The Otford Tunnel in New South Wales, Australia, is a disused railway tunnel that used to be part of the Illawarra line down to Bomaderry, amongst other locales. Built in
the late 19th century, it is just under two kilometres in length and runs beneath the seaside cliffs near the suburb of Otford.
The tunnel was used until 1920 but was closed following the duplication of the line which saw it deviate away from this original route. Over the years, it has become a site of interest for urban explorers and history enthusiasts, with remnants of its past still visible.
If I recall correctly, it was used to grow mushrooms for some time. This is something that has occurred in several abandoned railway tunnels.
The surrounding area is known for its stunning scenery I can totally recommend the lookout at Stanwell Tops), and I've read discussions around the concept of repurposing the tunnel or incorporating it into walking and cycling trails.
It's a unique experience that reflects the region's railway history and offers a glimpse into the past. I recommend it before something happens that sees some official close it off.
Regretfully, the tunnel mouth at the Stanwell Park end has attracted the attention of graffiti vandals, as has a lot of the lining inside.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The adventure begins :-)
Photo: Brad Peadon
Virls looks a wee bit hesitant.
Photo: Brad Peadon
It wasn't the brightest light, but it would have been hard to get along the rough surface without it.
Water erosion seems to have made the ground far less easy to negotiate compared to a visit many years back.
Slow and easy would be recommended to anyone wanting to do it.
Photo: Brad Peadon
No shortage of graffiti all the way through.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Always a relief to get past the pitch-black section and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
There had been a lot of recent rain and the water was becoming more regular and widespread, so we decided not to keep going and return at a later date.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Hope that this isn't a representation of some tunnel wildlife :-)
Photo: Brad Peadon
A repaired section of the tunnel where the army detonated some explosives in 1942/43.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Virls doing her own POV video which will also appear on the Semi-Retired Foamer Youtube Channel.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Nearly at the end of the walk.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Theres that light at the end of the tunnel.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Proud of having made it out alive, we prepare to walk back southwards along the formation.
Next, we would visit an even more waterlogged tunnel at Helensburgh.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Virls smiling after an attempt to scare her failed quite dismally.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Give me that flamin camera.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Coming forthwith, we visit a tunnel at Helensburgh, then the Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus.
The tramway museum will be on our main blog.
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Virl Virls.
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Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.
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Our newest group exploring the fascinating rail operations on these islands, and the industry they serve.
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