Lapstone/Glenbrook
The Blue Mountains Rail Trail starts in Lapstone, where you can soon walk or cycle through the old S-shaped Glenbrook tunnel and down the Little Zig-Zag to the Lapstone Viaduct.
Logistics
Rail Trail Waypoint One
Glennbrook Tunnel
The Blue Mountains Rail Trail starts in Lapstone, where you can soon walk or cycle through the old S-shaped Glenbrook tunnel and down the Little Zig-Zag to the Lapstone Viaduct. More adventurous walkers can walk along a railway construction tramway to the Bluff Lookout for a magnificent view of the Glenbrook Gorge and watch the trains climb up the line to the modern Glenbrook tunnel. Visit a café in Glenbrook
About
About The Lapstone/ Glenbrook Waypoint
(Waypoint One)
The Lapstone/ Glenbrook Waypoint (Waypoint One) of the Glenbrook to Oberon Blue Mountains Rail Trail marks the first stop of a wonderousjourney to discover the historic disused railway corridors into a scenic and recreational cycling and walking track. This location is the start of our rail trail from Lapstone to Glenbrook, following sections of the original railway alignment that played a crucial role in the early railway history of the Blue Mountains.
The Glenbrook & District Historical Society
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An intriguing aspect of the Glenbrook phase of the Blue Mountains Rail Trail is the Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve. This 2-hectare botanical garden and arboretum showcases Australian native plants, particularly those indigenous to the Blue Mountains region. Managed by the Blue Mountains Branch of the Australian Plants Society, the reserve features a nursery, education centre, landscaped gardens, and walking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s unique flora. Wikipedia
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Incorporating the Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve into the rail trail experience offers an enriching opportunity for visitors to appreciate the region’s botanical diversity alongside its rich railway heritage.
Features
Glenbrook
Historical Context
The Lapstone to Glenbrook section of the proposed rail trail traverses areas rich in railway heritage, including remnants of the early Lapstone Zig Zag and the abandoned 1892 Glenbrook Tunnel, which was bypassed in 1913 due to engineering challenges. These historic features provide a unique backdrop for the trail, offering opportunities for historical interpretation alongside outdoor recreation.
Trail Features and Benefits
- Scenic and Heritage Experience: The route offers a mix of bushland, historic railway formations, and scenic lookouts over the Nepean River and Lower Blue Mountains.
- Multi-Use Accessibility: Designed for cyclists, walkers, and runners, with potential for educational signage about the region’s railway history.
- Connectivity: Phase One would connect Lapstone Station to Glenbrook Village, providing an alternative transport and tourism route while supporting local businesses.
- Sustainability & Eco-Tourism: By repurposing the old railway corridor, the project minimizes environmental impact while promoting sustainable tourism.
Future Dvelopment.
Restoration of the Rail Heritage of this fist stop on the trailwill help with raising the profile of RAil Heritage in the regfion, with subsequent restorations aiming to connect Glenbrook to Woodford, then through to Lithgow, and eventually reaching Oberon. This long-term vision aligns with existing Blue Mountains tourism strategies, encouraging regional exploration and economic development.
The Lapstone to Glenbrook Rail Trail Waypoint represents a crucial first location to explore, blending history, recreation, and conservation to create a lasting legacy for the community and visitors alike.
Blog
The Latest Insights and Information
about the Blue Mountains Rail Trail
All Aboard for Family Fun: Sunday, 6 July 2025
Chris Webber on the 13th March announced that, with the assistance of the Blue Mountains Historical Society, a Blue Mountains Rail Trail has now been created, combining 13 different sites throughout the Greater Blue Mountains, from Lapstone to Oberon via Lithgow.
All Aboard for Steam FunFest 2025 at Valley Heights Rail Museum!
Chris Webber on the 13th March announced that, with the assistance of the Blue Mountains Historical Society, a Blue Mountains Rail Trail has now been created, combining 13 different sites throughout the Greater Blue Mountains, from Lapstone to Oberon via Lithgow.
Glenbrook Historical Society has several guided walks
Chris Webber on the 13th March announced that, with the assistance of the Blue Mountains Historical Society, a Blue Mountains Rail Trail has now been created, combining 13 different sites throughout the Greater Blue Mountains, from Lapstone to Oberon via Lithgow.