Blue Mountains News

To ensure the safety of everyone coming to explore the tunnel, there will be separate sessions for pedestrians and cyclists on each Open Day: 

• Saturday, 7 December 2024 

10am to 12pm: Pedestrian session and official ribbon cutting with the Mayor (Please note that cyclists who arrive during this time will need to walk their bicycle through the tunnel). 

12pm to 2pm: Cyclist only session. 

• Sunday, 8 December 2024 

10am to 12pm: Cyclist only? session. 

12pm-2pm: Pedestrian session (Please note that cyclists who arrive during this time will need to walk their bicycle through the tunnel).

Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill, said, “One of the great things about the Lapstone Hill Tunnel is the interest it attracts from a wide range of people. From walkers, runners and cyclists to history buffs, rail enthusiasts or a family just enjoying a day out in Glenbrook, the tunnel has something to offer to so many.” 

“This is a great opportunity to explore the tunnel first-hand and tell us how you would use it in the future. We’ll have staff on site interested in your thoughts and ready to answer your questions.” 

As there is no parking around the tunnel entrances, visitors are encouraged to walk or cycle from Glenbrook Village Centre and start their tunnel journey at the Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre, where a map to the western tunnel entrance and further information will be provided. 

The safest route to the tunnel entrance from the Glenbrook Village Centre is a 20 minute walk and includes approximately 340m of rough bush track. The walk is not universally accessible and will be difficult for people with prams to access. 

Community members with accessibility needs can contact Council to discuss alternative options.  

Visitors intending to drive will need to use existing parking areas in the Glenbrook Village Centre or in other existing carparks around the Glenbrook area.  

“Currently, the tunnel isn’t the easiest place to get to, which highlights how essential it is that future works improve access,” Cr Greenhill continued. 

“I know many from our local community will be excited to have the chance to walk or cycle through the tunnel and while I can’t wait to hear people’s thoughts, this is also an opportunity for visitors to take stock of the significant work that’s needed before the tunnel can be opened for good.”

Since 2023, Council has undertaken the huge task of remediating the area, on behalf of NSW Crown Lands, which included the removal of 1700 tons of rubbish and compost material and 1200 tons of sediment along the eastern trail cutting. 

The impact that April’s declared natural disaster storm event tested the drainage of the area and resulted in damage to sites across the Scenic Eastern Escarpment and more broadly across the Blue Mountains region.

Significant and costly construction work needs to take place both on the east and west side of the tunnel, including the realignment of the creek.

Council is currently identifying funding opportunities to both remediate and revitalise the tunnel precinct to provide significant cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits for both our local community and visitors to the area.

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle, said: “I’m thrilled to see the Lapstone Hill Tunnel opening its gates to the public for this unique opportunity.

“As the person our local community approached almost 10 years ago to intervene in a mushroom farm operation in the tunnel, I welcome Council’s work over the years since to clean up the site.

“Creating a valuable community and recreational space out of an awful mess; and instead, having a safe, accessible, and vibrant asset for the Blue Mountains is fantastic.”

For further information about the Lapstone Hill Tunnel Open Days, visit: here