Queen Elizabeth Lookout
A lookout above Kingston, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974.
Updated 4 September 2026
The Queen Elizabeth Lookout sits on Rooty Hill Road on the rise above Kingston, and it holds the view the island is photographed by: the whole World Heritage area laid out below - the Georgian buildings along Quality Row, Emily Bay inside its reef, the golf course running along the shore - with Nepean Island close offshore and Phillip Island standing beyond it. It was opened and named by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit on 11 February 1974. The lookout is a cleared bay off the road with parking and a rail along the edge.
Highlights
- The Kingston panorama - the Georgian settlement and Quality Row from above.
- Emily Bay - the lagoon and reef inside the shoreline below.
- The islands offshore - Nepean close in, Phillip Island beyond.
- The 1974 plaque - the naming during the royal visit.
When to go
September to May is warmer. Morning light is best over the water, and the lookout is a natural stop on the way down to Kingston. It is open at all hours.
Things to know
It is a roadside stop rather than a destination and ten minutes covers it. The view depends on the weather over the water. There are no facilities.
Nearby
Kingston and Emily Bay are directly below, and Burnt Pine is a short drive north.
What to pack for Queen Elizabeth Lookout
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Spare batteries + cards - Cold and long shoots drain power; never run out at the good light. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
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Where to start if Queen Elizabeth Lookout is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.



