Ahearns Lookout is an alternative walk to the Starlights Trail, in Nattai National Park south-west of Sydney. There are excellent views from the precipitous cliff edge over the Nattai River Valley. Along the way there are rocky outcrops and clearings, plus occasional broken views through the trees. Well worth the only moderate effort.
We’d done Starlights a few times before, but I only became aware of Ahearns Lookout after studying the topo map. Others have done it, so its not a secret, but I didn’t meet anybody else on a Saturday. There were lots of cars in the car park and I’m not sure where these people went. On my way back I met two others returning on the Starlights Trail and they hadn’t seen anybody else in two days. Track notes at the end.
Ahearns Lookout Track: The Scenery
Here’s a video from roughly this spot on my second visit to the area:
Track Notes
You start at the same car park for the Starlights Trail, at Wattle Ridge. From there follow the fire trail around a left hand bend, and later taker a left turn. Go past the unofficially signposted turn off for the Starlights Trail, continuing down the fire trail until you see a foot track to the right. This is also unofficially signposted as the Ahearns Track (or Trail; in 2025 at least).
Continue along this impact track, with broken views, clearings and rocky outcrops, until you get to a lookout on your right. After enjoying the views continue on down the track to the end of the track at the cliff edge. Wander around here to get various views up and down the Nattai River Valley, and return the way you came. Roughly 2 hours walking each way.
There’s more info on this area (specifically the Starlights Trail) on the NPWS website.
