URGENT UPDATE: Lincoln’s Rock at Wentworth Falls will close for a significant three months starting January 22, 2025, due to escalating safety and environmental concerns. The closure will remain in effect until at least April 30, 2025, when officials will reassess the situation.
The iconic lookout has experienced a dramatic surge in visitor numbers, leading to increased safety risks as many individuals ignore warnings at this unfenced site. Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill expressed serious concerns, stating, “Lincoln’s Rock is a stunning but inherently dangerous clifftop location within a World Heritage-listed area.” He emphasized that despite ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures, the volume of visitors continues to jeopardize both personal safety and the surrounding fragile environment.
The council has struggled to manage the influx of tourists, with visitors increasingly venturing into protected bushland, adversely impacting native vegetation and wildlife. “Our goal is to reopen Lincoln’s Rock as soon as possible, but only when it can be done safely and sustainably,” Greenhill added.
The council is currently developing a comprehensive management plan for the Lincoln’s Rock area, which will be open for community consultation in April 2025. This plan aims to address critical issues such as environmental degradation, traffic congestion, illegal parking, and litter management while exploring safe public access options.
The closure follows heightened attention on Lincoln’s Rock, driven by its popularity on social media platforms, including Instagram. Notably, a visit from a member of the South Korean K-pop group Blackpink in December 2024 further amplified its visibility, resulting in an influx of visitors.
As the situation develops, the Blue Mountains Council is committed to ensuring the safety of all visitors and the preservation of this culturally significant site. The community is encouraged to participate in the upcoming consultations to shape the future of Lincoln’s Rock. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
