Thunderbolts Cave — Attraction in Black Mountain

Captain Thunderbolt’s Cave might not be winning awards for scenic views, but what it lacks in panorama, it makes up for in gritty history and rugged charm. This was one of the hideouts of Frederick Ward, better known as Captain Thunderbolt—the “gentleman bushranger” who eluded authorities for nearly six years in the mid-1800s. His reputation for polite robberies earned him a curious kind of folk hero status, and his clever use of the New England terrain only added to his legend. So, stepping into this cave is like stepping back into bushranging history.

Getting there is part of the adventure. Coming in from the north, the road in is manageable until about three-quarters in, but the last stretch turns rough, with a blue stone base. Coming from the southern highway access, I probably wouldn’t be taking mum‘s Mercedes up that road. It’s not a hike so much as a bumpy, loose-rock 4x4 track that requires a bit of attention, but if you’re up for a bit of a scramble, it’s worth it. The track to the cave down the bottom is poorly sign posted. Just look for the failed white paint on a rock and tree. Good luck 🤞

The cave itself is surprisingly spacious at around 5 metres wide and 8 metres deep. For the more daring (or the spelunkers out there), there’s a narrow squeeze that leads further in; you might have to dig a bit if you want to explore it fully (probably dangerous unless you are experienced. And there’s even a mountain bike trail winding nearby, making this a great spot for a bit of mixed outdoor adventure. The 4G reception here is decent enough, so you won’t be entirely off the grid if you need a quick history refresh on...

Coming from Guyra heading south to Armidale. Keep a look out for Black Mountain Road on your right. Not long after on your left you turn. There’s a POI brown in colour sign on your right saying Thunderbolts Cave. This turn right is at the top of a large steep descent on the NE HWY. Google Maps pointed to access at the bottom of this descent and the turn off is in a dangerous position. Turning at the top of the hill has better access for 2wd low clearance vehicles. Thunderbolts Cave Carpark is more than 200 metres from the cave. The path is marked by rocks painted white. If you’re using google maps you can get closer by heading directly straight forward and not turning into the Carpark. Google Maps does give good info in turning into Robbers Rest and Thunderbolts Cave. But you’ll need a 4WD. We drove within 50...

The cave is about 20 mins north of Armidale off the New England Highway on short dirt road. Take the turn at Norden Road then follow Thunderbolts Cave Road to a small car park. Part of the road says 4x4 only but I think would only be a problem after heavy rain.

The walk down to the cave is fairly short though overgrown in places. Follow the white markings on trees in your are not sure which path to take.

The cave itself is very small and you could see why it would have been used as a hide out. Bring some insect repellent if you are going inside as plenty of mosquitos about and watch your head as it's quite a low and sharp ceiling.

An interesting little piece of history and a nice short bushwalk but if your not into bushrangers and Captain Thunderbolt in particular you could probably...