Landslide Lookout Blue Mountains
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Landslide Lookout (Blue Mountains)
Landslide Lookout, in the mighty and spectacular Blue Mountains region, is a fine example of how insignificant we humans are when compared to the remarkable and magnificent nature!
Situated on Cliff Rd, Katoomba, Landslide Lookout is home to an interesting and debatable past as well as being home to 'never-ending' mountain and valley views as far as the naked eye can see. There are many boulders that cover a wide-range of the Lookout, cliff sides and lush vegetation.
The 'Landslide' is a large rockfall that goes into the valley approximately 100 metres and the lookout is a fantastic vantage point of the landslide from under the cliffs to the east.
Stepping back in time, Landslide Lookout got its name due to a controversial 'event'- that being in 1931 a landslide occurred after a few days of rumbling and this created a debate whether this 'landslide' event was helped along by erosion or coal mining around the area at the time.
In 1929, it was first reported that there were cracks behind the top of the cliffs and it became apparent that a major rock fall was imminent. In 1930, the cracks advanced and widened noticeably and pieces of rock regularly detached themselves and hurtled to the valley below. Crowds began to gather in hope that they will witness a climax when hundreds and thousands of rock will fall in one great mass.
In 1931, everybody was holding their breath, waiting for this 'Great Event' to occur. The 'Great Event' eventually did occur around 4am on the morning of 29th January 1931 and there were no witnesses as well as no photographs. Not too long after in May, around 2pm, another "landslide" event occurred and according to the Herald report, there were witnesses but evidently, no-one carried cameras.
The final collapse drew out a waiting game with anticipation built. The landslide site transformed into a must-see tourist attraction as people flocked in the hundreds with most dressed in their 'Sunday best' clothes. People from the mountain villages and from farther afield including people from Sydney came to witness the 'final collapse'.
Refreshment stalls were set up, marshalls were put in place to control the crowds, spotlights rigged up for night time viewing and carparks carved out of the bushlands were established to accommodate people.
There were two vantage points that drew in the big crowds, with a majority of onlookers approaching on foot along the rough and thick bushland (Cliff Drive was not yet constructed, and it being The Great Depression, getting a ride was out of the question for some) and those who could afford vehicles drove to the "scene" or purchased a ticket for the tourist bus.
When the final collapse did occur, according to one and only newspaper account, three people allegedly witnessed the shedding. Namely the 'collapse of the century' has no records that have come to light, leaving Landslide Lookout a complete mystery on whether the 'landslide' occurred naturally or was it caused with the help of mining in the area?
Eighty plus years on, the stark scar left by the "landslide" and another debris field below is believed to be camouflaged by regrowth and discolouration of the sandstone faces by algae and lichen. The succession of rockfalls created a 'Dogface', making it a rock climber's haven.
What was once a place of high drama is now sadly forgotten, however, after my 'accidental' discovery of this spectacular Lookout and much research and hope Landslide Lookout will be put back on the map as one of the spectacular Lookouts in the Blue Mountains.
The site of these mighty landslides cannot be seen anywhere from the well-known lookouts, nor is there any signposts leading to this magical lookout, making it a best-kept secret... almost!
Landslide Lookout is a gateway walk to Scenic World. The wide track follows mighty cliffs, lush bush and small boulders strewn along it. There are a number of mine shafts just off the track along with some interesting historical items.
The track also passes breathtaking views of the cliffs and the landslide with its sparse vegetation.
#blue_mountains
#day_trips
#escape_the_city
#greater_sydney
#katoomba
#lookouts
#near_sydney
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#outdoor
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%wnsydney
132972 - 2023-06-13 09:14:07