The lookout is named after the Staples family, who were early European settlers in the Woy Woy district.
The site acts as an unofficial gateway transition point between the Hawkesbury sandstone plateau and the coastal lowlands.
It is situated on the ridgeline of the Somersby Plateau, which rises abruptly from the coastal plains.
Staples Lookout provides an elevated vantage point overlooking Brisbane Water and the coastal suburbs of Woy Woy and Blackwall. Located within the Brisbane Water National Park, the site features a paved viewing platform accessible from Woy Woy Road. It serves as a popular transit stop for travelers moving between the M1 Pacific Motorway and the Central Coast. The lookout captures a panoramic perspective of the narrow channel connecting the Brisbane Water estuary to the Tasman Sea. On clear days, the visibility extends across the regional waterways and surrounding bushland reserves. The area is managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The left side of the fenced railing provides the clearest unobstructed view of the Woy Woy Peninsula and the railway bridge.
Pull your vehicle fully into the designated parking bays to avoid obstructing the narrow winding road.
The area is prone to high winds; bring a light jacket even on sunny days.
Check for local bushfire hazard alerts before visiting, as the surrounding National Park is high-risk terrain.
Do not attempt to walk along the shoulder of Woy Woy Road, as the traffic moves at high speeds with limited visibility.
Take all rubbish with you as there are no bin facilities; remain on the fenced platform to protect sensitive sandstone vegetation.
