Thousands descend on historic Blue Mountains tunnel as Council calls for remediation funding

Blue Mountains City Council says the overwhelming success of the weekend’s Lapstone Hill Tunnel Open Days has strengthened its resolve to call for Government investment to permanently reopen the historic tunnel and surrounding precinct. 

Thousands of people walked, ran and cycled through the 134-year-old tunnel over the weekend, experiencing one of the Blue Mountains’ great hidden heritage treasures. 

Bookings were snapped up for Council’s free Open Days in July and August, following around 1,500 people attending the first community Open Days in December 2024.

Council is seeking approximately $15 million in further Government investment to complete the infrastructure and remediation works required for the tunnel and precinct to open safely and sustainably. 

Mayor, Mark Greenhill said the public response demonstrated strong demand for permanent access. 

“The community’s message could not be clearer – they want Lapstone Hill Tunnel opened permanently,” Mayor Greenhill said. 

“Thousands of people seized this rare opportunity to experience the tunnel, and many more missed out. The vision is clear, the benefits are compelling and the community support is undeniable. What we need now is government investment to complete the job. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a dormant heritage asset into a landmark gateway destination for the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney.” 

The proposed remediation works include tunnel remediation, shared pathways, improved accessibility, drainage and flood-resilience measures, lighting and safety treatments, car parking, visitor amenities, pump track, landscaping, signage and heritage interpretation. 

The Council says the project would create a safer active-transport connection between Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, helping to remove cyclists from the Great Western Highway and linking Glenbrook, Lapstone, Knapsack Reserve, the Nepean River precinct and broader walking and cycling networks. 

“This is much more than a tunnel project,” Mayor Greenhill said. 

“It will protect an important part of our railway heritage, support healthier lifestyles, improve cycling safety, strengthen our visitor economy and create new opportunities for recreation, cultural experiences and managed events. 

“Importantly, it will help establish the Lower Blue Mountains as a destination in its own right, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and spreading the economic benefits of tourism more widely across our City.

“Council has completed detailed studies, cost planning and demand modelling, and the Open Days provide powerful real-world evidence of public demand. 

“We have brought the tunnel closer than ever to reopening. I am calling on the NSW and Australian governments to work with us and invest in a project that will deliver lasting benefits for the Blue Mountains, Western Sydney and the wider region. 

“Together, we can turn Lapstone Hill Tunnel from a hidden treasure into a safe, accessible and unforgettable public destination.” 

While Council is planning more Open Days in the future, the tunnel will remain closed to the public until the infrastructure and remediation works required for permanent public access are funded and completed.