Cox's Road and Early Deviations - Woodford, Appian Way Precinct, Heritage road site in Blue Mountains, Australia.
Cox's Road is a heritage route in the Blue Mountains stretching roughly one kilometer along a ridge, featuring original stone walls, cuttings, and culverts built during early colonial times. The structure closely follows the natural terrain and integrates the landscape into its design.
William Cox and thirty convicts completed this road in 1814 under Governor Macquarie's directive to connect inland regions with the coast. The project opened the Blue Mountains area to further settlement and trade.
Two Aboriginal men from Darug and Mulgoa communities assisted during construction, representing an early partnership between European settlers and Indigenous people. Their involvement shaped how the road was adapted to the local landscape.
The remaining section of Old Bathurst Road in Woodford maintains its original features and is now used as a walking trail through the Blue Mountains. Visitors can explore the route on foot and observe the historic structures along the way.
Natural rock formations were incorporated directly into the road surface as pavement, showing how builders adapted to the mountainous terrain. This practical approach saved materials while using the existing stone efficiently.
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