When was Mushroom Tunnel built?
Australia, oceania
N/A
180 m
moderate
Year-round
Hidden away near Picton, in the Macarthur Region of New South Wales, Australia, you'll find the infamous Mushroom Tunnel, officially known as the Redbank Range Railway Tunnel. This 180-meter relic first opened way back in 1867 but was abandoned by trains in 1919. It even served as a storage spot for arms, ammo, and even mustard gas during World War II!
So, why the "Mushroom" nickname? Well, the unpaved road inside is the perfect breeding ground for fungi, thanks to the cool, damp environment. Sadly, you can't officially wander through this historic tunnel anymore due to deterioration. It's now closed off for safety reasons, and can only be viewed from the outside.
But even from the entrance, you can glimpse the eerie, surreal atmosphere of the Mushroom Tunnel. It's easy to see why it's so popular with photographers and urban explorers. Legend has it that the tunnel is haunted by a young woman named Emily Bollard, who died in 1916 after being hit by a train while walking through the tunnel. Other local residents also reportedly lost their lives inside the tunnel. Some people have claimed to see floating lights, experience sudden drops in temperature, and even spot ghostly children in the darkness. Exploring it can be risky, so caution is advised when visiting.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Max Elevation
- 180 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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