Finchley lookout

Yengo National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Finchley lookout offers spectacular views over this remote wilderness area and an insight into the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Yengo National Park.

Type
Lookouts
Where
Yengo National Park in Sydney and surrounds, North Coast
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
  • Check the weather before you set out as the road to Finchley Lookout can become boggy when it rains

Looking out across the remote wilderness from Finchley lookout, you would never know you were just a few hours from Sydney or Newcastle.

Take in the spectacular views and perhaps enjoy a cold drink, or a cup of tea from the picnic basket in the car. Look closely and you might just see a wedge-tailed eagle soaring high above in search of prey.

Marvel at the majestic Mount Yengo standing tall in the distance and read about the rich Aboriginal heritage in the park and surrounding area.

Then, why not head to the nearby Finchley campground? Be sure to take a short stroll and see the fascinating Aboriginal rock engravings.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/finchley-lookout/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

  • in Yengo National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and North Coast regions

  • Yengo National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    The Big Yango precinct of the park is within locked gates and requires a permit to enter.

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Finchley lookout.

Getting there and parking

Finchley lookout is in the Finchley area of Yengo National Park.To get there:

  • Take Yango Creek Road south from Wollombi township or from just south of Laguna turn west off the Great North Road onto Yango Creek Road.
  • Continue onto Upper Yango Creek Road and follow west onto the Finchley track which will take you to the lookout.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Finchley lookout.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Yengo National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Try mountain bike-riding around the Mount Yengo loop trail.

Spring

Set up camp at either Blue Gums or Mountain Arm campground and enjoy the stunning spring wildflower display.

Summer

Great for 4WD touring, experience those amazing sunsets and spectacular views from Finchley lookout.

Winter

Make Big Yango House your base to explore the park, enjoy warm days on the veranda and chilly nights by the fireplace.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

  • The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
  • This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more

Finchley lookout is in Yengo National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Amazing animal and birdlife

    Small flower on the Circuit Flat walking track, Yengo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Yengo is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including around 50 species of mammals such as wombats, wallaroos, koalas and gliding possums, and over 200 species of birds. Watch out for the gang gang, yellow-tailed and glossy black cockatoos gliding between the treetops, or see if you can spot a lyrebird darting across bush tracks. Look closely at the steep rugged cliff faces found in the park as you might catch a glimpse of the endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby.

    Ancient Aboriginal culture

    Howes trail, Yengo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Yengo National Park and the surrounding areas have been an important spiritual and cultural place for the Darkinjung and Wonnarua People for thousands of years. No wonder there are over 640 recorded Aboriginal cultural sites in the park and nearby areas. Creation stories recount that Biamie, the ancestral being, stepped off the flat top of Mount Yengo into the sky when he finished his creation. Today, Aboriginal stories and rock engravings connect us with the rich culture of this ancient land and its people.

    • Finchley cultural walk An astonishing wealth of ancient Aboriginal rock art, as well as great insights into Aboriginal history, draws visitors to the Finchley cultural walk.
    • Finchley lookout Finchley lookout offers spectacular views over this remote wilderness area and an insight into the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Yengo National Park.
    • Wollombi Aboriginal culture tours and camps Immerse yourself in the world’s oldest living culture and visit important spiritual and cultural sites in and around Yengo National Park on tours with Wollombi Aboriginal Cultural Experiences and Consultancy.

    Remote wilderness to discover

    Finchley lookout, Yengo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Yengo offers a range of activities and options for all ages. Unsealed tracks through remote valleys provide opportunities to explore the park on mountain bike or by 4WD. For bushwalkers, there are many options to experience the rugged beauty of the park on foot, with both short walks and overnight walks. In the Big Yango precinct, there are even opportunities for horse riding adventures.

    • Big Yango loop trail Big Yango loop trail is a great activity for 4WD touring and mountain biking when staying at Blue Gums campground, Mountain Arm campground or Big Yango House in Yengo National Park.
    • Howes trail Drive through open forests along Howes trail, a must-do 4WD touring route in Yengo National Park.

    World Heritage wonders

    View of Mount Yengo , Mount Yengo loop trail, Yengo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Yengo National Park is one of the eight conservation areas that make up the massive Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. Covering one million hectares, it was included in the World Heritage list in December 2000 for its remarkable geographic, botanic and cultural values. There are more than 90 different eucalypt species found here - some 13 per cent of all eucalypt species in the world.

    • Howes trail Drive through open forests along Howes trail, a must-do 4WD touring route in Yengo National Park.
    • Shepherds Gully circuit Step back in time on Shepherds Gully circuit. A short loop, it's ideal for bushwalkers looking for a quick adventure in Yengo National Park.

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