Valley lookout

There's no need to scramble over boulders or hike up cliffs to enjoy views of the Capertee Valley the world's second largest canyon. You can drive right up to Valley lookout, located inside the canyon within Capertee National Park, between Lithgow and Mudgee.

Pack a picnic lunch and relax on the grassy area at the lookout, which looks south across the Capertee River Valley to Blacks Corner and Genowlan Point. Looming above from the rolling farmland and forested hills are the red sandstone cliffs and pagodas that make this area such a geological marvel.

Keep your binoculars handy for birdwatching as there's no better place in the world to spot critically endangered regent honeyeaters. Painted honeyeaters, Lewin's honeyeaters and masked wood swallows are among the other birds seen here.

The lookout is a five kilometre drive or mountain bike ride from historic Capertee Homestead and Woolshed ruins. Stay overnight at the homestead or at charming Capertee Cottage. For something a little more rustic, pitch your tent by the tranquil river at Capertee campground.

It's a great base for a few days of 4WD touring, bushwalking, mountain biking and birdwatching in Capertee and nearby Wollemi, Turon.