URGENT UPDATE: Lincoln’s Rock at Wentworth Falls will close for up to three months beginning January 22, due to escalating safety and environmental concerns. Authorities have confirmed that the closure will last until at least April 30, when the situation will be reevaluated.
The iconic lookout has seen a staggering increase in visitor numbers, with many ignoring safety warnings at this unfenced site. Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill emphasized the risks: “Lincoln’s Rock is a stunning but inherently dangerous clifftop location within a World Heritage-listed area.” He noted that despite ongoing safety improvements, visitor disregard for warning signs has prompted this urgent decision.
The decision to close the lookout reflects a growing concern for both public safety and environmental integrity. Mayor Greenhill stated, “While we understand how much locals and tourists value this site, we cannot in good conscience keep it open while people ignore basic safety precautions at an unfenced cliff edge.”
Visitors have increasingly ventured into the surrounding bushland, which has severely impacted native vegetation and wildlife. “The sheer volume of visitor numbers are beyond an acceptable threshold for this environmentally and culturally significant site,” Greenhill added.
In response to these challenges, the council is developing a comprehensive management plan for Lincoln’s Rock, set to be released for community consultation in April. This plan will tackle critical issues such as environmental degradation, traffic congestion, illegal parking, litter management, and impacts on local residents, while exploring safe and sustainable access options for the lookout.
The spike in visitors has been fueled by social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram. Notably, the site gained even more attention after a visit from a member of the South Korean K-pop group, Blackpink, in December 2024, further elevating its profile.
The community and local officials are hopeful that the closure will lead to a safer environment for all. “Our goal is to reopen Lincoln’s Rock as soon as possible, but only when it can be done safely and sustainably,” Greenhill affirmed.
As the situation develops, residents and tourists alike are encouraged to stay informed and support initiatives that prioritize safety and environmental preservation. For updates on the management plan and reopening timeline, stay tuned to local news sources.
