Holmes lookout

Clyde River National Park

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Overview

Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.

Type
Lookouts
Where
Clyde River National Park in South Coast
Accessibility
Medium
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
 

Sitting up high on the ridge line, Holmes lookout offers spectacular scenic views looking out over mighty Clyde River as it winds its way towards the sparkling blue of the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll see Batemans Bay to the southeast and glimpses of the beautiful Budawang Ranges to the northwest. Breathe deeply and take in the fresh air and smells of the Aussie bush.

Pack a picnic, sit back and enjoy the views with a hot cuppa and a gourmet feast. It’s only a short drive from Batemans Bay, so you can do a whole day trip or just watch the sunset, then head back to town in time for dinner.

Set among the beautiful tall gums, it’s also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, particularly early morning and late afternoon. Look out for vibrantly coloured parrots and laughing kookaburras in the branches above. You’ll also see honeyeaters, treecreepers, yellow robin and eastern spinebills.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://uat.nswparks.cloud/things-to-do/lookouts/holmes-lookout/local-alerts

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All the practical information you need to know about Holmes lookout.

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Holmes lookout is in Clyde River National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Forests along the foreshore

    Beach campground in Clyde River National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

    Clyde River National Park has patches of rare forest red gum and three endangered ecological communities; swamp oak floodplain forest; river-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains; and coastal saltmarsh. Mangroves along the river also provide important fish nurseries.

    • Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.

    Protecting the unique

    Glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), Clyde River National Park. Photo: Michael Murphy

    As you enjoy the natural beauty of the Clyde River National Park, you’ll see the unique plants and animals protected here. The threatened glossy black cockatoo finds much needed feed trees such as black she-oak in the park. The yellow-bellied glider and masked owl, also a threatened species, make homes here where trees with suitable nest hollows for living and breeding occur.

    • Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.

    Sites and storylines

    Views looking towards the Clyde River, Clyde River National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

    Welcome to the land of the Walbunja people. Clyde River, or Bhundoo as the locals call it, has provided an abundant food source for Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Several middens have been found along the shores where there are freshwater soaks and flat areas suitable for camping. The river, islands, and surrounding bushlands also have important cultural significance for the Walbunja people. Holmes lookout is part of a local dreaming story and was an important meeting and communication point due to its high vantage point.

    Waterway wonders

    Camping in Red Gum campground, Clyde River National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

    The waterways of Clyde River offer plenty of options to explore and enjoy. Launch your boat, kayak or canoe to see the natural beauty here from the water. Explore the shorelines paddling along the river and see the abundant birdlife. There are also plenty of spots to enjoy a peaceful swim in the calm waters of the river, or throw in a fishing line and relax as you watch the world go by.

    • Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.

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