Situated on Garigal Country within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, West Head Lookout is a major Sydney destination with sweeping views.

Constructed in 1965, a 2021 assessment of the lookout’s condition identified structural and safety risks to visitors, so strengthening works to the existing retaining wall and a new barrier to address fall risks were required. The new design balances the heritage and landscape character of West Head Lookout with visitor safety.

Working closely with the original designer, Bruce Mackenzie, OCULUS coordinated the detailed design, documentation, and delivery of the new lookout respecting the original design ethic.

The approach for the concept, a ‘balustrade that is out of sight and out of mind’ has been achieved by creating a lower terrace where the required safety balustrade is hidden behind planting with a curvilinear recycled sandstone seating wall on the viewing terrace so that visitors continue to enjoy uninterrupted views of the landscape.

The upgraded West Head Lookout will provide new generations safe access to some of Sydney’s best views. The existing sandstone was reused in the design, and the majority of sandstone paving was re-laid to make it safer and more accessible. New native planting has been incorporated to blend the rebuilt structure into the natural landscape.