RAIL TUNNELS | HISTORY
SYDNEY RAIL TUNNELS TO BECOME TOURIST ATTRACTION Abandoned old rail tunnels, 20m below the CBD, in Sydney have been turned into an historic tourist attraction, due to welcome visitors from later this year. The St James Tunnels were part of a proposed East-
West rail Corridor that was envisioned early last century by engineer John Bradfield. However, the planned full system was subsequently abandoned in the face of the Great Depression, in the early 1930s, and also due to disagreements over rail routes. However, parts of the tunnel system were used - as
part of the City Circle. During the Second World War, the St James Tunnels
were used as an air raid shelter. Then, the two tunnels of the four in the system went
back to not being used, while the other two tunnels continued as part of the City Circle. Following recent restoration and revitalisation works,
visitors to the refurbished underground space will be able to explore the formerly unused, hidden parts of the St James Tunnels system, which were built in the 1920s. Tour groups will be able to walk through the disused
southern tunnel, extending under Hyde Park, from St James station. Tours are expected to commence in late 2025, once an operator is appointed. St James Tunnels will combine a historical walking
tour with an immersive multimedia and soundscape attraction, offering visitors a snapshot of Sydney’s transport and wartime past.
Sydney Trains’ Chief Executive, Matt Longland, said
that the St James Tunnels were “a window into our transport past, a snapshot of World War II history, and the efforts of the workers who built Sydney’s transport infrastructure.” NSW Minister for Transport, John Graham, said:
“These historic tunnels are more than just infrastructure; they are an expression of Sydney’s development as a modern, international city. These tunnels belong to the people of NSW, so it’s fantastic news that they’ll become another of our city’s great public spaces.” The NSW Government is planning for more
‘Experience-led’ tourism as a priority to help boost the state’s visitor economy, it said in a statement in February. “The St James Tunnels tour is expected to be a visitor
drawcard, similar to award-winning attractions in London which explore disused tube stations and secret wartime shelters,” it said. The tour is anticipated to run several times a day and
is designed to be suitable for teenage years and above. The Transport Minister added: “Tours like Bridgeclimb
on the Harbour Bridge are now a must-do experience for Sydney locals and visitors alike. In time, we want to see tours of the St James tunnels become just as popular. He added: “I want to congratulate the teams who
worked so hard underground in a difficult environment to preserve the heritage of the site and reimagine it into an exciting and educational experience.
Above: Some rail tunnels in Sydney, Australia, were part of a proposed East-West rail corridor but never used. They have been refurbished and are becoming a tourist attraction PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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