Echo Point Lookout to reopen from 1 June

Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba will reopen to the public on 1 June, after being temporarily closed for eight weeks due to COVID-19.

The opening of this major tourism attraction is in line with the NSW Government’s easing of restrictions.

Mayor Mark Greenhill said Council had to previously install construction fencing at the site, in a bid to stop the large numbers who have continued to visit the Echo Point platform despite ongoing restrictions.

“I will admit to being surprised at the sudden change in the State Government’s approach,” Mayor Greenhill said. “It was only weeks ago we were told there would be a phased easing of restrictions, but it certainly doesn’t feel like that at the moment.

“I am not wishing for a slow down, but I am calling for clearer strategies on how to manage large numbers of people.

“Council has no jurisdiction over the enforcement of social distancing.”

The Echo Point and Glenbrook Visitor Information Centres (VICs) will reopen to the public on Saturday, 6 June.

“Tourists are essential to our economy, and our businesses who have suffered so much in recent months, need to be given every opportunity to recover, and so the lookout will reopen from 1 June,” Mayor Greenhill said.

“But we will be emphasising that once the facility is reopened, visitors need to observe NSW Government guidelines for social distancing and the gatherings of people.  “Visitors need to postpone their visit if they are at all unwell.  If they do visit, they need to maintain good hygiene practices for the safety of our community.

“It is natural that people want to come to the Blue Mountains and we want to welcome them.  But our City offers many natural tourist attractions, and so we will also be offering alternatives to visitors.

“We also want a clear strategy from the NSW Government, to ensure safety. A second spike in cases of COVID-19 would be devastating for all – for our community and for visitors.

“We will continue to work with the State Government on this matter.”

The Echo Point and Glenbrook Visitor Information Centres (VICs) will reopen on Saturday, 6 June. Echo Point VIC will open 10am-3pm and Glenbrook VIC from 9am-2pm, 7 days per week.