Stanwell Tops Lookout, NSW: Views & hang-gliding at Bald Hill

The Stanwell Tops Lookout at Bald Hill in the Illawarra region of New South Wales offers one of the best views in Australia – and hang-gliding with history behind it.

What is the Stanwell Tops Lookout

The Stanwell Tops Lookout on Bald Hill is one of the most famous viewpoints in the Illawarra region of New South Wales.

This Illawarra Lookout is on Lawrence Hargrave Drive. This road forms the first part of the scenic drive along the coast to Wollongong.

Tours to the Stanwell Tops Lookout

The Stanwell Tops Lookout features in several tour itineraries, including a full day Kiama and coast tour. This day tour includes an outdoor barbecue lunch, and attractions such as the Kiama Blowhole in Kiama, Bundeena Beach, the Sublime Point Lookout and the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.

At the time of writing, these tours from Sydney cost $247. They should be booked in advance online.

Hang-gliding at Bald Hill

Bald Hill is also one the best spots in Australia for hang-gliding. Unusually, too, it’s not just hang-gliding enthusiasts that can practice here.

Complete novices can book in for a tandem hang-gliding flight that takes off from Bald Hill and lands on Stanwell Park Beach.

Run by Hangglide Oz and costing from $280 at the time of writing, these hang-gliding flights even give you the opportunity to take control of the glider. Again, the experience should be booked in advance online.

Lawrence Hargrave and Stanwell Tops

For everyone else, the Stanwell Tops Lookout on Bald Hill is a marvellous viewpoint with a touch of history to it.

Aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave made a successful flight from here back in 1894. Hargrave used box kites, proving that flying in a heavier than air craft was possible.

There’s a memorial cairn dedicated to him at the top of Bald Hill near the car park.

Once you’ve taken your photos from the Stanwell Tops Lookout, drive down to Stanwell Park Beach – one of the best beaches in Wollongong.