The foothills of the Blue Mountains are interesting for the geology, which posed a challenge to railway makers. On this five-hour train-friendly walk from Glenbrook to Lapstone you will learn about the three attempts to surmount the monocline. On the third attempt, a tunnel was made that is still used. This is a good place to learn about the shifts in the earth’s crust. Why are there river stones half-way up a hill? This walk requires a reasonable level of fitness as there are two steep sets of stairs and we walk on roads, tracks and a small off-track section. Meet at the Glenbroook station 10 minutes before the tour starts so it can commence on time. Please check the Transport NSW website for further travel information on how to get to Glenbrook train station.

This walk will go ahead whatever the weather, except where the guide deems there to be a threat to health and safety. In this situation you will be contacted with an alternative date. Please ensure your mobile phone number is up-to-date with WEA before enrolling and ensure that you have it with you on the day in case the tutor needs to contact you. Participants must have walking gear: walking shoes, backpack, hat, water, food and clothes for the weather conditions.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Fire's On, Arthur Streeton
• Cusack, Dymphna. Caddie: a Sydney Barmaid
• Lapstone Zig Zag (Wikipedia)

COURSE OUTLINE

• How the monocline was created: uplift and the Kurrajong fault
• Rail crossings of the Blue Mountains
• The 1913 deviation: a better tunnel for the western rail line
• The Darug-speaking people
• Movements of an ancient river bed
• The 1892 tunnel: a painting and a poem
• Dark’s Common: the workers’ camp
• Flora and fauna of the area