TOP 10 VIEWING DECKS IN AUSTRALIA TO INSPIRE YOUR NEXT CUSTOM TIMBER DECK
- Mounts Bay Constructions
- Oct 8
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 14
To celebrate the new customised viewing deck we’re about to build for Yellagonga Regional Park in Wanneroo, we’ve put together our list of the top 10 viewing decks in Australia.
Too busy to read? Listen instead!
Made by Ai
There's something special about a well-designed deck. Whether it's your backyard entertaining space or a spectacular viewing platform perched above Australia's stunning landscapes, timber decks connect us with the outdoors in ways few other structures can.
From bushfire-resistant platforms in New South Wales to heritage lookouts in Western Australia's karri forests, these structures demonstrate what's possible when quality materials meet thoughtful design.
In this guide, we'll explore ten of Australia's most impressive viewing decks. Each one offers unique lessons in material selection, structural innovation, and environmental harmony—inspiration that translates perfectly to residential deck projects right here in Perth.
QUICK LOOK — AUSTRALIA'S TOP 10 VIEWING DECKS
# | Viewing Deck | Location | Key Material | Inspiration Factor |
1 | Forest Sky Pier | NSW | Spotted Gum (Hyne Beam 21) | Bushfire-rated strength |
2 | Sandridge Lookout | VIC | Hardwood + Corten Steel | Coastal industrial elegance |
3 | Nurim Circuit Boardwalk | QLD | Elevated Timber | Cantilevered lookout design |
4 | Terrigal Boardwalk | NSW | Ironbark Timber | Seamless coastal flow |
5 | Waaje Fire Tower | QLD | Grey Ironbark | Heritage timber structure |
6 | Diamond Tree Lookout | WA | Karri Timber | Historic natural integration |
7 | Devil's Corner Lookout | TAS | Timber-Clad Containers | Prefab ingenuity |
8 | Monash Drive River Platform | NSW | Timber Boardwalk | Natural landscape integration |
9 | Georges Head Lookout | NSW | Curved Timber | Subtle architectural harmony |
10 | North Head Viewing Platforms | NSW | Stone & Timber | Cultural storytelling & restraint |
THE TOP 10 VIEWING DECKS IN AUSTRALIA
1. Forest Sky Pier (Sealy Lookout), NSW
Perched above Coffs Harbour's rainforest canopy, the Forest Sky Pier offers breathtaking views and clever engineering. Built with glue-laminated spotted gum beams (Hyne Beam 21, BAL-29), it's designed to perform in bushfire-prone areas while blending beautifully into the natural setting. What makes this deck Unique:
The deck's clean lines and warm timber tones show how strength and style can coexist—a great example for WA homeowners seeking durability and design flair in one.
The elevated platform demonstrates how engineered timber products can deliver both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, making it particularly relevant for Perth's hillside properties.
2. Sandridge Lookout, Port Melbourne, VIC
Combining hardwood timber decking with corten and galvanised steel, the Sandridge Lookout reimagines industrial coastal style. Designed by Cox Architecture, it's part tower, part sculptural art piece—proof that decks can be both functional and expressive.
What makes this deck Unique:
The weathering steel creates a beautiful patina that complements the warm timber tones, enhancing the deck’s industrial yet inviting aesthetic.
Its bold structure and mix of materials offer inspiration for Perth homeowners looking to combine timber warmth with metal strength for durable, stylish outdoor spaces that withstand coastal conditions.
3. Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk, Rockhampton, QLD
The Nurim Circuit Boardwalk winds gracefully through Mount Archer National Park, featuring elevated timber decking and cantilevered lookout platforms. Built for bushfire resilience and low maintenance, it showcases how well-chosen materials can thrive in Australia’s toughest environments.
What makes this deck Unique:
The boardwalk’s gentle curves follow the natural contours of the landscape, creating an immersive experience that feels like floating through the treetops.
Its raised timber structure captures views and airflow, offering ideal inspiration for Perth’s hillside or sloping block homes where elevation adds value and visual appeal.
4. Terrigal Boardwalk & Viewing Platform, NSW
Stretching along the Central Coast, the Terrigal Boardwalk connects town and ocean with its native ironbark timber decking and flowing, ribbon-like form. Its clever design uses perforated flooring to let light and water pass through, creating a natural connection to the sea below.
What makes this deck Unique:
The boardwalk’s durable native ironbark timber withstands constant salt exposure and heavy foot traffic while maintaining structural integrity and visual appeal.
Its contemporary, flowing design combines functionality with a light, accessible aesthetic—offering coastal homeowners a perfect balance of resilience and style.
5. Waaje Fire Tower No. 4, Barakula State Forest, QLD
Standing more than 30 metres tall, the Waaje Fire Tower is a testament to Australia’s heritage timber engineering. Constructed from single-length grey ironbark poles, it has endured extreme heat, storms, and decades of weather exposure in one of Queensland’s harshest environments.
What makes this deck Unique:
The tower’s simple yet effective design highlights the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of quality Australian hardwood, combining durability with elegant engineering.
Its longevity and resilience demonstrate why solid hardwood remains a timeless choice for elevated or structural decking projects, proving that well-selected timber can last generations.
6. Diamond Tree Lookout, Karri Forest, WA
Western Australia’s own Diamond Tree Lookout is a piece of living history—a wooden platform built 49 metres up a towering karri tree in the Pemberton region. Though now closed to climbers for safety reasons, it remains an icon of natural timber construction and WA’s rich forestry heritage.
What makes this deck Unique:
The structure showcases karri timber’s remarkable strength and the ability of timber construction to harmonise with living trees, blending function with nature.
It inspires Perth homeowners seeking organic, authentic deck designs that celebrate WA’s natural materials and timeless craftsmanship.
7. Devil's Corner Lookout, Apslawn, TAS
Set among the vineyards of Tasmania’s east coast, the Devil’s Corner Lookout reuses shipping containers clad in timber, creating a bold, modular structure that feels both contemporary and warm. Designed by Cumulus Studio, it’s a striking example of prefab efficiency meeting natural materials.
What makes this deck Unique:
The timber cladding softens the industrial shipping containers, helping the structure blend seamlessly into the rural landscape with a warm, inviting aesthetic.
The project demonstrates how recycled or modular elements can be combined with timber detailing to create contemporary, sustainable decks—an inspiring model for Perth property owners.
8. Monash Drive River Viewing Platform & Boardwalk, NSW
Located along the Murray River in country New South Wales, the Monash Drive River Viewing Platform & Boardwalk invites visitors to connect directly with the river’s edge. Using timber decking and boardwalk elements, it creates gentle walkways and open river-facing deck areas that blend naturally into the environment.
What makes this deck Unique:
The platform’s low-profile design minimizes environmental impact while maximizing connection with the water, offering unobstructed views and fluid transitions between land and river.
It exemplifies how timber decks can respectfully extend into sensitive natural landscapes, inspiring homeowners to create nature-integrated outdoor spaces.
9. Georges Head Lookout, Mosman, NSW
Subtle yet sophisticated, the Georges Head Lookout by Richard Leplastrier (OZ.E.TECTURE) blends curved timbers, bronze brackets, and sandstone seating to frame harbour views without dominating the landscape. The design demonstrates remarkable restraint, with every element thoughtfully chosen to enhance the natural setting.
What makes this deck Unique:
The curved timber beams create a gentle shelter that follows the site’s natural contours, harmonising with the environment through careful design.
The material palette of timber, stone, and bronze ages gracefully together, inspiring Perth homeowners to create balanced, timeless deck designs that complement their surroundings.
10. North Head Viewing Platforms (Burragula & Yiningma), North Head, NSW
Designed by CHROFI with Bangawarra in partnership with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the North Head Viewing Platforms are two subtly crafted lookouts on the heritage-rich promontory of Car-rang-gel (North Head). These platforms gently follow the cliff edge using stone pavers, sandstone seating, and elevated outlooks that trace the natural land contours.
What makes this deck Unique:
The design balances durability, accessibility, and a deep connection to Country, incorporating Aboriginal stories into layout, materials, and gathering spaces.
It offers inspiration for homeowners seeking decks or lookouts that combine safety, sustainability, aesthetic restraint, and meaningful storytelling without overbuilding.
MATERIAL INSPIRATION: LESSONS FROM AUSTRALIA'S DECK DESIGNS
Timber Type | Featured Projects | Key Qualities | Great For |
Spotted Gum | Forest Sky Pier (NSW) | Fire-resistant, high structural integrity, excellent stability | Bushfire-prone zones, structural applications |
Ironbark | Terrigal Boardwalk (NSW), Waaje Tower (QLD) | Extremely durable, exceptional coastal performance | Seaside decks, heavy-duty applications |
Grey Ironbark | Waaje Fire Tower (QLD) | Heavy-duty, exceptional longevity, natural weather resistance | Elevated structures, long-term projects |
Karri | Diamond Tree (WA) | Distinct colour, iconic WA species, remarkable strength | Natural-look decks, WA heritage projects |
Jarrah | Common in WA builds | Warm tone, local durability, termite resistant | Classic Perth homes, traditional designs |
These materials represent the best of Australian timber, each with unique characteristics that make them perfect for specific applications. At Mounts Bay Co, we understand these materials intimately—their strengths, their maintenance requirements, and how they perform in Perth's climate.
Our experience with custom timber decking across Perth means we can help you choose the right timber for your project, whether you're drawn to the warm tones of Jarrah, the contemporary appeal of Spotted Gum, or other premium hardwoods. We source quality materials from trusted suppliers and apply the same craftsmanship and climate knowledge that makes these iconic Australian viewing decks stand the test of time.
WHAT THESE ICONIC DECKS TEACH US ABOUT DESIGN
Beyond their impressive views and stunning locations, Australia's top viewing decks share common principles that apply perfectly to residential projects:
Material Selection Matters: From bushfire-rated spotted gum to coastal-tough ironbark, choosing the right timber for your environment ensures longevity and performance. Perth's climate demands materials that can handle UV exposure, temperature extremes, and occasional heavy rain.
Integration with Environment: The best decks work with their surroundings rather than against them. Whether it's following natural contours like the Nurim Circuit Boardwalk or using local materials like WA's karri timber, connection to place creates authenticity.
Structural Innovation: Elevated platforms, cantilevered sections, and engineered timber products show how modern techniques can achieve ambitious designs while maintaining safety and durability.
Timeless vs. Trendy: Projects like Mount Coot-tha and Georges Head prove that classic materials and thoughtful proportions create spaces that age gracefully rather than looking dated.
Mixed Materials Work: The Sandridge Lookout and Devil's Corner demonstrate how timber combines beautifully with steel, stone, and other materials—opening design possibilities for contemporary Perth homes.
BRINGING INSPIRATION HOME TO PERTH
While these viewing decks operate on a public scale, their lessons translate perfectly to residential projects across Perth. Whether you're planning a simple entertaining deck, a multi-level outdoor living area, or a custom design that maximizes your property's unique features, the same principles apply.
At Mounts Bay Co, we've built our reputation on understanding how great design, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship come together to create decks that enhance Perth lifestyles. From initial concept through to final installation, we bring the same attention to detail and material knowledge that makes these iconic Australian structures so impressive.
Our local expertise means we understand Perth's specific challenges—from council requirements in different suburbs to choosing materials that perform beautifully in our Mediterranean climate. We know which timbers handle our summer heat, how to design for prevailing breezes, and how to create outdoor spaces that work year-round.
CONCLUSION
Australia's most impressive viewing decks showcase what's possible when quality timber meets thoughtful design and expert construction. From the soaring Forest Sky Pier to our own heritage Diamond Tree, these structures prove that timber remains the perfect material for connecting built spaces with natural environments.
Whether you're inspired by the coastal elegance of the Terrigal Boardwalk or the contemporary innovation of Devil's Corner, there's a lesson here for every Perth homeowner planning their dream deck.
At Mounts Bay Co, we specialise in creating custom timber decks that bring these same principles of quality, durability, and beautiful design to Perth homes. Our team handles everything from design consultation through to professional installation, ensuring your deck not only looks spectacular but performs flawlessly for decades to come.
Ready to start your custom deck project?
Contact Mounts Bay Co today for a free consultation. Let's discuss how we can transform your outdoor space with quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and design inspiration from Australia's finest viewing decks.
📧 Email for project enquiries 🏡 Book a site visit and design consultation
Your dream deck awaits—let's build something extraordinary together.
Comments