When we see a beautiful view, our mind naturally wakes up from our petty little big problems to appreciating the cool fresh air, from our feelings of hunger or busyness to being alive—to wherever we're at. Views of the outdoors, or elegant architecture—anything vast, and awesome—remind us of the dreamlike nature of our serious, solid reality.⁠
⁠
People want to be connected with nature. And that instinct is wise. Views actually help us be a better colleague, partner, or friend by continually popping us out of small mind.⁠
⁠
When we see a tree outside our window, or a yellow moon over the mountain, or rolling forests, or a vast plain with rising clouds, or a silver, cool creek rippling down the valley, our habitual neurosis fades, and we can simply be.
⁠
The above is an excerpt from soon to be released ‘It’s Never too Late to Fall in Love with your Life’ by Waylon Lewis which I loved and thought you may too.

So why not make it that this year that you drive, stop, and drink in the view and simply be.

Top-rated lookouts in NSW include;

• Cambewarra Mountain Lookout, Kangaroo Valley - plenty of parking. Views over Nowra and Shoalhaven. Has a café/restaurant

• Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Shoal Bay - take the stairs to the top for amazing views. Takes about an hour. Spots to stop and rest along the way

• Echo Point, Leura - check out the view of the Three Sisters. No climb involved

• Mount Keira Lookout, Wollongong - views of Wollongong and the ocean.

• Hill 60 Lookout, Port Kembla - a great spot for some whale watching. Listen to the local radio station as they will let you know when the whales are out.

• Govetts Leap Lookout, Blue Mountains - drive and hop out. Beautiful view over the green mountains and a few waterfalls

• Hawkesbury Lookout, Hawkesbury Heights - no walking involved. Views over the Nepean Valley

• Gan Gan Hill Lookout, Nelson Bay - drive up and then a short walk

• Snapper Point Lookout, Kiola - short uphill walk to the lookout. Views of Pretty Beach. Great spot for whale watching

• Brokers Nose Lookout, Wollongong - you can only get to it by a fairly easy bushwalk

Some lookouts are an easy car ride, others you need to put in a bit of effort and climb to the top but the view is always worth it. You can’t go wrong being out in nature.

Bonus Lookouts elsewhere in Australia that you should also add to your list which offer incredible views include;

• Kim’s Lookout, Lord Howe Island - medium grade walk to get there. Best at sunrise

• Wineglass Bay Lookout, Tasmania - 1.5 hour return steep climb to the top

• The Neck Lookout, Bruny Island, Tasmania - take the staircase to the top

• Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitsunday Island - walk around 40 minutes

• Passage Peak, Hamilton Island - difficult climb to the top but worth it for the view over the Island

What lookouts can you recommend in NSW or elsewhere in Australia? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.