steeper, more challenging track continues down toward the river.

Our tip Some say the dramatic river bend here is even better than Badgery's — see both and decide for yourself. Follow Long Point Road to the very end.

Closest

Sunnataram Forest Monastery

📍 Bundanoon · ~10 min Gardens · easy

A serene Thai Buddhist forest monastery with peaceful landscaped gardens, ponds and bushland paths. A tranquil, contemplative spot to wander quietly — visitors are warmly welcomed.

Our tip Dress respectfully and keep noise down — it's a working monastery. A lovely calm contrast to the more rugged walks nearby.

Closest

Penrose & Wingello State Forests

📍 Penrose · on your doorstep Forest tracks · easy–mod

Right around the property — a mix of pine plantation and native forest, including the Stingray Swamp Flora Reserve. Quiet management trails are popular for walking, mountain biking and birdwatching, with the first radiata pines in the district planted nearby back in 1919.

Our tip Great for an easy ride or wander straight from The Burrows. Wingello State Forest is also a well-known mountain-biking hub.

Bundanoon & Morton National Park

The local wilderness

Just up the road, Bundanoon is the gateway to a spectacular section of Morton National Park — escarpment lookouts, fern glens, waterfalls, and the magical Glow Worm Glen. Many walks start right from Gambells Rest or the village itself.

Must-do

Glow Worm Glen

📍 Bundanoon · ~10 min ~1 hr return · evening

An absolute must-do. Hundreds of fungus-gnat larvae produce an iridescent light show in a sheltered sandstone grotto — best seen at night. The walk in takes about an hour return through lush bushland from the top of William Street.

Our tip Best viewing is December to February. Go after dark with a torch for the walk in (then switch it off at the glen), tread quietly, and let your eyes adjust. The descent track is steep — take care.

Fairy Bower Falls

📍 Bundanoon · ~10 min ~1 hr loop · moderate

A gorgeous, varied loop just five minutes' drive from Bundanoon village — big boulders, rocky trails, snug staircases, pretty creeks and a lookout at the top of a waterfall. A little bit of everything in under an hour.

Our tip Steep and rocky in parts — good for primary-school-aged kids and up. Park at the Fairy Bower car park or at Gambells Rest and wander down.

Fern Glen Track

📍 Bundanoon · ~10 min ~15 min return · easy

A delightful, very short walk from the Grand Canyon picnic area into a moist, rocky haven of giant king ferns and moisture-loving plants. The perfect "first bushwalk" for little ones.

Our tip Take your camera — the ferns are spectacular. Combine with the Grand Canyon and Cambells lookouts right alongside.

Grand Canyon & Fern Glen Loop

📍 Bundanoon · ~10 min moderate

Breathtaking views over Morton National Park from both the Grand Canyon and Cambells lookouts, before descending into a shaded fern glen with interesting rock formations and birdsong. A great option on a hot day.

Our tip Starts from Bundanoon Loop Road. Cool and shaded in the gully sections.

Bundanoon Lookouts Circuit

📍 from Bundanoon Station half day · moderate

A showcase circuit starting from the station in town, packed with lookouts, picnic spots and even toilets along the way — Echo Point, Bonnie View, Beauchamp Cliffs, Grand Canyon, Gambells and the Glow Worm Glen lookout, all with panoramic views over the park.

Our tip If you'd rather not walk far, you can drive between many of the lookouts. The circuit links them all for those wanting a proper half-day on foot.

Amphitheatre Lookout (Fern Tree Gully)

📍 Bundanoon · ~10 min ~20 min return · easy

Easy access to lovely views — a short walk through Fern Tree Gully to the Amphitheatre lookout. Drive towards Gambells Rest, turn at Riverview Road, and you're nearly there.

Our tip Quick and rewarding if you only have a spare half hour. Connects to Spooner Lookout via Nicholas Pass for a longer option (check it's open first).

The Great Waterfalls

Worth the drive

The Highlands is dripping in waterfalls. These three are the headline acts, clustered near Robertson and Fitzroy Falls — a perfect day's road trip with a pie-shop lunch in between. They're at their thundering best after good rainfall.

Fitzroy Falls

📍 Fitzroy Falls · ~30 min Boardwalk + rim walks

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia — an 80m single drop plunging into the untouched Yarrunga Valley, flowing generously year-round. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads to the main lookout, and the East Rim, West Rim and Wildflower tracks offer more views. The award-winning Visitor Centre has a café, shop and Aboriginal cultural walks.

Our tip The most accessible of the big falls — great for all ages and abilities. Listen for the lyrebird's uncanny mimicry. Parking is around $4 per vehicle.

Carrington Falls

📍 nr Robertson · ~30 min ~1 km · easy

Pure wow factor — a 90m drop cascading down a huge cliff into the valley below. Three lookouts along an easy 1km trail give different perspectives: the first for the best overall view, the second a closer look at the upper section, the third right at the top (no barriers — be cautious).

Our tip Reliable year-round flow and really gushing after heavy rain. Stick to the marked lookouts — the top has unfenced edges.

Belmore Falls

📍 nr Robertson · ~30 min 1.8 km return · grade 3

A dramatic two-tiered waterfall tumbling into Kangaroo Valley, with sweeping Highlands views. The walk starts at Hindmarsh lookout car park (itself a magnificent view) and follows the escarpment to several lookouts.

Our tip Access to the base is permanently closed and fines apply — enjoy it from the lookouts. The approach road from Robertson is narrow, winding and unsealed, so drive carefully.

Make a Day of It

Suggested loops

The Waterfall Road Trip

Full day

Carrington Falls → lunch at the famous Robertson Pie Shop → Belmore Falls → Fitzroy Falls and its visitor centre. Three of NSW's finest waterfalls in a single, scenic loop through the green hills around Robertson.

The Bundanoon Bushwalk Day

Half to full day

Fairy Bower Falls and the lookouts circuit by day, a coffee or lunch in Bundanoon village, then return after dark for the Glow Worm Glen. A perfect way to experience Morton National Park from your doorstep, morning to night.

The Southern Gorges

Half day

Drive through Penrose and Wingello to Tallong for Badgery's and Long Point lookouts over the Shoalhaven gorge — quieter, wilder and closest to home. Pack a picnic and bring binoculars.