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Viral Photo Spot Sparks Over-tourism Crisis
12 Feb
Summary
- A viral K-pop star's photo led to massive crowds at Lincoln's Rock.
- Local officials closed the site fearing safety and environmental damage.
- Businesses are divided, with some seeing revenue loss from the closure.
Lincoln's Rock, a tranquil lookout in Australia's Blue Mountains, has become the epicenter of a global overtourism issue. The once-quiet spot gained immense popularity after K-pop star Jennie Kim of Blackpink shared images of herself there, leading to millions of likes and a surge in visitors eager to replicate the shot.
This viral fame has overwhelmed the site, causing significant safety fears and environmental damage. Local authorities note that visitors are primarily focused on photography, neglecting the natural beauty of the World Heritage area, which also holds deep Indigenous history and is a habitat for rare species like the Glossy Black Cockatoo.
In response to the escalating problems, the Blue Mountains City Council temporarily closed Lincoln's Rock in February 2026 to develop a sustainable management plan. This decision has divided the community, with conservationists supporting the closure while some local businesses, like Christina's Cafe, report a severe drop in revenue.
The council is considering measures such as fencing, timed entry, or visitor caps. This situation mirrors global overtourism challenges seen at sites like Rome's Trevi Fountain and a Mount Fuji viewpoint in Japan, highlighting the struggle to balance viral fame-driven tourism with landscape preservation.
