The Ghost Train Walk Tour
is run by John Oakes in conjunction with the ARHSNSW. It is a
bushwalk along the old alignment of the South Coast Line. When the line was altered, it became longer, with an easier grade
(to benefit freight trains) and
less tunnels between Waterfall and Stanwell Park.
I
recommend going on the tour - its a good way to get some fresh air and exercise,
see part of railway history and get your feet wet/muddy while walking through
some old tunnels. If you are interested in going on any part of the tour, please
contact ARHSNSW and leave
your details with them so they can pass them onto John Oakes.
It
is interesting to note that most of the old tunnels have been used at one stage
or another as mushroom farms. The conditions inside the tunnels make it ideal
for growing mushrooms. Some remains of the mushroom farm 'railways' can be seen
in some of the photos below.
The image below
shows the current alignment (solid dark line) as well as the old one (broken
line).
Above:
The old Helensburgh platform and old Metropolitan tunnel looking South. The
track is not the original track, it was donated by the Metropolitan Colliery who
use the tunnel to store water to wash coal. New South Wales. March 13, 2004.
Above:
The old Helensburgh platform looking north towards old Helensburgh tunnel. New
South Wales. March 13, 2004.
Above:
The old Metropolitan tunnel looking south from old Helensburgh platform. New
South Wales. March 13, 2004.
Above:
The new Helensburgh station. New South Wales. March 13, 2004.
Above:
Otford. New South Wales. December 17, 2003.
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Created: 10/10/05 Last Updated: 10/09/05
All photos are property of
Anita Lukaszyk unless stated otherwise.
Please contact me or the owner if you wish to use them.
