Helensburgh Tunnel (North End) - NSW

The Metropolitan Tunnel, also known as Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnel, is a disused rail tunnel in Helensburgh, New South Wales. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its glow worm population.The ‘Helensburgh Tunnels’ actually refers to a group of seven now disused train tunnels stretching between Waterfall and Otford. These stations together made up the original section of what’s now known as the Illawarra line. Opening in 1889, the South Coast Railway as it was then called included:Metropolitan Tunnel Cawley Tunnel Helensburgh Tunnel Waterfall Tunnel Lilyvale No. 1 Tunnel Lilyvale No. 2 Tunnel Otford TunnelThese seven tunnels were created by boring through the Bulgo ranges. The old Helensburgh Tunnel is one of the shortest on the alignment and sits at the bottom of the gully, sandwiched between the steep rock cutting of the man-made divide. It’s relatively short drive (or walk if you’re a fitness fan) down the winding road and at the bottom of the hill, just to your left is a dirt track off the suburban road. Make your way through the open air corridor and straight ahead, in the middle of a beautiful patch of sub-tropical rainforest is the gaping entrance to the tunnel and remains of the old station.