“Don’t come”: Popular Blue Mountains lookout closes over safety concerns

The Blue Mountains is an undeniable hotspot in Greater Sydney’s tourism offering.

However, a recent influx of tourists to the Lincoln’s Rock lookout has forced the council to temporarily close the area amid safety concerns.

The Blue Mountains City Council took action after alarms were raised over the lookout’s inability to accommodate up to 3,000 visitors daily.

"I don't wait for someone to be killed before I act on concerns about safety," Mayor Mark Greenhill told ABC News.

"It's too much, it's too unsafe and it's degrading the environment. Don't come," Greenhill adds.

The recent influx of tourists to the area was sparked by a social media post from Blackpink K-pop star Jennie Kim, who shared a video from the lookout in 2023, showing her legs dangling from the ledge.

As a result, droves of fans have flocked to the Lincoln’s Rock lookout to recreate the post themselves.

"The spot where the K-pop star sat and posed is now sat on so often that there is actually a crater in the rock," said Cr Greenhill.

"The growth has been so fast and so alarming that it has meant our infrastructure on the site can't keep pace with the numbers that are coming there."

The council will now get to work installing gates, toilet facilities, signage and new pathways, with the lookout expected to reopen on April 30.