bald hill lookout & hang gliding spot

We did a short detour from Stanwell Tops to Stanwell Park and really glad we did. On a clear day you can see for miles around. We were able to spot whales, the Sea Cliff Bridge, beaches, national parks et-al.

When I went to Bald hill with my riding friends, I thought that although it's a great establishment it's really scary.

Such beautiful and amazing panoramic view. Just sit there and enjoy watching the ocean waves hit the beach. Also the beautiful birds around.. there 8s also gliding if you like to try it, but just watching the beautiful nature was more than enough for me. I loved it.

After driving through Royal National Park, Bald Hill Lookout was our first stop. After a nearly an hour's drive through lush green trees, the change of landscape was a welcomed sight. We were mesmerized with the magnificent views of sea, beach, town and everything else that you can see as far as the eyes could go. If you are cold-phobic like me, don a jacket to keep yourself warm. Make sure you hold on to your hat/scarves and anything else that has the potential to fly off as the winds are quite strong too.If you are hungry or itching for a snack, head over to the food van for a cup of coffee and/or soft serve ice-cream. They also have pre-made sandwiches, fruit salads and even chips. There is also a pie shop across the road that promises excellent views too. Unfortunately, they were closed for business on the two occasions we were there.For the adventurous, you can take your sight seeing further by signing up for a hang-gliding experience. We saw a group of 2-3 people gearing up for take off but we did not stay long enough to see.If you're interested to read more about my Grand Pacific Drive experience, go to Lyn, Life Explorer - arazlin.blogspot.com

This place has many good opportunities to learn to hang glide!! It also has great food and coffee. I love the ice cream!!

Liked the ability to sit freely and watch all the action going on!Loved seeing the coastal scenery and the gorgeous horizon ahead.Great seeing how the guys and gals get their gear ready for a jump!Disliked that a lot of the advertising DID NOT appear in English and despite brochures being available they did not display cost - had to scan the brochure to find out! Discoverd prices start at around $180 for a 1/2 hour ride (approximately)Parking hard to obtain as it is a very very busy spot!Bring warm clothing - the wind up here can be chilly indeed!

This is a nice lookout. Quite a long drive. It is super windy here. So be careful when opening your car door and be careful of your hat and stuff!!

The views from the lookout go for miles & give a great vista of the coast south to Wollongong & beyond. A great way to spend a morning especially if the hang gliders and para-sailers are flying. Make sure you take your binoculars & camera for some terrific shots especially of the Seacliff Bridge.

Bald Hill Lookout provides a great view across the beaches below the Illawarra Escarpment. The hill’s grassy slope ends in a drop to the sea, so on a fine weekend it is the place to see dozens of daredevil hang gliders take off into the updraughts caused by the southerly winds hitting the cliff face. I found it scary just to watch them. This is a historic spot. There is a monument here to an early Australian pioneer of flight, Lawrence Hargrave, who experimented with box kites on the beach below and underneath the hill is the abandoned, 1550 metre long tunnel of the original (1888-1920) railway line between Sydney and Wollongong.If you are taking overseas visitors here, drive via the Royal National Park (the second oldest national park in the world).

On a recent Sunday visit Bald Hill (Stanwell Tops) was packed with bikers and sightseers.Of course the main attraction were the many hang gliders and para gliders taking off from the "runway" site. A wide range of ages and both sexes, some in tandem, were literally plunging off the grassy area and falling gently to the ocean far below before the wind ensured that would then climb to some dizzying heights.My goodness it must take some guts.It was hair raising just watching them.All on a glorious cloud free day with a moderate southeasterly wind ensuring that the experience was enjoyed by all ........ both doers and watchers!

Bald hill is situated at Stanwell Tops which is a picturesque drive either along the coast road through the National Park or alternatively a pleasant drive down the Princes Highway until you come to the turnoff to Stanwell Park.I could think of no better place to show visitors to Sydney.The views are spectacular and if the wind is suitable hang gliders are abundant.A food van is always located there and sells great coffee and ice creams etc.A great stop off if you are heading south to Wollongong, or just head down the hill to Stanwell Park for lunch or a picnic near the beach. Beware of south coast beaches as they are notoriously rough :)

Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops is a great spot to include on a drive or daytrip. You can include it on the Grand Pacific Drive which includes Stanwell Tops, the Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong and Kiama Blow Hole. If adventurous travel further on to Huskisson on the South Coast for Dolphin watching and lunch. Bald Hill Lookout has great views over Stanwell Park Beach and the Sea Cliff Bridge which is 5 minutes away by car. On most days you can watch the Paragliders and Hang Gliders taking off from Bald Hill. A van operates in the carpark selling ice cream and coffee. Parking is free. You can also include a trip to Bald Hill Lookout with a day out to nearby Stanwell Park Beach for a picnic and swim.

Great view and when the hang gliders are taking off that is interesting too. A good spot for whale watching later in the year. BTW nice ice creams too.

Great view. Picnic spot. Toilets. Parking (view from car when wet). Grassed play space (careful not to run over edge !!!)

Ball Hill Stanwell Tops lookout point. An Australian drove us up here from Sydney one afternoon. The views are great, it is pretty high up. But getting here from Sydney without your own car would be a bit difficult. Nevertheless if you can manage it, it is worth a visit with a good camera (or a hand-glider if you happen to have one).Google Earth Co-ordinates for exact location (paste into the Google Earth search-bar):34°13'26.43"S 150°59'48.20"E