Perched atop the lower ridges of Blue Mountains National Park, Portal lookout offers magnificent views of the junction between Glenbrook Gorge and the mighty Nepean River. With a wheelchair-accessible path, it’s a perfect pit stop on a car tour or a base for more adventurous thrill seekers who love abseiling and climbing.

Gazing across the dramatic tree-lined gorge to the water, you’ll see how the grand sweep of Nepean River opens up to the Cumberland Plains on the western edge of Sydney. Evidence that the ridge top was an ancient river bed can be found in the large rounded pebbles, called lapstones.

The shapely angophoras, with their elegantly contorted limbs, thrive in this rugged terrain and bearded dragons are often seen sunning themselves on the surrounding rocky outcrops.

If you’re keen to explore the region further, check out the unique Aboriginal art at Red Hands Cave or stay overnight at Euroka campground.

Take a virtual tour of Portal lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.