Jerrawangala lookout

Jerrawangala National Park

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Overview

Hike to Jerrawangala lookout in Jerrawangala National Park for scenic views out to Gerroa, Ulladulla, Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin and Swan Lake.

Type
Lookouts
Accessibility
Easy
Opening times

Jerrawangala lookout is always open unless closed due to vandalism or fire danger 

What to
bring
Drinking water

There are few more uplifting ways to start a day than taking in a sunrise from the peak at Jerrawangala lookout, with its sweeping, panoramic views out over the hinterland to the coast, from Gerroa down to Ulladulla, encompassing Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin and Swan Lake.

The 30m walk from the carpark to the lookout winds its way along an elevated walkway, which itself provides gorgeous views out in several directions. Look southwards to see nearby Morton National Park, eastwards to gaze up and down the coast, and northwards along the dramatic cliffs of the escarpment.

Along the way, you might even see wedge-tailed eagles or peregrine falcons soaring high above the cliff tops.

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/jerrawangala-lookout/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

To get there:

  • Drive 35km southwest of Nowra along Braidwood Road
  • Turn left onto Wandean Road and drive 3km
  • Turn right onto Jerrawangala Lookout Road and drive 1km to the lookout carpark

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at the lookout carpark where the elevated walkway starts, which is approximately 30 metres to the escarpment edge. The carpark is not suitable for larger buses.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Make the most of the cooler weather to walk along one of the park's more challenging trails, such as Butterbush trail, to the escarpment edge.

Spring

Take a drive along Yarran Road through the striking forests and soak in the wonderful wildflower displays in the surrounding open fields.

Summer

Get up early to enjoy sunrise from Jerrawangala lookout, where you'll enjoy clear, crystal views all out along the coast and hinterland.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 24°C

Highest recorded

40.6°C

Winter temperature

Average

9°C and 17°C

Lowest recorded

-3.2°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

May

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

316.7mm

Facilities

Picnic tables

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

  • The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.
  • 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).

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

  • This area is fully wheelchair-accessible

Wheelchair facilities

  • Elevated walkway

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

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

Diverse geology and landscapes

Views from Jerrawangala lookout, Jerrawangala National Park. Photo: R Phelps

Jerrawangala National Park is a pristine long, narrow parcel of land located along the Turpentine Range, which is part of the Great Eastern Escarpment. The park protects a range of vital landscapes, including flat plateau country, sandstone cliffs, scree slopes and gently sloping coastal hinterland.

  • Jerrawangala lookout Hike to Jerrawangala lookout in Jerrawangala National Park for scenic views out to Gerroa, Ulladulla, Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin and Swan Lake.

The Dharawal connection

Jerrawangala lookout, Jerrawangala National Park. Photo: R Phelps

The Dharawal People have a longstanding association with this land, including important trade and cultural links to other groups in neighbouring areas. Today, the landscape, plants, animals and physical features within the landscape all form an integral part of the cultural heritage of the local Aboriginal people. Several Aboriginal sites have been recorded in the park, including campsites, a scarred tree with an ancient axe grinding groove, and a rock shelter.

Walk with the animals and discover vibrant vegetation

Jerrawangala Lookout, Jerrawangala National Park. Photo: R Phelps

Animal-lovers will find plenty to observe at Jerrawangala, while wildlife photographers can have a literal field day here. The park's wildlife statistics are pretty impressive: 19 mammal species, 57 bird species, 23 types of reptiles, and 14 different amphibians. Among the threatened species you may spot here are eastern pygmy possums, grey-headed flying foxes, gang-gang cockatoos, sooty owls, and giant burrowing and heath frogs. Within Jerrawangala National Park, there are also different types of unique and distinctive vegetation, including several significant and threatened species such as the ettrema mallee, the albatross mallee and Bauer's midge orchid. Several regionally rare orchid species also thrive in the park, including a new species of leek orchid.

  • Jerrawangala lookout Hike to Jerrawangala lookout in Jerrawangala National Park for scenic views out to Gerroa, Ulladulla, Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin and Swan Lake.

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