Boolboonda Tunnel

We decided today that we would take a drive to Gin Gin. The road over was a pleasant drive through a good tree lined road. At Gin Gin we topped up our water and fuel. On the way back we detoured slightly to have a look at the Boolboonda tunnel.

This tunnel was dug in 1883 through solid granite for a rail line to Mount Perry. 192m long, it is the longest unsupported tunnel ever dug in Australia. The drilling was done with Ingersoll air drills working from each end. Spent air from the drills helped to ventilate the work area. One can only imagine the dusty and hot work condition.

Today the tunnel is still open and cars can drive through. From the other side you return to the highway.

The tunnel has been discovered by a colony of tint bent wing bats. These small mammals are not bigger than a mouse and hunt insects by night and rest during the day in the tunnel.

We took a walk through the tunnel and then drove through. The drive followed the old rail line for a bit before turning off onto the road back to the highway.Les mer