Although the train tunnel is closed to the public, this short walk does give you a view of the eastern (bricked up) entrance of the tunnel. The first half of the walk follows the sandstone cuttings where the train once went. For the second half of the walk to the tunnel, you walk on the Northern side of the cutting, giving you a view into the man-made gully. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
The start of walk. | Photo by admin, 2006.The track near the tunnel. | Photo by admin, 2006.The track over the tunnel. | Photo by admin, 2006.The tunnel Entrance. | Photo by admin, 2006.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Western Motorway Onramp, M4 then drive for 7.4 km
Keep left onto Governors Drive Offramp and drive for another 360 m
Keep right and drive for another 10 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started If driving from Sydney take the Lapstone exit from the Great Western Hwy (it is not far past the end of the freeway). Park in the large dirt parking area near the water tanks on the right, soon after taking the exit.
From the Reservoir car park, this walk heads around the gate (which limits access to the old rail train cutting). The walk follows this cutting, where tracks once stood. When the walk comes to a track which crosses the main track, where the sandstone walls are only about 1m high, then the walk steps up to the right and follows the track that continues in the same westerly direction but high on the cutting (the main cutting gets very wet and overgrown, and would be difficult to follow). Before long, the track comes to another intersection, with a view of the tunnel entrance. It is possible to walk over the top of the tunnel entrance and look down along the cutting, with care. There is no access to the tunnel. Once finished, return the same way.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 120 m head through/around the gate.
After another 290 m cross the ford.
After another 145 m cross the ford.
About 215 m past the end is "Hillside Park".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 750 m to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Lapstone train Tunnel Walk
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
1.5 km
Time
50 min to 1 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Bushwalk
50 min to 1 h
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After 120 m head through/around the gate.
After another 290 m cross the ford.
About 215 m past the end is "Hillside Park".
