Sydney’s Secret Train Tunnels Will Soon See The Light of Day

Hidden 20 metres beneath Sydney’s CBD, the long-abandoned St James tunnels have been transformed into a historic tourist attraction and will finally see the light of day when they open to the public later this year.

Built in the 1920s, the St James tunnels were designed by engineer John Bradfield who is known for his lead roles in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the underground railway system.

However, the tunnels were left unfinished when the project was abandoned during the Great Depression. Now, after more than a century, they have been revitalised, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s underground history.

Once utilised as a World War II air raid shelter, tour groups will be able to walk through the disused southern tunnel, extending under Hyde Park, from busy St James station.

Historical Walking Tour of the St James Tunnels

St James Tunnels will combine a historical walking tour with an immersive multimedia and soundscape attraction, offering visitors a snapshot of our city’s transport and wartime past.

The St James Tunnels experience is part of the NSW Government’s push for “experience-led tourism,” aiming to grow the state’s visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035.

Experience-led tourism is a key priority of the NSW Government, with plans to help transform the state’s visitor economy into a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035.

Minister for Transport John Graham said, “These historic tunnels are more than just infrastructure; they are an expression of Sydney’s development as a modern, international city. These tunnels belong to the people of NSW, so it’s fantastic news that they’ll become another of our city’s great public spaces.”

“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,” Minister Graham said. 

Transport Asset Manager of NSW (TAM) Chief Executive Lyndal Punch shared that TAM was proud to be leading this innovative project which unlocked a “disused, historic rail asset while using multimedia technology to tell the story of Sydney’s city railway development”. 

“This new visitor attraction will ensure the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations.”

St James Tunnels: A Unique Transport Experience

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are very excited to be part of this unique transport project which is turning a once disused and unseen heritage site into a fascinating, interactive and educational visitor experience.”

“The St James Tunnels are a window into our transport past, a snapshot of World War II history, and the efforts of the workers who built Sydney’s transport infrastructure,” Longland added. 

The tour is anticipated to run several times a day and will be suitable for visitors aged 13 and above. 

Once an operator is appointed, tours are expected to commence later this year.