[category]
[title]
If you’ve exhausted the Blue Mountains’ best hikes, bathhouses and antique stores, and you’re looking for something a little off-script, we’ve got you. For three days only, the heritage-listed Lapstone Hill Tunnel in Glenbrook will reopen to the public, meaning you can get underground for a spooky exploring session and get a sneak peek of what could be in the works.
Hiding below the hills at the eastern gateway to the Blue Mountains, the heritage-protected tunnel has been pretty much dormant for decades. While Blue Mountains City Council briefly opened it in 2024 – drawing more than 1,500 visitors in a single day – it's otherwise remained closed to the public. Now, the Council is briefly opening it up to the public, to give us a snapshot of the future they see for this magical subterranean spot.
The initial Lapstone Hill Tunnel Precinct Open Weekend (scheduled for Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26) sold out so quickly that Blue Mountains City Council has added a third open day, giving even more visitors the chance to step inside the atmospheric 1892 railway tunnel before it closes again. As it stands, the July dates are both sold out, but there’s still some space to visit on August 2 if you’re keen to go behind the scenes.
Visitors can wander through the tunnel, learn about its role in the region's railway history and discover the Council's vision to transform the site into a safe and accessible community destination. The original open weekend will also feature special events including a trail run and a breakfast ride-through, showcasing the potential for the tunnel to become part of a scenic walking and cycling connection between the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said the additional open day was a response to the overwhelming community interest.
"The speed at which these events sold out shows just how much people want to experience this remarkable place and see it returned to community use," he said.
"We are delighted to add another day and give more residents and visitors the chance to step inside the tunnel, learn about its fascinating history and understand our vision for its future."
What's next? Council is seeking funding to permanently reopen the precinct, with proposed upgrades including remediation and drainage works, pathway connections, lighting, safety improvements, landscaping, accessible links, picnic shelters, a pump track, parking and visitor amenities. Following the August 2 open day, the tunnel will close once again until the required infrastructure and remediation works have been funded and completed.
If you're keen to see this hidden slice of Blue Mountains history before the gates close again, you'll want to move quickly – registrations are essential via the Blue Mountains City Council website.