The cursed Mushroom Tunnel of Picton

The cursed Mushroom Tunnel of Picton

Australia, oceania

Length

N/A

Elevation

180 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Tucked away near Picton, in New South Wales' Macarthur Region, lies the infamous Redbank Range Railway Tunnel, a.k.a. the Mushroom Tunnel. This 180-meter relic opened way back in 1867 but was abandoned by trains in 1919. It even did a stint as a storage facility during WWII and later as a mushroom farm!

The road leading to it, nestled between Picton Junction and Thirlmer, is unpaved, adding to the adventure. Sadly, the tunnel is currently closed due to deterioration, so you can only admire it from the outside.

Known for its eerie vibe, thanks to the dampness and resident fungi, the tunnel has a surreal beauty. Legend has it that the tunnel is haunted by the ghost of a woman named Emily Bollard, who tragically died after being hit by a train in 1916. People claim to have seen strange lights, felt sudden temperature drops, and even spotted ghostly children within its walls.

So, while you can't venture inside, a visit to the Redbank Range Railway Tunnel promises a unique and spine-tingling experience! Be cautious and respect any barriers if you visit.

Where is it?

The cursed Mushroom Tunnel of Picton is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -27.7110, 134.9021

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Max Elevation
180 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-27.7110, 134.9021

Related Roads in oceania

How long is the Blue Rag track?hard

How long is the Blue Rag track?

🇦🇺 Australia

Craving an Aussie off-road adventure? Blue Rag Range Track, nestled in Victoria's High Country, is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a remote and challenging 15.9km (9.87 miles) of pure 4WD heaven. Starting from Dargo High Plains Road, you'll wind your way along a rough gravel track to the Wongungarra River. Get ready for rocky, steep climbs and descents along those precarious mountain edges! How high does it get? You'll be scaling the heights of the Australian Alps, topping out at 1,715m (5,626ft) near Mount Blue Rag. Keep an eye on the weather, though – snow can fall anytime! Dargo High Plains Road might even be closed during the snow season, so check ahead. Is it tough? You bet! This isn't a trail for beginners. We're talking tight, narrow sections, tricky turns, and steep climbs with serious drop-offs on either side. Some turns require multiple attempts, and ruts can form during rainy days. Grab your experienced friends and a second vehicle for safety. Allow 2-3 hours for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to take longer. The breathtaking scenery of Alpine National Park is a visual feast, and the 360º views from the summit of Blue Rag are simply awesome. Just remember to drive responsibly!

Why is Mount Olympus famous?hard

Why is Mount Olympus famous?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of New Zealand's craziest access roads? Head to the South Island and find Mount Olympus, home to a super cool, locals-only ski area nicknamed the "Playground of the Gods." The road? It's an unpaved beast called Mount Olympus Access Road. Seriously, this ain't no Sunday drive. Starting from Harper Road, it's about 13.6 km (8.45 miles) of steep climbing – we're talking an average gradient of 7.73% as you gain 1,052 meters in elevation! The first bit to the bottom hut *might* be doable in a 2WD with chains, but trust me, after that, you'll want a high-clearance 4WD and those chains *definitely* on board. The road narrows, gets super steep, and becomes mostly one-lane. Seriously, there's even a sign that says "Chains and courage are required"! If your ride (or your nerves) can't handle it, chill at the bottom hut and hitch a ride with someone who knows the drill. Always check the morning snow report and heed the signs. This road is not for the faint of heart!

Driving through the Pohara Natural Bridge in the South Islandeasy

Driving through the Pohara Natural Bridge in the South Island

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the South Island of New Zealand, wind in your hair, Tasman Sea sparkling on your left. Suddenly, Abel Tasman Drive takes a turn for the awesome. You're heading straight for a massive rock formation – the Pohara Natural Bridge (also called the Tarakohe Archway, after that huge Tarakohe Rock nearby). Get ready for a serious "wow" moment, because you're about to drive *through* a cave! Yep, this road actually goes right through a natural tunnel carved out of limestone. For ages, this natural passage has been the easiest way to get between these little coastal coves. Back in the day, they even quarried the limestone here for cement, though the quarry is now abandoned. When they built Abel Tasman Drive, they decided to just go for it and route the road straight through the cave! It's totally paved, so you don't need a four-wheel-drive or anything. Just take it slow, soak in the scenery, and enjoy one of the most unique drives you'll ever experience. Seriously, how many roads do you know that tunnel through a natural cave? This area, including the nearby Tarakohe Wharf (or Port Tarakohe), is ridiculously scenic, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!

How long is the Plenty Highway?hard

How long is the Plenty Highway?

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Plenty Highway (also known as State Route 12)! This iconic outback track slices through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory, offering a true taste of the Aussie wilderness. Stretching a hefty 494 km (306 miles), this beauty kicks off from a turnoff on the Stuart Highway, about 68 kilometers north of Alice Springs, and winds its way to Tobermorey Homestead on the Northern Territory/Queensland border, part of the Donohue Highway. Fun fact: it started life as a humble cattle access road. Now, let's talk terrain. You'll find the first 100km (from the Stuart Highway to Ongeva Creek) nicely sealed, but after that, it's all about the dirt! Don't worry, it's generally well-maintained. So, how long does it take to conquer the Plenty Highway? You could technically blitz it in 16 to 20 hours non-stop, but where's the fun in that? Give yourself two or three days to soak it all in. Aim for May to October for the best weather and avoid the scorching summer months. Just a heads-up: it can become impassable after rain. But be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Plenty Highway plunges you into some of the most isolated parts of the country. Keep an eye out for potential flood zones, especially in the east. And be prepared for sections of deep bull dust and the odd pothole—definitely a dry-weather-only kind of road. A 4x4 is essential, and it's not caravan-friendly. Oh, and don't forget to pack reliable communication and navigation gear! Get ready for vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and an unforgettable outback experience!