Echo Point (lookout) facts for kids

Echo Point is a famous lookout spot in Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia. It's about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the town. This amazing place attracts a huge number of visitors every year, usually between 1.5 and 2 million people!

From Echo Point, you can see incredible views of some of Australia's most famous natural landmarks. These include the towering Three Sisters rock formation, the massive Mount Solitary, and another interesting rock shape called the Ruined Castle.

Just a short walk from the main lookout, you'll find the start of The Giant Stairway. This stairway lets you explore many nature trails and walking paths that wind through the beautiful Jamison Valley. It's a great way to get up close with the stunning scenery.

What is Echo Point?

Echo Point is a special viewing platform built on the edge of a cliff. It gives visitors a wide, open view of the vast Blue Mountains landscape. It's one of the most popular places to visit in the Blue Mountains region.

Why is it called Echo Point?

The name "Echo Point" comes from the way sounds used to echo across the valley. If you shouted from the lookout, your voice would bounce back to you from the cliffs on the other side. While the echo might not be as strong today due to more trees and buildings, the name reminds us of this cool natural phenomenon.

The Three Sisters Legend

One of the most famous sights from Echo Point is the Three Sisters. These are three giant rock pillars that stand side-by-side. They are very important to the local Aboriginal people, the Gundungurra tribe.

The Story of the Three Sisters

There's a famous Aboriginal legend about the Three Sisters. It tells the story of three beautiful sisters named Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo. They lived in the Jamison Valley. A fearsome creature, a Bunyip, lived in the valley too. To protect the sisters from the Bunyip, a wise elder turned them into stone. He planned to turn them back later, but he lost his magic stick. So, the three sisters remain as stone pillars, watching over the valley forever. This legend makes the view from Echo Point even more special.

Exploring Jamison Valley

The Jamison Valley is a huge, ancient valley filled with lush forests, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. It's part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, recognized globally for its natural beauty.

The Giant Stairway

From Echo Point, you can walk down The Giant Stairway. This stairway has over 800 steps carved into the cliff face! It leads you deep into the Jamison Valley. It's a challenging but rewarding walk that lets you experience the rainforest up close.

What can you see on the walks?

Once you're in the valley, there are many walking tracks to explore. You can see different kinds of plants, listen to birds, and discover hidden waterfalls. Some paths lead to other famous spots like the Scenic Railway or the Katoomba Falls. It's a great way to connect with nature and see the Blue Mountains from a different perspective.

Visiting Echo Point

Echo Point is open all year round, and it's free to visit. There are facilities like toilets, a visitor information center, and shops where you can buy souvenirs or snacks. It's a perfect place for families and friends to enjoy the stunning views and learn about the Blue Mountains.

Images for kids

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  Echo Point

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  View from Echo Point

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  View across the Jamison Valley, from Echo Point