Scenic Eastern Escarpment

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Thanks to funding through the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, Council will be improving some of the paths and lookouts along the Scenic Eastern Escarpment from early 2021.

We are increasing accessibility, providing equal opportunity and access for all to enjoy the unique and diverse bushland that forms the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The Blue Mountains is the only city in Australia that sits within a World Heritage Area.

Scenic Eastern Escarpment is an important regional recreational space with over 16km of bush trails. Council will be improving the safety and amenity of a number of shared walking tracks and trails, lookouts, steps and stairs within Knapsack Reserve:

  • Lapstone Zig Zag track to Siding Lookout
  • Marges and Elizabeth Lookout
  • Elizabeth Lookout track to Knapsack Bridge
  • Lovers Walk to Mitchells Pass
  • Marges Lookout Track to Lennox Bridge

These improvements are in line with the Scenic Eastern Escarpment Masterplan adopted by Council in May 2018 after a year of extensive community consultation.

You can read our FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) to the right and follow the project, simply press the 'Subscribe' button.

*The project will be funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, which is part of the Western Sydney City Deal (WSCD). The WSCD is a 20 year-agreement between the Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City.

Thanks to funding through the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, Council will be improving some of the paths and lookouts along the Scenic Eastern Escarpment from early 2021.

We are increasing accessibility, providing equal opportunity and access for all to enjoy the unique and diverse bushland that forms the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The Blue Mountains is the only city in Australia that sits within a World Heritage Area.

Scenic Eastern Escarpment is an important regional recreational space with over 16km of bush trails. Council will be improving the safety and amenity of a number of shared walking tracks and trails, lookouts, steps and stairs within Knapsack Reserve:

  • Lapstone Zig Zag track to Siding Lookout
  • Marges and Elizabeth Lookout
  • Elizabeth Lookout track to Knapsack Bridge
  • Lovers Walk to Mitchells Pass
  • Marges Lookout Track to Lennox Bridge

These improvements are in line with the Scenic Eastern Escarpment Masterplan adopted by Council in May 2018 after a year of extensive community consultation.

You can read our FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) to the right and follow the project, simply press the 'Subscribe' button.

*The project will be funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, which is part of the Western Sydney City Deal (WSCD). The WSCD is a 20 year-agreement between the Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City.

  • Whats happening at Knapsack Reserve?

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    In 2021, we will start to improve shared tracks and trails, replacing signage, renewing Marges and Elizabeth lookouts with updated fencing and steps and improving the overall scenic amenity within Knapsack Reserve.

    Bushwalking and mountain biking are popular activities and we want to look after these shared areas that are important to the community, as well as protect the environment.

    In particular;

    • Lapstone Zig Zag track to Siding Lookout,
    • Marges and Elizabeth Lookouts,
    • Elizabeth Lookout track to Knapsack Bridge,
    • Lovers Walk to Mitchells Pass, and
    • Marges Lookout track to Lennox Bridge


    Keep up to date by registering with us through the 'Follow Project' button on the right hand side.



  • Is Lapstone Zigzag track being made accessible?

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    Yes. The Lapstone Zig Zag to Siding Lookout (end of Knapsack St - next to the RAAF base) accessibility upgrade will provide a new experience designed to expand opportunities for families, seniors and people with accessibility needs. This is significant for people and their carers who face mobility issues and an important milestone for the Blue Mountains community.

    Currently less than 4% of walking tracks in the Blue Mountains and none of the paths in the lower mountains, are accessible. Making this 800m long pathway inclusive is an essential step in making the bush experience possible to more people.

    The upgrade includes the construction of a new lookout platform and accessible pathway along the current track alignment. The pathway will be accessibility compliant and provide wheelchair access to an upgraded Siding Lookout; providing views to the Nepean River and Western Sydney.

  • What will the accessible path look like?

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    There are no final designs for the accessible path however there are potentially, some options in regard to the surface finish. As the Lapstone Zig Zag cutting was previously a railway line, the track alignment is already wide and flat enough to accommodate a suitable gradient for accessibility, but there are also other requirements to meet the Australian Standards. Keeping the bush experience natural and intact along this path is important and when we have more information about the surface finish, we will let you know.