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When the Wynyard tunnels – abandoned railway tunnels connecting to Wynyard Station in Sydney’s CBD – first came alive with lights and immersive sound displays as part of Vivid, Sydneysiders went wild. The idea of exploring formerly abandoned tunnels deep below the city centre is undeniably exciting: like breaking into a haunted house. Soon, thanks to a mammoth, $1-million restoration project, locals and visitors will have access to a similar subterranean experience all year round – with a stretch of underground tunnels connected to St James Station opening up to the public.
Built in the 1920s, the St James Tunnels were designed by visionary engineer John Bradfield (best known for his role as chief engineer on the Sydney Harbour Bridge project). Initially intended as part of Bradfield’s plan to extend underground rail travel through Sydney, the tunnels never came to house railways (money for the project ran dry during the Great Depression), but were used during World War II as air-raid shelters. After remaining unused for decades, the tunnels are opening up as a uniquely hands-on historical experience: with immersive multimedia and soundscapes along with guided walking tours offering people a deep-dive into Sydney’s past.
The launch of the St James Tunnels experience forms part of the NSW Government’s plan to boost what they’re referring to as “experience-led tourism” (instead of just relying on the beauty of our harbour and beaches), with plans to help transform the state’s visitor economy into a $91-billion machine by 2035.
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“Tours like Bridgeclimb on the Harbour Bridge are now a must-do experience for Sydney locals and visitors alike. In time, we want to see tours of the St James tunnels become just as popular,” explained NSW Minister for Transport John Graham.
Once a tour operator is appointed, guided tours through the tunnels are set to run several times a day, with a launch date still yet to be confirmed. You can learn more about the project over here.