Unofficial guide · verify with NSW National Parks

Brisbane Water National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Staples Lookout

Guide updated · verify track status, grades and fees on NSW National Parks

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.

  • Easy lookout
  • 15–40 minutes
  • Short lookout / picnic stop
  • Effort: easy
  • Best for: Low-effort views, Plan B when waterfall car parks are full
Verify before you go. Distance, grade, time and open/closed status change — verify on NSW National Parks before you go.
Official NPWS info (verify status)All walks comparisonLookouts area
Panorama from Staples Lookout over sandstone country, Brisbane Water National Park
Staples Lookout — Staples LookoutPhoto: FotoSleuth · CC BY 2.0

Where you start

Staples Lookout picnic / parking

Signed lookout parking on the Central Coast approaches. Confirm current vehicle-fee rules and facilities on the official NPWS Staples lookout page.

How to get there

  1. Sealed 2WD access. Do not stop on the Pacific Motorway corridor for “the view”.
  2. Pay entry where required. Other areas of the park may stay open when picnic-area car parks lock — still check alerts.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Park in signed spaces only. Keep children back from unfenced edges.
  2. This is a lookout stop, not a long walk. Pair with Warrah if you want a second viewpoint.

Who this stop is for

Staples is the low-step Plan B: picnic tables, sandstone views, signed parking. Choose it when waterfall car parks are full or anyone cannot handle Somersby stairs. It is still a national-park stop, not a motorway pull-off.

Do not stop on the Pacific Motorway corridor for “the view”. Confirm live vehicle-fee rules and facilities on the official NPWS Staples lookout page.

Grip shoes, water and a rain shell matter on sandstone steps — kit searches live on the gear hub, not as an Amazon wall on this walk page.

Extra tips

  • Good first stop on a foggy morning while you wait for Somersby spray photos later.
  • Picnic tables — still no open fires.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on NSW National Parks before you drive.

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

Open in Google MapsGet directions

Often paired with Warrah Lookout— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Staples & Warrah lookouts

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. Disclosure · Tours hub

Nearby stays (optional)

After official links: Gosford / Woy Woy / Terrigal beds if you still need them. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Official NPWS camping, park fees and government 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.

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