McLean Lookout: The best lookout on the Beaches 

It might be a bold claim to say I’ve found the best lookout on the Northern Beaches, given that we are spoiled with a plethora of vistas, but it’s one I’m willing to hang my hat on. 

Perched on the dizzying heights of Collaroy Plateau is a surprisingly empty lot at the end of the residential stretch of Edgecliffe Boulevard, known as McLean Lookout. Aside from a small council sign and a couple of dotted park benches, the patch of grass looks unassuming. Parking on the road and getting out of your car soon tells another story…

Standing on the plateau cliffside, I take in the expansive views around me as the sun radiates on my face on a beautifully stunning clear winter day. To my right, the expansive ocean stretches beyond the horizon in front of me and glitters with diamond-like reflections from the sun. Directly in front of me, the tree-lined grid of Collaroy and Narrabeen suburbs are alight with cars driving up the coast, over the Narrabeen bridge, as they venture further north. 

From this vantage, a giant palm tree and neighbouring bush covers Narrabeen Lagoon to my left. But as I venture further into the reserve, I come out to a clearing and catch glimpses of wind surfers taking advantage of a windy day on the lake. I revel in a silent moment, sitting on a sandstone rock, to soak up the warmth from the protected pocket of tree lined bushes. 

As I stand there, I have immense appreciation for the decision to keep this land clear of residential housing so passers-by could soak up the million dollar views the neighbouring houses get to enjoy.  

While council has enhanced the area with an elevated walkway along Edgecliffe Boulevard from McLean Lookout to the Edgar Gornall Wildflower Garden, it’s otherwise undisturbed nature. Or of course, there is the unofficial trail in the bush linking the two as well. 

This little pocket of nature sits high on the Collaroy Escarpment, acting as a habitat corridor linking Narrabeen and Dee Why Lagoons. Filling these reserves along the steep cliff faces, is also a unique and currently ‘threatened in Warringah’ vegetation community known as Narrabeen Escarpment Scrub. It contains essential food sources for birdlife like the Regent Honeyeater and Glossy Black Cockatoo.

I understand why the birdlife flocks to this hidden sanctuary as I explore the edges of the wildflower garden, uncovering secluded caves and watching cockatoos dance from tree to tree. With its rare vegetation, vital wildlife corridor, and unparalleled views, this spot is a must-visit along the coast and a treasure trove of natural beauty. 

Did you know…

According to Warringah Council documents, McLean’s Lookout is “named after the McLean family, who were very prominent in the development of Narrabeen.” The nearby wildflower garden also pays homage to a helpful local named Edgar Gornall who was one of the founding members of the Collaroy Plateau Garden Club in 1959. The annual Warringah Wildflower Festival also used to take place here and “over 600 native plants were planted here.”

How to get there 

Easily accessible by car, just head north on Edgecliffe Boulevard in Collaroy Plateau and find some street parking near house number 60. Alternatively, you can hop on the 180 Collaroy Plateau bus and alight at Edgecliffe and Acacia Street. Or if you’re looking for a gruelling, but short, uphill climb, start on Wetherill Street and walk up the hill. You’ll come across a lightly trodden path where the road ends that winds its way through the bush up to the reserve. But be careful, this involves some rock scrambling.