Captain Thunderbolt's Rock — Attraction in Uralla

A great view from this rock outcrop. It was apparently where Captain Thunderbolt would watch in all directions and could hide in the rocks. No plaque at the site so here is some info from the website: Thunderbolt's Rock is a time-worn cluster of granite boulders located just six kilometres south of Uralla on the New England Highway.

Originally known as Split Rock, the boulders afforded gentleman bushranger Frederick Wordsworth Ward, better known as Captain Thunderbolt, the perfect vantage point for monitoring the approach of unwary mail coaches. He first visited the site in 1863 when, after a daring escape from Sydney's notorious Cockatoo Island prison, he and fellow escapee, Fred Britten, used the rock as a hideout. They were surprised by passing troopers while lying in wait at the rock to bail up an approaching mailman. Thunderbolt was shot in the knee during the fiery exchange of gunshots that ensued.

You can drive up and park at the 'Rock' and quickly understand the use of the cluster of boulders both to hide behind and for sighting mail coaches travelling along the highway, through what was then beautiful timbered country.

Visible in the distance to the west is a line of trees marking the course of Kentucky Creek where Thunderbolt was shot and killed by Constable Alexander...

Very sad to see this heritage listed , iconic rock in such a disgraceful state, Uralla council you should be ashamed of yourselves The so called picnic area had one table and bench seats that were also in a derelict condition and are just a terrible eyesore let alone dangerous , waiting for an accident to happen !! There was rubbish galore and broken glass everywhere!! If you can't clean the graffiti off why don't you make it a town project to do some quality murals of thunderbolt?!? Please find your Australian/ town pride and do something soon...

Stopped here for a rest late in the day. A fellow traveler warned us, that it was a dumping ground for needles and sure enough right beside my car I stood on one. Also, this place needed a toilet because every car that pulled in, the driver/kids just urinated beside their cars. Not to mention the dirty nappies just left on the ground in the parking area, as there were no bins available. Sad to say it is not a place I would ever bother to...