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Lapstone
New South Wales
(1)View east from south Lapstone-1.jpg
View east from south Lapstone
Lapstone is located in New South Wales
Lapstone
Lapstone
Location in New South Wales
Population 961 (2016 census)
Postcode(s) 2773
Elevation 160 m (525 ft)
Location
LGA(s) City of Blue Mountains
State electorate(s) Penrith
Federal Division(s) Macquarie
Localities around Lapstone:
Glenbrook Glenbrook Emu Plains
Glenbrook Lapstone Leonay
Blue Mountains National Park Mulgoa Leonay

Lapstone is a township on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia. Elevation 160 m (525 ft). Lapstone is located 62 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD in the local government area of the City of Blue Mountains and is part of the federal electorate of Macquarie. Lapstone consists mostly of stand-alone housing and has a few public facilities. At the 2016 census, Lapstone had a population of 961 people. Lapstone was originally bought and developed by Mr Arthur J Hand, an Alderman of the Blue Mountains City Council.

Lapstone is the first town in the easternmost escarpment of the Blue Mountains. Its name comes from the many water worn stones in the area that resemble those used by cobblers to work the leather when making shoes.

History

The Lapstone Zig Zag line (or "little" zig zag) opened near Glenbrook in 1867. The ascent of Lapstone Hill on a gradient of 1 in 30-33, was built up the side of the range with comparatively light earthwork, includes the substantial seven-span sandstone Knapsack Viaduct. The viaduct was later widened to carry the old Great Western Highway, when the deviation around the Lapstone Zig Zag was built. The zig zag is now part of a walking trail on the old railway/highway alignment, including a memorial to John Whitton, the engineer in charge of the construction of the Blue Mountains line and many other early railways. One feature of this line was the Lucasville platform, which is now abandoned. Remains of it can still be seen.

A new route was created in 1892 to avoid the Zig Zag. After crossing the viaduct, the new line curved around to the west and went through a new tunnel that emerged further west near the Great Western Highway. The tunnel can still be seen from neighbouring bush tracks.

In 1913, the present route was constructed, going along the escarpment of Glenbrook Gorge and through a new tunnel at the spot known as The Bluff. One of the features of this project was the construction of a temporary railway line that crossed Darks Common south of Explorers Road. The rail line has been removed but the cutting can still be seen, as well as the remains of the winding house base near the escarpment.

It has been suggested that Lapstone was named by early explorers who found smooth stones in the area which reminded them of the lapstones used by cobblers.

Public Transport

Lapstone railway station is on the Blue Mountains Line of the NSW TrainLink interurban network. Lapstone can be accessed by road from the Great Western Highway/M4 Motorway by exiting at Governors Drive and Explorers Road from Glenbrook.

Lapstone Railway Station, was officially opened on 24 February 1964.

The area is also serviced by buses.

Lapstone Hotel

The original Lapstone Hotel was designed and constructed in early 1930s by Herwald Gordon Kirkpatrick. Mr Kirkpatrick was a notable Sydney Architect who worked with his father, John Kirkpatrick, who in the late 1800s until his death in 1923, was regarded as one of Sydney's leading architects. He was responsible for the design and construction of many landmark buildings in Sydney. Following the death of Herwald in 1951, the Lapstone Hotel was taken over by the RAAF Base Glenbrook, who have continuously used the property as their Officer's Mess.

The new Lapstone Hotel was built in 1950's (not the 80's as first shown on this site) on the Great Western Highway, Blaxland. It was renovated in 2007 after being purchased by the Lewis Group of Hotels.

Sport and Recreation

Lapstone Oval is home to the Blue Mountains District Rugby Football Club, and its junior club Blue Tongues Rugby, featuring a Rugby Union field, an artificial cricket pitch. Glenbrook/Blaxland Cricket Club play matches on the oval in the summer months.

Lapstone Glenbrook Netball Club use the sixteen netball courts (6 are grass and 10 are asphalt) there is also a play area for young children.

There are 2 Tennis Courts at Lapstone Oval, and children's play equipment.

Education

  • Lapstone Public School, opened in 1971.
  • Lapstone Pre-school

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