Thunderbolts Rock

Thunderbolts Rock, also known as Split Rock and Big Rock, is an impressive cluster of granite rocks located approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) south of Uralla on the New England Highway.

It serves as a picnic site and tourist attraction, with historical significance tied to Captain Thunderbolt, the infamous bushranger.

Thunderbolt's Rock is part of The Captain Thunderbolt Sites, a group of historic sites that includes Blanch's Royal Oak Inn, Captain Thunderbolt's Death Site, and Captain Thunderbolt's Grave. This site was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 20 July 2012. The rock offers a vantage point to survey the surrounding countryside and played a significant role in Frederick Ward's bushranging career.

On 27 October 1863, Fred Ward and Fred Britten attempted to rob the mail at Split Rock, just three months after escaping from Cockatoo Island. The bushrangers managed to escape through the boggy ground of Church Gully south of Thunderbolt's Rock. Ward was shot in the back of his left knee during the escape, and conflicting accounts exist regarding who shot him.

Seven years later, Thunderbolt's Rock was the location of Thunderbolt's last hold-up. The site's name changed from Split Rock to Thunderbolt's Rock, reflecting its connection to Captain Thunderbolt within the local community.

Thunderbolt's Rock was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 20 July 2012. It contributes to the state significance