Nelson Bay at Port Stephens

Gan Gan Lookout
See Port Stephens from this beautiful lookout.

At a height of 160 metres, Gan Gan Hill is Port Stephens' highest and most accessible lookout. Experience commanding views of the whole of Port Stephens, right through to Newcastle in the south and the Myall Lakes to the north.

The Gan Gan Lookout is truly one of the highlights of the area. The panorama is breathtaking, especially at dusk. It is possible to look south to the opposite side of the peninsula, south-west down to the stacks of Newcastle and the cargo vessels in its harbour, west to the mountain boundary, north-west over Soldiers Point, spanning eastwards over Hawks Nest, the two gigantic headlands that loom over the Port's entrance, Nelson Head and Nelson Bay.

Getting to the Gan Gan Lookout

1.5 km south-west of the city centre along Stockton Rd is the turnoff to the right (signposted on your left) along Lily Hill Rd which will take you up to the Gan Gan Lookout car park. Follow the path around the Telstra buildings to the viewing platform.

Lily Hill Rd is named after the abundance of enormous Gymea lilies to be found at the top the hill. The stalks, which grow to 5 metres, can be eaten and were used by the Aborigines for spears. At the right time of year (Spring) the spectacular Gymea lilies burst into impressive flowers.