An iconic lookout in the Blue Mountains has been closed after the local council raised concerns about visitor safety and environmental damage.
Lincoln’s Rock, located in Wentworth Falls west of Sydney, offers uninterrupted views across the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, including Mount Solitary and the Jamison Valley.
The unfenced clifftop lookout allows visitors to sit on the rock’s edge, contributing to its popularity as a photography spot and its growing presence on social media.
Interest in the site surged in 2023 after K-Pop star Jennie shared a video of herself sitting on the edge of the rock.
The singer and actress has more than 89 million followers on Instagram.
Over many decades, some visitors have also carved names or initials into the rock, prompting concerns about long-term degradation.
Blue Mountains City Council announced the lookout would be closed until April, citing that the site is not equipped to safely manage the significant increase in visitors.
Mayor Mark Greenhill said some visitors were ignoring basic safety warnings.
“Lincoln’s Rock is a stunning but inherently dangerous clifftop location within a World Heritage-listed area,” he said.
“While we understand how much locals and tourists value this site, we cannot in good conscience keep it open while people ignore basic safety precautions at an unfenced cliff edge.”
Greenhill said the closure would allow council to review options to improve safety at the site while also protecting the surrounding environment.
“As the popularity of the site has grown, visitors have ventured further into intact bushland which significantly impacts upon native vegetation and wildlife,” he said.
During the closure, council will also assess issues including illegal parking, littering and traffic congestion.
Lincoln’s Rock did not have a formal car park for many years, with a small, basic facility only introduced in 2021.
Images: Shutterstock
