We’ve been to Carrington Falls umpteen times. It’s one of our favourite spots to take visiting friends and family, and it’s a place we visit ourselves regularly, especially in the summer when the Blue Pool and Nellie’s Glen call our names.
But we’d never explored the northern side of Carrington Falls, so we decided to check out that part of Budderoo National Park, starting with the Missingham Lookout Walk.
It turned out to be the perfect length, with wide trails, and we were rewarded with not one, but two stunning views.
Here’s everything you need to know about this walk, just southeast of Robertson.
Quick Facts About The Missingham Lookout Walk
- Length: 5km round trip
- Time: About 1 hour (with a couple of wrong turns and photo stops!)
- Difficulty: Easy, with a few rocky sections
- Family Friendly: Yes, kids will love the creek crossings
- Dog Friendly: No, it’s in a National Park
Getting To Missingham Lookout Walk
To get to the Missingham Lookout Walk, turn right at the Robertson Pie Shop and head down Jamberoo Mountain Road for about 5kms. Then, take the Carrington Falls signposted turn-off on your right. Continue on Carrington Falls Road and take the first car park on your right (it’s only 1.5km from the turn-off).
If you reach the main Carrington Falls car park, you’ve gone too far. Drive past the camping ground on your right, and you’ll find the small car park with a shelter. The trailhead is located on the right-hand side of the shelter.
What To Expect On The Missingham Lookout Walk
This walk is family-friendly, with wide trails and a couple of small creek crossings that are always fun for the kids. (Think stick boat races!). You’ll need to keep a close eye on little ones near the beginning of the track close to Blue Pool, but the trail is easy to follow.
Crossing The Creek At Blue Pool
At the start of the walk, you’ll come across a locked gate. Just walk around it and head towards Blue Pool, a popular summer spot. When we were there in June, we saw a few brave swimmers braving the cold waters!
To cross the creek that feeds into the Blue Pool, we easily hopped across some well-placed rocks. If you’re worried about getting your shoes wet, it’s a shallow crossing, so feel free to take your shoes off and step across.
The Path Less Travelled: Finding The Right Trail
After crossing the creek, we made our first wrong turn (whoops!). We followed what seemed like the obvious path on the western side of Blue Pool, but don’t do that!
Instead, head straight ahead after crossing the creek, and the Missingham Lookout path will be there. The track starts off a bit overgrown but quickly opens up to a wider, flatter path. Follow this for about 500 metres and you’ll come to a T-intersection.
We made another wrong turn here (yep, we’re just that adventurous!), turning right instead of following the trail that loops left. But no worries – just veer left, and in another 100 metres, you’ll find a sign with an arrow pointing to Missingham Lookouts – yes, there are two lookouts!
Second Creek Crossing
The next section of track is wide and runs along the boundary fence of a neighbouring property. About halfway, you’ll descend towards a small creek, so be cautious here to avoid any rolled ankles.
When you reach the creek, there’s a small path on the left that leads to an easy spot to jump across. The creek is shallow and not very wide, so there’s very little chance of getting wet shoes. Plus, it’s a great spot for kids to hold a stick boat regatta!
Almost There: A Short Ascent To The Eucalypt Forest
A short rocky ascent takes you into a peaceful eucalypt forest, where you’ll find another T-intersection with signs pointing to the East and West Lookouts. Take your pick!
East Lookout: Views Across The Valley
We headed to the East Lookout first, just a short distance from the intersection. On a clear winter’s day, we were grateful for the beautiful blue skies and enjoyed a stunning view across the valley to the Kangaroo River. It’s one of those moments that makes the whole walk worth it.
West Lookout: More Gorgeous Views
After soaking in the views at the East Lookout, we retraced our steps and headed to the West Lookout. The views from here were just as breathtaking, making it a great spot to chill and take in the scenery before heading back to the car park.
Good To Know Before You Go
If you do take a wrong turn and find yourself at the boundary fence of a nearby farm, just follow the fence to the left, and it will eventually lead you back to the main trail – no harm done!
Also, note that there’s no toilet at the trailhead car park, but there is one at the main Carrington Falls car park. We found that out the hard way!
What’s Nearby: Food And Coffee After Your Walk
Once you’ve finished the walk, head into Robertson for a post-hike coffee at one of the lovely local cafés. If you’re feeling hungry, Robertson Public House is the perfect spot for delicious food and a relaxed country pub vibe.
Why Missingham Lookout Walk Is Worth The Hike
The Missingham Lookout Walk is the perfect mix of easy hiking with spectacular views, creek crossings, and plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Southern Highlands. It’s a short but rewarding adventure for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy the views.