sydney underground tours

Please enable javascript to access the full functionality of this site

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

South head tunnels tour.

Sydney Harbour National Park

Open, check  current alerts  

View full screen

Discover historic tunnels carved out of the sandstone beneath South Head, Sydney Harbour National Park, on this 1.8km guided tour.

2024 dates:

Sunday 23 June, Thursday 11 July, Sunday 4 August, Sunday 1 and 29 September and Sunday 3 and 24 November.

Sunday 7 April, Friday 19 April, Sunday 19 May 2024 have SOLD OUT.

2025 dates :

Sunday 16 March, 6 April, 4 May and 1 June.

Tours run from 10.30am to 11.15am, 11.30am to 12.15pm and 12.30pm to 1.15 pm.

Adult $25 per person. Concession $20 per person.

South Head was a key location in the defence of Sydney Harbour from the 1870s until World War II. During this tour you'll explore the rarely opened tunnels carved out of the sandstone beneath South Head. These tunnels led to the magazines where gun powder was stored. We'll also explore the gun emplacements where that gun powder was used. During your tour you'll learn about the tragic sinking of the Dunbar, in which 121 people perished. We'll also find out about Hornby Lighthouse, which was constructed to prevent future shipwrecks.

It's a good idea to bring walking shoes, a torch, and clothes to suit the weather.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

• National Parks Contact Centre
• 7am to 7pm daily
• 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
• [email protected]

Operated by

• NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
• in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

Park entry fees:

Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app .

Other fees:

Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

What's nearby:

Things to do (88).

• Aboriginal culture (7)
• Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (17)
• Cafes and kiosks (3)
• Canoeing/paddling (14)
• Cycling (5)
• Fishing (6)
• Historic heritage (34)
• Horse riding (2)
• Other experiences (2)
• Picnics and barbecues (31)
• Sailing, boating and cruises (6)
• Sightseeing (36)
• Snorkelling and scuba (3)
• Swimming (12)
• Walking (28)
• Waterfalls (2)
• Wildflowers (seasonal) (2)

Immersive stories (1)

Camping and accommodation (7).

• Accommodation (6)
• Campgrounds (1)

Volunteering (6)

School excursions (9), provide feedback.

Information submitted on this form, including any personal details, will be a matter of public record and will be stored in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) records system. You can find out more about how DCCEEW handles the personal information it collects online by reading our privacy policy . By submitting this form, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information in accordance with this policy.

Head underground to explore Sydney's first fresh water source

If you've ever wanted to walk The Tank Stream, Sydney's first water source, here's your chance.

The tour, available only twice a year, takes you through 60 metres of this state heritage-listed tunnel built by convicts and stonemasons.

The stream was a vital source of life for the First Fleeters and the First Australians before them.

Captain Arthur Phillip chose Circular Quay as the birthplace of the new colony in part because of the freshwater stream running into the harbour from a swamp at the western end of what is now Hyde Park.

It had supplied fresh water and fish to the original Gadigal People for tens of thousands of years and served as the main fresh water supply for the first 40 years of Sydney's European life.

But by the early 1800s its waters were so polluted the colonists had stopped drinking from them. In time it became a sewer, still emptying into the harbour.

As the city grew up around the stream, it was covered over with sandstone blocks.

Today, The Tank Stream lies underground, a stormwater channel managed by Sydney Water.

Admission on the tour is by ballot registration only. Winners of the ballot have the chance to buy up to two tickets ($40 each).

For more information and to enter the ballot, click HERE ​

Advertisement

Get the latest Senior news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy .

Visit Sydney Australia

Lost And Abandoned Tunnels

• Road Tunnels
• Historic Tunnels
• Military Tunnels and Bunkers
• Forgotten Tunnels on the City Circle
• Railway Tunnels
• Harbour Tunnels
• Sydney's Lost Tunnels
• Sydney's Abandoned Railway Tunnels
• Underground Reservoirs

• Sydney Tourism
• Sydney Accommodation
• Sydney Bed and Breakfast
• Sydney Holiday Rentals
• Sydney Flights
• Sydney Restaurants
• Sydney Attractions
• Sydney Travel Forum
• Sydney Photos
• All Sydney Hotels
• Sydney Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Sydney
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Sydney underground tours - Sydney Forum

• South Pacific    
• Australia    
• New South Wales    
• Sydney    

Sydney underground tours

• Australia Forums
• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Holiday Rentals
• New South Wales forums
• Sydney forum

Does anyone know if these tours still run?

I believe the tour you refer to was to commemorate the 90th anniversary of our underground tunnels. I know that they are run occasionally because I went on a tour many years ago. Unfortunately I can't tell you which organisation ran it or how often they occur.

FYI the tunnels were started for future rail lines but never completed.

Q Station Ghost Tours

http://SydneyGhostTour.Com

thanks but ive done those before. haha

Do you have any links to websites, or info on where these underground ghost tours are held?

I assume Matt's talking about the incomplete tunnels at St James Station.

https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sydneyopen

Check the website from time to time for any announcements. Any spots are limited and can go very quickly.

Visits to the Tank Stream are run by ballot.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Boys Weekend in the rain! 20:10
• Sydney in 2 and half days including NYE 18:48
• Weather in Sydney last week of july yesterday
• Luna Park View yesterday
• Family Portrait Photographer in Sydney? (Local replies only) yesterday
• Sydney Trains - Station Platforms 27 April 2024
• Taxi overcharge? 27 April 2024
• Mosman ( eateries) 27 April 2024
• W Sydney or Marriott Circular Quay 26 April 2024
• Restaurant for a large group 26 April 2024
• Medicine declare 26 April 2024
• Looking for Cricket in Sydney this time of year 25 April 2024
• High taxi fare from the rocks to airport 25 April 2024
• Prepaid sim card 24 April 2024
• Christmas Day Lunch in Sydney 8 replies
• New Years Eve in Sydney 2012/2013 39 replies
• Best place to watch the New Years Eve fireworks? 13 replies
• Best hotel pool? 8 replies
• Cruise terminal at Wharf 5 Bangaroo Sydney 8 replies
• Dawn Princess Cruise Departure Wharf 5 Barangaroo 14 replies
• Michelin Star Restaurants 11 replies
• Best area to stay in while visiting Sydney? 5 replies
• Good seafood buffet / restaurant in sydney CBD area? 14 replies
• 5 Nights in Sydney - Where to stay 15 replies

Sydney Hotels and Places to Stay

• FAQ - Public transport (including Opal card information)
• FAQ - Must Sees
• FAQ - New Year's Eve
• FAQ - Accommodation - best area to stay
• FAQ - Visiting the Blue Mountains
• FAQ - Apartments & family accommodation
• FAQ - Day Trips/Side Trips from Sydney
• FAQ - More Day Trips/Side Trips from Sydney
• FAQ - Shopping
• FAQ - Budget travel
• FAQ - Historical Attractions
• FAQ - Power and electrical appliances
• FAQ - Visiting with Children
• FAQ - Trip Reports for Sydney and other nearby places of interest

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Sydney for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Sydney without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Food & Drink Awards
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Area Guides
• Theatre & Dance
• Music & Nightlife
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Bars & Pubs
• Visitor Guide
• Competitions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

What's with those abandoned tunnels hiding under Sydney's busy Wynyard Station?

Here's the intel on the secret tunnel system hidden below one of Sydney’s busiest train station thoroughfares

For years, unsuspecting commuters passing through Wynyard Station were in the dark about a sneaky network of tunnels lurking beneath their very feet. We finally got a sneak peek at the long-forgotten labyrinth during Vivid 2023 , when the tunnels morphed into ‘ Dark Spectrum ’ – a multi-sensory experience decked out with bright lights, futuristic lasers, giant robots and electronic dance music. The light show itself was beyond spectacular, but what made it even more captivating was the incredibly intriguing entrance to access the tunnels. Forget secret passageways or magical buttons; all it took was a non-descript door casually hidden next to Wynyard’s Coles supermarket.

What's the story behind Wynyard’s underground tunnels?

Six decades have passed since Sydney’s secret train tunnels – stretching from the eastern side of the Harbour Bridge down to Wynyard – were last in use. They were initially constructed as part of city-building engineer John Bradfield’s grand plan for a train line connecting the harbour to Mosman and the Northern Beaches (wouldn’t that be nice?). The project was unfortunately scrapped, and from 1932 to 1958, the tracks instead became the only underground segment of the Sydney tram network, funnelling trams coming off the Harbour Bridge.

In the '60s, the tunnels that were originally meant to be platforms one and two (have you ever noticed that Wynyard Station’s platform numbers start from three?), were ripped up and converted into a car park to service the  Menzies Hotel above. And that's pretty much where the story ends – until 'Dark Spectrum'.

Are there more abandoned tunnels in Sydney?

Turns out, Sydney has many secrets to hide and there are just as many unused tunnels as ones in use. Among them is St James Station’s abandoned tunnels , which were constructed in the 1920s as part of Bradfield’s grand transport route to the Northern Beaches. Like Wynyard, these tunnels were abandoned in the ’30s, but the NSW Government plans to reimagine them as a ghostly tourist attraction in the not-too-distant future. 

There’s also NSW’s oldest railway tunnel in Darling Harbour , the Old Glenbrook Tunnel that dates back to the 1800s, and the historic tunnel in Helensburgh which is now one of the most incredible glowworm sites in NSW. 

Speaking of: If you like adventures in the dark, then you can also spot thousands of glow worms from behind a waterfall on this  magical bushwalk in the Blue Mountains.

And if you like to check out secret spots, check out our guide to Sydney's best hidden wonders .

RECOMMENDED:

The world’s largest-ever asteroid crater may be buried in this small nsw town, go hunting for sydney’s most restless spirits at one of the top ghost tours in sydney, these are the most haunted sites in sydney.

• Melissa Woodley Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia

Share the story

An email you’ll actually love

Discover Time Out original video

• Acknowledgement of Country
• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Reviews policy
• Competition terms
• About the site
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Report an error
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Why Are There Hidden Tunnels Under Sydney’s Wynyard Station?

Ever wondered about Wynyard Station's 'ghost tunnels'? They're hiding behind a Coles supermarket and have been for decades.

You’ll remember us raving about Dark Spectrum not too long ago. The immersive and multi-sensory event was part of Vivid Sydney’s fabulous 2023 program and captivated locals throughout the festival up until this month. And while it had a lot going on for it — from striking lasers and pretty lights to giant robots and pulsating music , perhaps the most compelling aspect of the event was the location itself.

Held away from the crowds and hubbub of Sydney CBD, the event took over Wynyard Station , more specifically its unused and long abandoned tunnels which had so far been hiding behind, would you believe it — a rather plain-looking door next to a Coles supermarket . So why are there secret tunnels under one of Sydney’s busiest train stations?

Secret Tunnels, Wynyard Station

For years Sydney’s Wynard Station has had its own hidden tunnels , unbeknownst to commuters and the general public. When they first opened for Vivid, excitement was naturally high. But you’d be surprised to know that this well-kept secret has actually been around since the 1930s . The network of tunnels was essentially built for a train line that would cross the harbour and continue to the city’s northern beaches.

The project never materialised and was soon abandoned along with the tunnels although a section continues to be used as a carpark for the Menzies Hotel and as public parking . The tunnels later became part of the tram network for several decades until the late 1950s. Now you’ll find platforms three, four, five and six at Wynyard Station, platforms 1 and 2 are hidden behind a nondescript wall and don’t have any trains.

Interestingly, these aren’t the only ones. In fact, there are just as many unused tunnels in Sydney as the ones in use. Among them are The Darling Harbour Railway Tunnel , the oldest railway tunnel to be constructed in NSW, the Old Glenbrook Tunnel which was built back in the 1800s and the old abandoned Helensburgh Tunnel which is now home to a colony of glow worms .

Keen to get a glimpse of these abandoned tunnels? Museums of History NSW does limited annual tours of some of the tunnels but you have to get in fast since they sell out soon. Keep an eye on their website for announcements and get more information about these lost tunnels here .

Sources: Environment NSW History of Sydney

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

Sydney Metro

Australia's biggest public transport project

An artist's impression of escalators and entrance to new Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station

Travel calculator

The travel calculator calculates the number of minutes for a journey during stage 1 and stage 2 of the Sydney Metro development. Select a stage and search for a start and end location to find out how many minutes it will take below. The number of minutes is displayed below.

Sydney Metro what's on

Sydney Metro Education

Learn about my station

Loading map ...

View our e-book

Behind the fence

City & southwest.

Western Sydney Airport

Link to text version of interactive map

Sydney's new trains

Fast, safe, reliable

No timetable

Customers will just turn up and go

Continuous mobile phone coverage through network

City stations opening in 2024

113 kilometres

New metro rail 

46 metro stations

State of the art, fully accessible

Featured news

Martin Place Station 95 per cent complete

Work on Martin Place Metro Station has been powering ahead and soon passengers will have access to a fully integrated transport destination right in the heart of Sydney CBD.

The final Sydney Metro West tunnel boring machines have arrived

Sydney Metro West is gearing up to build Sydney’s second under-harbour railway crossing with the final tunnel boring machines (TBMs) arriving on site. The two TBMs will carve out the 2.3-kilometre twin tunnels from The Bays, under Sydney Harbour, to Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD as part of the Sydney Metro West - Eastern Tunnelling Package (ETP). These are the last of six TBMs being used for tunnelling on the 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line. 

Major work powers ahead at Hunter Street Station

Work on Sydney Metro West’s Hunter Street Station is powering ahead as excavation works continue on this future CBD transport hub.

Testing on track as all 45 trains complete Tallawong to Sydenham return journey

Metro services through the Sydney CBD are in sight, following a major testing milestone ahead of services starting on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest line later this year.

Interactive Map

Keep up to date, want latest project news for your area, sydney metro news.

Updates delivered to your inbox.

What are you searching for?

Have your say, defence of sydney tour.

• $11 per adult
• $8 per child
• $8 per concession
• $8 per senior
• Times: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2pm every Sunday 
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Group tours also available (Mon-Fri)

North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre (located in the North Fort precinct), North Head Scenic Drive, Manly, NSW 2095

Strategically placed at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, the fort was part of a defence system that spanned 300km of coastline during the Second World War.

The Defence of Sydney Tour is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served at North Fort. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will marvel at heritage gun emplacements, once capable of firing 26.4km, and descend into the 200-metre-long military tunnel complex. Finally, our guide will demystify an underground bunker once shrouded in secrecy: The Plotting Room. As you explore this facility, concealed within bushland, you’ll hear how our specialist volunteers faithfully restored it.

Request a group tour

Want to arrange a Defence of Sydney Tour for a large group? Request a group tour using the webform on this page.

Subject to guide availability, we accept private group bookings from Monday to Friday. To request a private group tour, complete the form on this page.

Note: Bookings are required no fewer than 10 business days in advance of the requested date. All enquiries will receive a response within 5 business days. 

Step 1 of 4

Planning to book a tour? For a hassle-free experience, refer to the information below ahead of your trip.

• Weather conditions: This tour will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of extreme weather. If the Rural Fire Service declares an extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating for the Greater Sydney Region (area 4), tours will be cancelled. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled and a full refund of the ticket price will be made. 
• To ensure the safety of participants and Harbour Trust staff, at the discretion of the Harbour Trust, any participant(s) who appears intoxicated, disruptive or displays consistently unsafe behaviour, will not be permitted to take part in the tour, and / or may be asked to leave the tour at any time. Refunds will not be provided.
• Cancellation / rescheduling: The Harbour Trust reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or alter tour dates and routes at its discretion. In instances where tours are cancelled or rescheduled, the Harbour Trust will endeavour to contact all pre-booked ticket holders, within a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled tour date and time. If the tour is cancelled by the Harbour Trust at its discretion, the Customer may contact the Harbour Trust and reschedule or seek a refund.
• First Nations peoples: Our First Nations community are advised that this tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased persons.
• Site conditions: This tour includes steep stairs and underground tunnels and some uneven surfaces, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required. You must comply with all directions of the guides, rangers and security. Although this is an all-ages tour, children must be able to walk and negotiate stairs independently due to the requirement to traverse steep and narrow staircases. Further, our safety requirements prevent ticketholders from carrying children in carriers or baby capsules on this tour.
• Safety: All visitors must comply with the safety directives issued by guides, rangers and security staff.
• Age restriction: People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Suitable walking shoes, a sunhat and wet weather gear (if needed). Please provide your own torch for the tunnels (phone torch is adequate). Please note: This tour has high touch points including hand rails and includes entry into confined spaces. As such, we recommend providing own hand sanitiser and wearing a face mask.

For information about getting to the North Fort, including by public transport, see: Visit North Head Sanctuary . This webpage also contains information on visitor parking and public facilities.

To exchange your ticket(s) or request a refund, please contact our ticket solutions provider, Ticketbooth, via their support webpage: support.ticketbooth.com.au/contact/

Helpful links

Want to learn more about North Head Sanctuary, including North Fort and the Third Quarantine Cemetery? You may find these links useful.

The Secret Military History of Manly's North Fort Plotting Room

Visit north head sanctuary, the history of north head sanctuary, historical people, the extraordinary places managed by the sydney harbour federation trust have significance on a national and international scale. located in first nations countries, they are places of natural beauty, and feature heritage structures and remnants from different eras. our vision is to create, amplify, and make accessible the values of our destinations..

• Discover & learn
• What's on
• Publications
• Privacy policy
• Accessibility
• Planning and permits
• Freedom of information

HARBOUR TRUST

PO BOX 607  Mosman NSW 2088 Australia

Our website uses cookies which collect information about how you interact with our website. We use this information to give you the best experience on our website and for analysis. By clicking the 'I accept' button, you are consenting to the use of cookies. However, if you would like, you can change your cookie settings in your browser any time. For more information, please see our Cookies and Tracking Statement .

• NSW & ACT

Subterranean Sydney: Eerie underground world right beneath the CBD

LOCKED away under the hustle and bustle of Sydney lies an extensive network of non-operational train platforms, tunnels, tracks and subterranean lakes.

‘Beyond words’: 10yo allegedly killed by sister

Milestone in children’s cancer centre

Parents take down knife-wielding man

LOCKED away under the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s major train stations lies an extensive network of train platforms, tunnels and tracks that were completed in the 1920s but have never been operational.

During the construction of the City Circle and Central to North Sydney railways lines, additional tunnels and platforms were built in the CBD for proposed routes to Bondi and the Northern Beaches, to prevent disruption at a later date to existing services.

The labyrinth extends one kilometre in each of two directions from St James Station, about 30 metres below Hyde Park and past the Cahill Expressway entrance off Macquarie Street.

It was one of the first underground stations in Australia, completed in 1926, but the plan to continue works on additional lines was canned when the Great Depression hit.

The site has since led “a colourful life”, serving as a bomb shelter during WWII, a mushroom farm, film set, an Army training ground and a dark playground illegally accessed by secret societies who practice witchcraft and black magic.

RARE LOOK INSIDE TUNNELS

Sydney trains executive director Tony Eid takes us on an a rare tour of the tunnels via an unassuming door that creaks open with the turn of a key in the station’s main terminal.

An influence based on a fusion of the London tube and New York City transit is immediately clear in the green and cream tiled walls.

The network was designed by Dr John Bradfield, perhaps best known for his work on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

A dusty ghost platform is lined with rows of gumboots, organised according to size, for those who dare to plunge into the wet, dark depths of the tunnels below.

“They built these platforms up ready to go and if you look around you, you can see the old heritage signs that used to be there, the archways ready to go, the posters to put stuff on, the track bed to lay the tracks and then the actual platforms,” Mr Eid says.

Armed with torches we walk down a flight of stairs, onto the track bed, and towards high security steel gates which require a passcode to open. The only way from there to the tunnels is to wade through corridors of knee-deep water which eventually opens to the first of several huge, flooded chambers. It boasts a dome-shaped roof and a bell — once used to replicate the sound of Big Ben for a film — in the centre.

An entry on the other side of the room leads to a series of narrow passageways that zigzag from one tunnel to the next. It’s hauntingly silent.

“It gets a little bit spooky from here,” Mr Eid says.

Deeper into the tunnels, thick concrete tunnels are ravaged by thirsty tree roots that have made their way through the earth and architecture in search of the clear freshwater lakes that infiltrate the subterranean maze.

“You don’t know true darkness until you’ve turned your torches off in here,” Mr Eid tells us before signalling for us to momentarily do just that.

But under the glare of torch light is a sight to behold. Tree roots dangle from the ceiling like ancient cob webs and mounds of a snow white crystallised fungus glisten where the water laps the walls.

‘A COLOURFUL LIFE’

If the walls in this mysterious underground could talk they would tell of a spellbinding past.

“It’s had a very colourful life,” Mr Eid says.

The St James tunnels were transformed into a bomb shelter during WWII with hand-poured concrete slabs “about 300mm thick” poured over iron rods and built into the space to withstand explosions from above and within.

The shelters were to fit 20,000 people in the event of air raids. Armed soldiers guarded the site throughout WWII, ready to maintain law and order if the masses suddenly sought cover and protection.

They were positioned in 10ft “man holes” built high into the walls of the tunnels.

“It would have been quite eerie to look up and see a soldier standing up there in the man hole, staring down with a rifle,” Mr Eid says.

“(If the shelter had been used) it would have been noisy, there were made up beds for people to sit on but would have been frightening with dim light, low quality air, and all that stuff they would have had to deal with.”

Many of the soldiers thought they’d die in the tunnels because of poor conditions and limited oxygen. Their messages and inscriptions for loves ones can still be seen on the walls.

“I love you. My dearest darling wife Robyn Foreman,” one message reads.

“NX 227672. Pte. R.J DePaul. 13-7-42,” another says.

The end of the tunnels are met with walls of rubble and exposed steel from when the army was instructed to destroy the shelters post war. But they didn’t get far before the operation was pulled. The bulk of the underground was subsequently preserved.

“If you look up at the destruction of the tunnels it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie,” Mr Eid says.

“You can imagine zombies coming at you or whatever in here.”

The eerie setting is one of many reasons film and TV producers and directors are drawn to the area. It’s highest claim to fame came when scenes from blockbuster movie The Matrix were filmed there in 1999.

More than a decade later, Australian film The Tunnel, was also filmed in the underground passage. The plot involves a film crew that goes underground to investigate why homeless people are going missing. A lake monster kills the crew off one by one.

In 1949, the site was home to a thriving mushroom farm, producing 4000 tonnes of the fungi.

“There have been a lot of stories about it also filling up as a water tank,” Mr Eid says.

Several urban legends have arisen from the tunnels, including that of an albino eel said to reside in the St James tunnel lake.

The temptation to explore the area and its legends has proved too hard to resist for many who have risked fines and jail by breaking into the tunnels.

A torch light is shone on a pitch black wall, revealing a graffiti pentagram — a symbol of Satan,

a skeleton cross, and a heart on fire.

“It represents hell,” Mr Eid says.

“This is where seances were apparently taking effect.”

Australian group the Cave Clan regularly breaks into and meets deep down in various underworlds — including storm drains and St James station tunnels — across the country.

Started by three teenagers from Melbourne in 1986, the underground society now has chapters in each of Australia’s main cities.

One graffiti tag inside the St James Tunnels reads: “Cave Clan from Melbourne. Except for Predator from Sydney”.

The vandals cop hefty fines if caught.

The clandestine group is often the subject of many rumours: they’re a gothic band; a graffiti crew; perform bizarre rituals and are on the run from the law.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve alarmed the place so there are invisible sensors within here that will trigger off alarms to our control centre,” Mr Eid says.

“And we’ve upgraded security systems so there’s a big steel cage at the only entrance into these tunnels.

“Whereas on the other side at night time several occasions they will run on the tracks and penetrate their way through the tunnels.

“But that’s now all been sealed off.

“We still get it but not a lot. And every time we do get a penetration of vandals, it triggers an alarm, and we send our people there to get them out.”

The Cave Clan isn’t the only arm of society the station’s custodians are concerned about.

Mr Eid says the current climate of terror risks has meant security has been made tighter than ever before.

“The NSW Library and Parliament are above so we just can’t risk putting those places in danger,” he says.

Today, the tunnels are often used by the Army as a “playground” for “familiarisation training”.

There are currently no plans to develop the site or reopen the tunnels to the public.

“We’re very proud to be the custodians of this,” Mr Eid says.

“We have to preserve this. It’s part of our history, it’s played a significant role in Sydney.”

The St James Station tunnels are open to the public during the Sydney Open event in November. Only a limited number of tickets are made available each year. Sydney Trains is also currently running a competition for winners to go on an exclusive guided tour of the tunnels in August.

[email protected]

A 10-year-old girl has died after allegedly being stabbed by her own teenage sister at a home in the Hunter Valley.

A new children’s cancer centre has reached a major milestone as it moves towards completion in 2025.

A knife-wielding man who turned up to a junior footy training session in Sydney’s west on Monday night has been wrestled to the ground by angry parents.

• NSW Road trips
• Accommodation
• Be inspired

• things to do

Railway Adventures

Fully escorted rail holidays in Australia and around the world.

Ever wanted to ride the world’s great railway lines in the company of like-minded travellers and an experienced escort?

Founded in 2012 by well-known Australian television personality and self-confessed railfan, Scott McGregor, it has thrilled and delighted almost 1500 travellers on over 120 tours around Australia and across the world. Scott’s belief is that the most relaxing, romantic, and engaging way to see a country is from the window of a train.

New tours are launched regularly, inspired by heritage, vintage and steam trains, new routes, and the growing interest in taking a train to some of the world’s most fascinating places. But you don’t have to be a train ‘nut’ to enjoy a Railway Adventures tour – there’s something for everyone!

The Railway Adventures story began back in 1980, when Scott began to create his own unique personal rail retreat and amass one of the most extensive rail memorabilia collections in the country. Ruwenzori Retreat, a collection of beautifully restored vintage railway carriages located atop the Great Dividing Range just outside Mudgee also operates as a boutique tourist accommodation. Comprising exclusive Orient Express style comfort for up to 13 guests, the ‘single hire’ policy ensures that whoever is there gets the whole place exclusively to themselves. An incredibly special treat.

The Long Weekend Central West Loop by Private Train

It's time to feel new.

Pure joy as you wake to the sunrise. Awe as you make it to the snowy peak. A sense of adventure as you motor across red plains. The relief of rejuvenation as you wade into an alpine stream. Connection as you taste native, fragrant leaves. A sense of belonging as you return to your favourite holiday house. Freedom as you dash into the waves. Discover the endless feelings a visit to NSW can inspire.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay connected to Sydney for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.

Discover Somewhere New

All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox.

Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

• NSW Government
• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

Sydney.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved