Thunderbolt's Rock

Thunderbolt's Rock doesn't really need a signpost - this imposing collection of granite boulders are easily visible from the New England Highway whatever direction you're coming from. Notable not just for its size and location, but also because the surrounding landscape seems to have nothing else like it - it's a real anomaly.

There's a small car park and a picnic table behind the rocks, but otherwise the rocks are all that's there - but if you're up for some exploring and some climbing it's well worth pulling in for. I highly recommend taking a walk all the way around the edge first, there's more little paths and hollows than first appears.

Split Rock - as it was known - came to be renamed thanks to 1860's bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, who used Split Rock's commanding views of the highway to spot approaching travelers and mail coaches, and descend upon them at the last moment when escape was impossible.

Although Thunderbolt may only have had to peer around the rock to spot his marks, you can try out your clambering and rock-hopping skills for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside - not to mention being the envy of your peers - if you can conquer the granite boulders and reach the top.

There's plenty of routes up over the piles smaller rocks or up crevices you could brace yourself against, but it's a tricky ascent in the last stages.

We made it all but to the topmost rock, but it can definitely be done - a stocky 40 year old in shorts and thongs managed to get up there and impress his kids, so if he can do it with that sort of footwear, surely anyone can.