Point Pilcher Lookout (Medlow Bath)

Summary: Point Pilcher Lookout in Medlow Bath provides great views over Govetts Gorge and the Grose Wilderness, out to Mount Banks. A similar viwe to many of the Blackheath lookouts - but a lot less crowded.

How to get there: Carpark at end of Point Pilcher Road
Walking distance to Lookout: 0.1km (return)
Duration: <1 hour
Grade: Easy
Lookout Rating: 4/5
Height of Lookout: 935m
Topographic map/s: 8930-1S KATOOMBA (1:25K). Buy / Download

A lesser-known lookout in the upper Blue Mountains, Point Pilcher Lookout offers sweeping views over Govetts Gorge and the rugged Grose Wilderness.

Located on top of the Carne Wall, Mount Banks is directly ahead in the distance, with Fortress Ridge on the right.

The lookout was most likely named after Charles Edward Pilcher (1844-1916), a Sydney barrister and politician. The original track to Point Pilcher was built by Mark Foy’s skilled Scottish landscape gardener, Murdo McLennan, in 1907. The current lookout is a few hundred metres to the north-east of the original (Old) Point Pilcher.

Bushwalks near here

There’s no tracks from the lookout, although an off-track route takes you to Frank Walford’s Cave – a cave that was established by Frank Walford, a journalist and author, in the 1920s.

Two trails start from Point Pilcher Road:

The Old Point Pilcher Track, which provides access into the Grand Canyon
Medlow Airstrip Trail which traverses the Katoomba Airfield, crosses Katoomba Creek and connects to Bruces Walk (which goes to Mount Hays Road).

Katoomba Airfield

Near Point Pilcher Lookout is the now disused Katoomba Airfield (or Medlow Bath Airstrip), which opened in 1969 to provide an air “Safety Ramp” for general aviation, as the only fixed aircraft landing area located between Sydney and Central West NSW. In 2008 the commercial lease expired, and the land was leased until 2017, with minimal activity during this time. In September 2017, the Department of Primary Industry called for an Expression of Interest from parties interested in licensing the site, prompting considerable community concern and protests. After a petition of 12,200 signatures opposing the development was presented to NSW Parliament and over 1500 public submissions, the Blue Mountains City Council voted to oppose the development.

1X3A4255 LR Point Pilcher Lookout (Medlow Bath)

1X3A4246 LR Point Pilcher Lookout (Medlow Bath)

1X3A4247 LR Point Pilcher Lookout (Medlow Bath)

Getting to Point Pilcher Lookout

Point Pilcher Lookout is at the end of Point Pilcher Road (which is off Rutland Road), about 7km (or a 15min drive) from Medlow Bath. The last 3.5km is unsealed, but is suitable for all cars.