Drowned railroad tracks lead to an abandoned tunnel practically hidden within a waterfall of luscious vegetation in Helensburgh, Australia, one of the most magnificent sites on earth. Once inside, the dark, dank tunnel is illuminated by an alluring blue radiance.
This underground tunnel was constructed in the 1880s. Its function was brief, as it closed in 1915 after years of soot and smoke accumulating within the space, making it unsafe for train personnel and passengers to travel through. One end of the tunnel was sealed up so that it could be used as a reservoir. The north entrance was also obstructed by years of mucky detritus accumulating outside. A thick canopy of rich foliage virtually concealed the entire tunnel. The entire passageway was filled with stagnant water before it was drained and partially cleansed in 1995.
One end of the tunnel was sealed up so that it could be used as a reservoir. The north entrance was also obstructed by years of mucky detritus accumulating outside. A thick canopy of rich foliage virtually concealed the entire tunnel. The entire passageway was filled with stagnant water before it was drained and partially cleansed in 1995.
However, the tunnel was not fully abandoned during this period. A glowworm colony, one of the largest in New South Wales, moved in and settled on the roof. The insects shine like a constellation of blue-green lights in the stagnant, inky air.
The tunnel was ultimately dubbed the Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnel, and people from all over Australia began traveling there to witness the natural light show for themselves. The tunnel became an international tourist attraction when photographs and videos filmed here went viral on sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
