Unofficial guide · verify with NSW National Parks

Brisbane Water National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Staples & Warrah lookouts

Guide updated · verify NSW National Parks before you travel

Easy-access viewpoints over sandstone country and Broken Bay — Plan B when waterfall car parks fill.

  • Best for: Low-effort views, photography, overflow days
  • Time: 30–90 minutes
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Panorama from Staples Lookout over sandstone country, Brisbane Water National Park
Staples & Warrah lookouts — Staples LookoutPhoto: FotoSleuth · CC BY 2.0

Getting there

Drive & access notes

Staples is the inland/highway-side view; Warrah looks toward Broken Bay / Barrenjoey. Confirm signed parking on NPWS maps.

Vehicle entry fees often apply in Brisbane Water fee areas — confirm live amounts and payment (machines / Park'nPay / passes) on official pages. Hide valuables; busy trailheads attract theft.

The other face of the park

Most marketing photos are waterfalls. The park also delivers sandstone lookouts and Hawkesbury / Broken Bay horizons. Staples and Warrah are how you sample that without a GNW day.

Cycling loops (Tommos, Rocky Ponds, Warrah Trig) are official NPWS trails — check status; they are not the usual first visit.

If anyone in the group cannot do Somersby steps, this is the honest Plan B. It is still a national-park day. It is not a substitute if the group’s only goal was a waterfall photo.

Staples Lookout

Inland / highway-side sandstone views with picnic tables. Easy-access stop, still unfenced edges. Do not pull over on the Pacific Motorway corridor for “the view”. Signed parking only. Confirm live facilities and any vehicle-fee rules on the official NPWS Staples page.

Warrah Lookout

Southern / Patonga-side views toward Broken Bay and Barrenjoey Head on a clear day. Wind can be sharper than the waterfall rainforest. Pair with Patonga village food after — still carry walk water. Edge discipline applies.

Highlights at a glance

  • Staples Lookout picnic tables
  • Warrah Lookout estuary/headland views
  • Cycling loops nearby (Tommos, Rocky Ponds, Warrah Trig)

Practical tips

  • Clear days for Warrah.
  • Staples as Plan B when Somersby is full.
  • Sun and wind — hat even on a “short lookout”.
  • Lookouts may stay open when picnic car parks lock — still check fire/weather closures.

Facilities & services

  • Picnic tables at Staples

Confirm toilets, parking and open facilities on the day via official sources and on-site signage.

Walks & lookouts nearby

Grades, times and open/closed status change — open each guide and verify on NSW National Parks before you go.

Staples Lookout

easy

Best for: Low-effort views, Plan B when waterfall car parks are full

Easy-access lookout with picnic tables and sandstone country views. A legitimate Plan B when Somersby or Girrakool parking is full — not a substitute for the waterfall walk if that was the day’s point.

Grade
Easy lookout
Time
15–40 minutes
Distance
Short lookout / picnic stop

View full guide →

Warrah Lookout

easy

Best for: Broken Bay / Barrenjoey Head views, photography

Lookout toward Broken Bay and Barrenjoey Head — the “estuary and headland” face of a park most visitors only see as a waterfall. Pair with Warrah Trig cycling loop only if you came to ride.

Grade
Easy lookout
Time
20–45 minutes
Distance
Short lookout stop

View full guide →

All walks comparison

Itineraries that use this area

Full timelines with packing, parking tips and print/download support.

Half day

Lookouts + picnic (low-step day)

Staples and/or Warrah lookouts, picnic tables, optional Patonga food. Honest Plan B when falls car parks are full.

Open plan →

Map

Orientation only — confirm trailheads, parking and road status before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google MapsGet directions

FAQ — Lookouts

Tap a question to expand the answer.

Do lookouts need the same picnic-area hours?

Girrakool and Somersby Falls picnic areas lock. Other areas may stay open, but the park can still close for weather or fire danger. Verify on NPWS.

Is this a substitute for Somersby Falls?

Only if stairs or parking made the waterfall a no. The views are real; they are not the three-cascade walk.

Can I cycle here?

Official NPWS cycling loops include Tommos / Rocky Ponds and Warrah Trig. Check trail status. Not the default first visit.

Free Brisbane Water day planner

Printable planner: packing ticks, Somersby vs Girrakool decision, picnic lock times, limited reception notes and official NPWS links — PDF and HTML, no email gate.

  • Decision tree: Somersby Falls · Girrakool Loop · lookouts · longer sandstone
  • Picnic-area lock times (7am–8pm / 7am–6pm)
  • Fee split: vehicle day vs camping vs permits
  • Official NPWS / Park’nPay / Emergency+ links
Download free planner (PDF)View / print HTMLContact policy

Free direct download — no email required. Also available anytime from Maps & resources · Itineraries · Privacy.

Stays & tours near Lookouts

Optional next steps after official links. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Park fees and official NPWS bookings are never affiliated.

Nearby stays

Gosford (primary) · Woy Woy · Terrigal · Umina

All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official NPWS camping and park bookings are never affiliated.

Guided tours

Optional Central Coast / Sydney days — not a substitute for self-drive park walks

A tour does not replace checking NSW National Parks alerts, picnic lock times, or track status yourself.

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry fees and NSW National Parks camping bookings are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy

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