Knapsack Reserve
Knapsack Reserve is a reserve of approximately 140 hectares of bushland, creeks, lookouts and sportsgrounds on the Blue Mountains escarpment at Blaxland. Its standout feature is the historic sandstone Knapsack Viaduct, built in the 1860s for the first railway crossing of the mountains and now used by pedestrians, bicycles and emergency vehicles.
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About Knapsack Reserve
Walking Trails at Knapsack Reserve
Knapsack Reserve has a network of walking trails that forms a maze with multiple entry points. The Lapstone Viaduct and Zig Zag walk at Knapsack Reserve is 3km long, takes about 1.5 hours and is graded easy, starting and finishing at the Knapsack Reserve Carpark. Another route through the reserve measures about 5.1 km. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, and they suit runners as well as walkers.
Heritage Features at Knapsack Reserve
Knapsack Reserve holds heritage items from the railway and road crossings of the Blue Mountains. The Knapsack Viaduct is 388 feet long and 120 ft high. Lennox Bridge stands within the reserve and is described as the oldest surviving stone arch bridge on mainland Australia. A memorial to John Whitton, the engineer-chief who built the railway, also sits in the reserve. Knapsack Reserve contains Aboriginal sites, and Aboriginal occupation of this area goes back more than 10,000 years.
Facilities at Knapsack Reserve
Visitor tips for Knapsack Reserve
- ✓Bring a lead, as dogs are welcome only on a leash.
- ✓Arrive early, as the main car park is a small lot.
Getting to Knapsack Reserve
The main entry to Knapsack Reserve is at 31 Great Western Hwy. Free parking is in a small lot at the Knapsack Reserve Carpark, and a second car park sits at the junction of the old highway and historic Mitchells Pass, with a concrete footpath leading to the viaduct. Knapsack Viaduct is signposted from the M4 Motorway and Great Western Highway at the Emu Plains exit.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Blaxland
- 📍Lapstone Zig Zag
- 📍Glenbrook
- 📍Nepean River
Frequently asked questions about Knapsack Reserve
Can I bring my dog to Knapsack Reserve?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.
Is parking free at Knapsack Reserve?
Yes, it costs nothing to park there.
How long are the walks at Knapsack Reserve?
Plan on about 1.5 hours for the easy 3km Lapstone Viaduct and Zig Zag walk, or take the longer route of about 5.1 km.
Are there toilets at Knapsack Reserve?
Yes, an amenities block provides toilets, and picnic tables and shelters are also available.
What heritage sites are at Knapsack Reserve?
The reserve holds Knapsack Viaduct, Lennox Bridge, a memorial to John Whitton and Aboriginal sites.