| Lapstone is the first town at the eastern
end of the Blue Mountains. As you drive along the M4 Motorway from Sydney you
ascend Lapstone Hill.
The name Lapstone was given to the town due to
the many water-worn stones in the area. These stones were similar in appearance
to those used by cobblers who would hold the stones between their legs in order
to work the leather when making shoes. Lapstone contains a few notable
marks of history mostly on the boundary between Glenbrook and Lapstone.
 Turn
off the M4 Motorway at Emu Plains and take the Great Western Highway to ascend
Lapstone Hill. Here you can view the ruins of a Gatekeeper’s Cottage at John
Whitton Memorial Place.
The walking track from John Whitton Memorial Place
leads you to the Knapsack Viaduct. This sandstone structure was built as part
of the railway. Of particular note is the fascinating architecture.
In
1938 the viaduct lost its original form when the highway was built as the structure
was widened to allow for the road. If you continue further along the walking track
you will come across the old Lapstone Zig Zag Railway (not as famous as the Lithgow
Zig Zag Railway). The Lapstone Zig Zag was built in 1867 and was the first of
its kind for the state of New South Wales. The Zig Zag Railway at Lapstone
(actually within the Glenbrook Boundary) was built as part of the line from Penrith
to Weatherboard (Wentworth Falls). The three tiered system allowed trains to negotiate
the steep ascent.
 A
small section of the Zig Zag Railway can still be seen today, as can the remains
of the private Lucasville Station.
Lapstone also offers interesting walks
and views including the Darks Common and Bluff Lookout walks. Bluff Lookout (on
the boundary of Glenbrook and Lapstone) overlooks the Glenbrook Gorge and Glenbrook
Creek. The lookout is situated over the railway tunnel located between
Glenbrook and Lapstone stations. Other features of Lapstone include tennis courts,
netball courts, Lapstone Oval, the Reserve and Skarratt Park.
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