PECKMAN’S PLATEAU LOOKOUT KATOOMBA
NSW AUSTRALIA
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| Bonnie Doon Falls |
Commencing at the picnic area adjoining the Cahill’s Lookout car park, in the
western part of Katoomba, a little used track leads out across Peckman’s Plateau to an almost unknown
lookout. The views out here are as good as anywhere around Katoomba and it is
surprising that little has been done to promote this spot or even to let the
public know of its existence.
Harry Peckman was
one of the great “characters” of early Katoomba. He moved there in 1884 and
spent most of his time as a horse cab and coach driver. He was a great “spinner
of yarns” and many visitors attested to how much his knowledge and enthusiasm
for the mountains added to the enjoyment of their visit.
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| Harry Peckman 1920's |
He wrote much poetry, not of the highest quality, it has to be
admitted, but words which overflowed from his heart and revealed the inner man.
He died in October 1934 at the age of 88, by which time he must have been one
of the best known residents of the Blue Mountains. The "Nepean Times" of 22nd December 1888 had this to say:
“He has graphically portrayed the varied
and sublimities of Govett’s Leap with a delicacy of feeling which was as
welcome as it was unexpected. The poem in question was recited by the author,
and was received with marks of great approval.”
The Nepean Times
of Saturday 6th October 1934 tells the story of Harry Peckman on
page 6. He occupies a unique position in Blue Mountains history. A biography titled
“The Prince of Whips: The Life and Works
of the Blue Mountains Pioneer Harry Peckman”, by Jim Smith and John Low,
may still be available for purchase.
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| North's Lookout across the valley |
The Plateau named after Harry and his family was apparently given this name because they cleared a track to viewpoints on the cliff edge.
The present walking track, decrepit picnic area and fenced lookout probably
date from the early 1970’s. The lookout provides a fine view of the lowermost
of the Bonnie Doon Falls, once known as “Ethel Fall”. There are also great
views of Radiata Plateau and Nellie’s Glen. It is the best spot to see these
places, which are well off the path of most tourists. The track to the lookout
is easy, if a little overgrown, and the return walk takes rather less than an
hour.
Note: The picnic area has been reconstructed since the above was written but visitors seem to be few. Most of these park on the left a few hundred metres from Cahill's Lookout rather than use the overgrown track from there.
My video about Cahill's and Peckman's lookouts may be found here.
https://johnsbluemountainsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/links-to-all-blog-entries-and-relevant.html All Blue Mountains blogs and videos
All New England and other Geology blogs and videos
Limestone Caves of NSW
Song Studies. Bible studies based on hymns and songs
Shoalhaven District Geology
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| Radiata Plateau from Peckman's Plateau Lookout |
