2020 – DUE TO FLOODING, AND TO LET THE GLOW WORMS RECOVER, THE TUNNEL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.
It will re-open at a date to be advised. For updated information on when the glowworm tunnel will be open, please see the Glowworm Tunnel website
Helensburgh, NSW, Australia is home to a sequence of historic tunnels, with one being home to a spectacular, but fragile, colony of glow worms.
The Metropolitan Tunnel (Glow Worm tunnel) is the 4th tunnel on the original Illawarra Line, and is a 624m single track tunnel nestled between the Helensburgh Tunnel 1st (Tunnel No. 3), and the Metropolitan Colliery. It is dead straight on a 1 in 55 grade (falling south). It also shared an unfortunate trait that the Otford Tunnel also had; build up of soot, smoke and steam which was treacherous for engine crew and passengers alike. It opened on the 3rd October 1888 and closed permanently on the 30th May 1915.
Every day I’d have to commute to the Helensburgh Railway Station and catch the train to school at Heathcote. One morning as I was riding my bike to the Helensburgh station, my friend pointed into the thickets of lush green overgrowth and said “In there is an old train tunnel”. “Really” I shot back surprised. I didn’t think much about it, but the curiosity never left me. I did believe him because when one catches the train to school everyday you get to know the journey pretty well. On occasions when leaving the Helensburgh Station heading to Sydney, the bush around the 1st Helensburgh Tunnel can thin out due to fire or drought, and you can clearly see the northern portal.
After high school I use to walk past the area in Tunnel Road every Friday evening to visit a friend who lived not far from it. I would attempt to peer in to the area where the Metropolitan Tunnel is but it was either too dark to see (if I arrived late in the evening), or very overgrown and full of rubbish and water.
In years past the whole tunnel was virtually full of water, giving rise to rumours of there being an abandoned steam train under water. Early 1995 saw the clearing and removal of rubbish out of cutting to the northern portal as the Colliery had plans to use the tunnel as a water reservoir. When the tunnel was drained in 1995, that rumour was put to rest; (no steam train was found). Soon after in 1995, rail enthusiasts, local historians, and contractors from the Metropolitan Colliery were marvelling at brickwork found exposed in the earth. The archaeology discovered turned out to be of significant historical importance; part of the Helensburgh 1st Railway Station had been found in situ and intact. A good length of platform was unearthed and can be seen and visited today.
Interactive Map Provided by © Bing Maps.
Recently I had a chance to visit the site and thanks to the Helensburgh Landcare group, much of the site has been restored. In March 2002 saw the laying of some rail and wooden sleepers donated by the Metropolitan Colliery which adds dramatic effect to the already amazing area. Just meters from the northern portal of the Metropolitan Tunnel is the old railway station platform of the 1st Helensburgh Railway Station. You can walk on the platform to access the tunnel, which I walked a good way into; and as expected it is wet and muddy. The southern end of the tunnel is blocked by a concrete wall constructed by the Metropolitan Colliery about 5 meters in from the southern end of the tunnel. They have leased it for many years and use it as a dam for mining purposes and dust management.
Not being used in mushroom production has enabled the Metropolitan Tunnel to host one of the largest colonies of glow worms in NSW. If you’re thinking of heading down there, the area is very accessible although I do recommend some water proof footwear as the tunnel is wet and slippery.
TUNNEL ETIQUETTE:
1. Shhhh . . . . . . Please keep noise to a minimum for the Glow Worms and the neighbours.2. Apply any insect repellent before entering—repellent can kill glow-worms.
3. No Smoking – the smoke can kill the glow-worms.
4. Don’t use the camera flash. Use a night setting to get the best Photos.
5. Point torches at the ground. You need light, Glow Worms don’t.
6. Keep group sizes to a minimum. For your comfort 4–8 per group.
7. Take out what you bring in. Help keep our beautiful tunnel tidy. Garbage bins and toilets are available at the Helensburgh Train Station or at the Helensburgh Swimming Pool.
8.Shhhh . . . . . .Please do not disturb the neighbours; you can come and go but they live right next door every night.
(Merilyn House)
Helensburgh Railway Station Reserve
Can’t view it? Watch on YouTube
I revisited the Helensburgh Reserve on the 31 October 2010. Fortunately for me and the photos, the Helensburgh Railway sign had just had a fresh lick of paint and is looking spectacular. Work is to be carried out in the first half of 2011 at the Helensburgh Railway Reserve. (new railway sleepers, re-routing of water course to prevent the railway station wall from shifting due to water build up in the soil behind it, weed management, etc… all to be carried out.
In 2012, the original Helensburgh Railway Station sign had to be remove as it had been vandalised, with several original letters forcibly removed. The sign has been removed for safe keeping to prevent further damage. It’s really sad to see such history be destroyed like this, and I plea to anyone who knows the whereabouts of the original letters removed to contact me for their safe return. You can remain completely anonymous; we would just like to see the letters returned. Use our contact form or mailing address.
It is a testament to the builders, as the site has stood for nearly 125 years. Please remember that this whole area has been Environmental & Heritage listed as a reserve and treat it with care. The original Helensburgh and Metropolitan Tunnels, as well as remnants of the former Helensburgh Station platform, is now no longer in RailCorp ownership and has been vested to the NSW Department of Lands.
If you visit; PLEASE kindly follow “Tunnel Etiquette” as stated above.
Images/Photos, and Article © Ian Piggott 2010-2020 – all rights reserved,
We’ve visited the glow worms tunnel today, but have also realised how fragile and unprotected they are. People don’t realise loud noices, bright lights and excess body heat produced by humans could disturb and impact the environment these creatures need to survive and breed. I really wished the local council can either temporarily close access to let these creatures recover or at least put up appropriate signs to better educate the public about what not to do in the tunnel before entering.
Visited the tunnel today 27th April 2019 and there is a sign stating that the glowworms are dying please let them recover .So I suggest closing the tunnel to allow the glowworms to recover .I did enter but not many critters to see I saw a couple literally .Very wet and boggy underfoot as well .If I was a glowworm I would ask that my home be made secure so that I can recover.And if you do visit please take your rubbish out with you not that I understand why for such a short visit you need so much items that you discard????It is a tunnel take a torch it will be wet take appropriate shoes and clothing.And keep children quiet glowworms do not like noise.Basically you the inconsiderate humans are killing the glowworms so caretakers of the tunnel close it again to allow the glowworm populace to recover
Wow, I can’t believe people would throw fireworks in. What kind of world are we living in if we can’t co-exist with nature. Happy to know measures are being taken.
Hi just wondering if it’s open again to the public az thinking of making a weekend out of it next month.
Thanks
No Kerrie. It is closed for the time being.
Does any know if the South entrance of the Old Metropolitan Tunnel can reached from the outside?
We spent hours rummaging in the bush looking for it, only to find ourselves in the coal mine!
Watching a freight train being loaded with coal was rather interesting at least.
Hello Jo
The southern portal of the Metropolitan Tunnel (1st) is inaccessible. If now falls on the Peabody’s Metropolitan Coliery’s property and any attempt to access the tunnel is trespassing and potentially dangerous.
Thank you
Hi, We plan to visit the tunnel at the end of June, but have just been told by a local from Wollongong that they have been closed due to vandalism. Is this true?
Not sure Jenny. It’s been months since I’v ebeen down there. Sorry I can’t help you on its current status.
The tunnel is getting blocked off now, I went down there yesterday arvo for my last time because I knew it was going to get blocked off soon. They’re finally putting a fence up because all the glow worms are dying because of some tourist not treating the place right and because of vandalism.
Hi, we are thinking of coming here when we are in the area at the end of April, apart from dry footwear is there any other requirements? Is this open year round?
Hello Kate
Yes it is open all year round. With recent heavy rains however; its completely flooded. Keep this in mind and check again when you plan to visit.
Thanks Ian. I’m going to take a blow up boat.
How long does it take to walk from the new Helensburgh Station to the start of the tunnels which I presume is at the reserve.
Hello Lyn
About 3 minutes.
is this where the movie tunnel was made? is this where the bell from the world war two is?
No.
See here: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/st-james-tunnels-the-set-of-a-horror-movie-30-metres-beneath-sydney-20161012-gs0ekg.html
Hi, I was wondering how far down (meters) can you walk before you hit the wall or the lake? In summer would it still be wet. I haven’t seen anyone go all the to the end yet, is because it gets to muddy.
Kind Regards
Jim
Hello JIm
624m long. The concrete plug is right at the end. Because of the grade, and the rainfall in the area; it does flood easily. All these factors determine the answer.
In short, yes; and flooding.
Hi,
I was just wondering if you can see the glow worms through the day or is it more of a night activity? Thank you
Hello Trudy
Better at night; but if you traverse a good distance in, you can see some glow worms once your eyes have adjusted.
Thank you Ian.
Can u still access the lake at the bottom?
Hello Melissa, thanks for stopping by. If it rains and there is water build-up; yes. One can visit and access any time.