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
Related Roads in oceania
hardSnowy Mountains Highway is a scenic, high altitude driving route in NSW
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: Snowy Mountains Highway, a seriously gorgeous drive through the Aussie Alps in New South Wales. This isn't just any road; it's a 332km (206-mile) adventure snaking through the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park. We're talking a fully paved ribbon of asphalt that connects Tumut (off the Hume Highway) with Bega (on the Princess Highway). Get ready for some alpine eye candy! This winding mountain road is packed with sharp curves, blind corners, and hairpin turns that’ll keep you on your toes. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Seriously, some of the best the region has to offer. The highest point sits at a cool 1,498m (4,914ft) above sea level, and you can drive it year-round. Just a heads-up though: those higher altitudes can get snowy during winter. Weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast. If you're driving in winter, be prepared for anything, especially when snow plows are out and about!
hardTrans Access Road runs through some of the most isolated areas of Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for an epic Aussie outback adventure? The Trans Access Road is a seriously long, unsealed track connecting Western and South Australia, clocking in at a massive 993km! Think of it as a rugged companion to the Trans-Australian railway line, built way back in 1917. It's the only way for emergency services to reach the railway along much of its WA stretch, linking eight lonely Nullarbor stations. Starting just east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the road heads straight east alongside the railway, right to the WA/SA border, slicing through some seriously remote Aussie landscape. You'll need a proper 4x4 for this one. Expect thick dust in the dry season and potential boggy conditions or washouts when it's wet. Be ready for corrugations, potholes, and rocky patches! The track can be narrow, with overhanging trees adding to the challenge. Keep an eye on the weather – things can change fast out here. The scenery? Endless red dirt that somehow keeps changing, but mostly it's...nothing. Elevation tops out at 407m (1,335ft). Services are scarce, so you absolutely need to plan ahead. Stock up on food, water, and fuel like your life depends on it (because it kinda does!). Seriously, carry lots of water and fuel. Night driving? Best avoided. Phone reception is spotty, so don't rely on it.
easyPaekakariki Hill Road in NZ is one of the most beautiful coastal drives
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Paekakariki Hill Road, one of the most stunning coastal drives on New Zealand's North Island. This beauty, dating back to 1849, snakes its way along the south-western coast, totally paved and begging to be explored. This isn't just any road; it's a 17km (10.56 miles) ribbon of asphalt connecting Paekākāriki to Pāuatahanui with non-stop views. Budget around 25-35 minutes to soak it all in. But heads up! This road demands your attention. It's known to get a bit slippery when the rains come down, and sometimes Mother Nature throws a tantrum and closes it down for a while. The road climbs up to 242m (793ft), and you'll definitely feel it in some of those steeper sections where the gradient hits 16%. But trust me, those coastal views are so worth it!
moderateMount Baw Baw Tourist Road is a very picturesque curvy drive
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: You're in Victoria, Australia, about 120km east of Melbourne, ready to tackle the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road (C426). This beauty snakes its way up to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort, perched at a cool 1,478m (4,849ft). Since the 90s, this road has been fully paved, making it suitable for all 2WDs. The 51.2 km (31.81 miles) starts at Piedmont, promising a scenic adventure through the National Park. Trust me, your camera will be working overtime! Take a breather at the charming Noojee – perfect for a quick snack or lunch. Now, cyclists, listen up! This climb is not for the faint-hearted. We're talking about one of the toughest road climbs in the country. Some say the final 6km from the gatehouse to the summit is the real beast, with an elevation gain of 780m. Expect an average gradient of 11.3%, with some sections hitting a leg-burning 20.6% at Winch Corner. Located in the Baw Baw Ranges, this is alpine country. The weather can flip on a dime, so come prepared for anything. Warm, waterproof gear is a must, even if the sun's out. And remember, there's no fuel on the mountain, so fill up beforehand! During snow season, snow chains are mandatory, available in Neerim South. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!