Back to previous page

Portal lookout

Glenbrook area in Blue Mountains National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Wheelchair-accessible Portal lookout offers gorge and river views with abseiling and climbing options, near Western Sydney, in Blue Mountains National Park.

Type
Lookouts
Accessibility
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

If you’re driving into the Glenbrook area, the gates are open:

  • First Sunday in October to first Sunday in April 8.30am to 7pm
  • Rest of year 8.30am to 6pm
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen

Perched atop the lower ridges of Blue Mountains National Park, Portal lookout offers magnificent views of the junction between Glenbrook Gorge and the mighty Nepean River. With a wheelchair-accessible path, it’s a perfect pit stop on a car tour or a base for more adventurous thrill seekers who love abseiling and climbing.

Gazing across the dramatic tree-lined gorge to the water, you’ll see how the grand sweep of Nepean River opens up to the Cumberland Plains on the western edge of Sydney. Evidence that the ridge top was an ancient river bed can be found in the large rounded pebbles, called lapstones.

The shapely angophoras, with their elegantly contorted limbs, thrive in this rugged terrain and bearded dragons are often seen sunning themselves on the surrounding rocky outcrops.

If you’re keen to explore the region further, check out the unique Aboriginal art at Red Hands Cave or stay overnight at Euroka campground.

Take a virtual tour of Portal lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Tunnel View lookout, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin © OEH

    Tunnel View lookout

    Located near Glenbrook in Blue Mountains National Park, Tunnel View lookout features scenic views of heritage train tunnels, wildflowers and birdwatching.

  • Family relaxing by their tent in Redgum section of Euroka campground. Photo: OEH/Simone Cottrell

    Euroka campground

    Campsites at Euroka campground are a great spot to pitch a tent in Blue Mountains National Park. Just south of Glenbrook, it’s near to picnic areas and walking tracks.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Bush Trackers

Bush Trackers was created to encourage children to engage with the environment in and around the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. This program highlights the natural and cultural splendour of the greater Blue Mountains through education initiatives and bushwalks.

Charles Darwin walk, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Steve Alton