Tunnel at Tunnel - TAS Australia
S 41° 11.689 E 147° 11.905
55G E 516637 N 5439597
When you see a place called Tunnel on the map, it's not hard to imagine what you'll find there.
Tunnel sits near to Lebrina, just a few kilometres past Lilydale. The tunnel itself is little known and well hidden.
Waymark Code: WM19JK0
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date Posted: 03/08/2024
Views: 1
It was part of the north-eastern Launceston to Herrick railway line. Work on building the structure’s approaches began in late 1885. It would be a further two years until the two headings met. It was another 12 months until the 700 metre tunnel was completed. The first passenger train to run through the tunnel did so on February 2, 1889, with the state's Governor on board, but initially the line only went as far as Scottsdale.
At the time, the tunnel was a rare feature of Tasmanian railways. So rare in fact, that the accompanying railway station was named Tunnel Station – hence, the tunnel at Tunnel. The last train to pass through the tunnel did so, carrying freight, from Tonganah to Launceston, on October 1, 2004.
Moss now grows over the tracks, and blackberry shrubs edge further down the banks each season, but otherwise the tunnel is in good condition. The tunnel is often wet underfoot, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Construction: Brick or concrete block
Condition: Good
Rail Status: Yes
Current status: Abandoned & Visitable
Original Use: Passenger Train
The "Other End": S 41° 11.544 E 147° 12.366
Tunnel Length: 700.00
Suggested Parking Area: S 41° 11.808 E 147° 11.670
Terrain: 
Date Built: 1888
Date Abandoned: 2004
Website: Not listed
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