Gary P Hayes' Photography Hotspots
Keen amateur photographer after that perfect Blue Mountains shot? We’ve roped in the advice of a pro to give you (and us) expert tips on where to get that perfect pic fit to grace the mantel.
Gary P.Hayes has been an avid photographer since the age of 12 and specialises in emotive landscapes and travelogues. He has travelled and lived in Europe, Asia, USA and currently in Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, Australia. His photography regularly appears in magazines, exhibitions, TV, newspapers and even postage stamps.
You can also see more of Gary's work and order exclusive signed prints from his website.
Read on to get the low-down on Gary's location hotspots in the Blue Mountains:
Middle Platform, Katoomba Falls
A fantastic all-day viewpoint at the halfway point of the 3 stage drop of the main falls. The falls are close up on your left combined with a wonderful view into the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary. A good spot for sunset photos too as the cliffs grow red. A 25-minute walk down the Furber Steps from Scenic World. Google location: Lot 1 Cliff Drive
Cahills Lookout, Katoomba
A very accessible sunset lookout down in the Megalong Valley with Narrowneck Ridge to the left. The lower left lookout is best for images of Narrowneck and the lower right one for images of the cliffs overlooking the valley. Parking very close by. Google location: 258 Cliff Drive
Sublime Point, Leura
An easy to access lookout which extends far into the Jamison Valley and is great at sunrise when the rising sun lights up Mount Solitary, any mist in the valley and the back of the Three Sisters on the right. Parking next to the lookout. Google location: Sublime Point Road
Govett’s Leap, Blackheath
Probably the easiest but best vista lookouts, Govett’s Leap will not disappoint. Best at sunrise when rays shoot from the right across a frequent valley mist and the valley cliffs grow red at sunset. Park at the lookout. Google location: Govett’s Leap Lookout
Valley of the Waters, near Wentworth Falls
One of the best all day walks for stunning waterfalls and great vistas. A descent into a deep gorge along the ridge from Conservation Hut takes in celebrated falls in order – Empress, Sylvia, Edith, Lodore, Flat Rock, Brittania & Vera much lower down. Empress and Sylvia are the nearest and most photographed. Park and 90 minute trail. Google location: 90 Fletcher Street
Pulpit Rock, Blackheath
Pulpit Rock is at the end of a unique trail that goes out on the rim of a promontory that juts out into the Grose Valley. Fantastic views can be had looking West, South and East so sunrises and sunsets are possible. The steep cliffs to the right are worth it alone. Park and 10 mins walk downhill. Google location: Pulpit Rock Lookout
Therabulat Lookout, Katoomba
A favourite sunset lookout that provides an amazing view down to Nellie’s Glen with fantastic cliffs each side to frame the shot. About 15 mins walk down the track from the end of Stuarts Road. Google location: 132/136 Stuarts Road