Perrys lookdown upgrades

Perrys lookdown is a spectacular viewpoint at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains National Park. It is the entry point to the popular Grose Valley walking trails, enjoyed by many visitors each year.

View from Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest walking track over the Grose Gorge, BlackheathWe are delivering a range of upgrades at the popular Perrys lookdown and Anvil Rock lookout visitor precincts to improve visitor access and provide for sustainable visitor experiences.

As part of the work, we are upgrading the fire trails in the area to improve our firefighting capability, in accordance with our Fire Access and Fire Trail Plan. The delivery of this work is part of a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) commitment to manage bushfire risk and provide for a safe, standardised approach to fire trail management and fighting fires.

The plan

The work involves:

  • Sealing Perrys Lookdown Road and Anvil Rock Road
  • Formalising car parking at Perrys lookdown, including catering for bus parking
  • Delivering new picnic facilities at the Perrys lookdown day-use area
  • Upgrading road drainage to improve vehicle safety and stormwater quality
  • Upgrading and maintenance of fire trails in the area.

The work will comply with strict environmental and cultural heritage planning approvals.

The timeline

The works are scheduled to occur between October 2023 and March 2024 and will require a staged closure of Perrys lookdown, Anvil Rock lookout, the walking trail to the Grose Valley and the Acacia Flat camping area as follows:

  • 3 October to 20 December 2023 – visitor access to the areas will be closed for drainage, earthworks and pavement preparation work
  • 21 December 2023 to 29 January 2024 – the areas will be open for visitors during the peak summer holidays
  • 30 January to 1 March 2024 – visitor access to the areas will be closed to allow for the completion of the work.

The upgrades are part of the largest ever investment in visitor infrastructure in NSW national parks, which aims to improve the visitor experience, cater for increased visitation, and bolster the visitor economy.

Visit our webpage for closure alerts and visitor information.

Rocky lookout over the valley with metal safety fence
Unsealed car park at Anvil Rock