Abandoned Oz - Lost Railway Part 1 - Helensburgh & Metropolitan Tunnels GLOW WORMS

Abandoned Oz
Sydney’s Lost Railway

In this video we look at the history of the old Helensburgh Railway station and the Helensburgh & Metropolitan Railway Tunnels.
This line opened in 1889 and was closed in 1915 when the line was duplicated and deviated.

History in order of appearance.

Helensburgh Tunnel:
Helensburgh Tunnel is an 80 metre long tunnel not far from the current rail alignment.

Old Helensburgh Station:
In April 1995 Metropolitan colliery cleared sediment and debris at northern end of Metropolitan tunnel and unearthed approx 24 metres of original Helensburgh platform.

The original station sign dating back to 1889 was restored and placed on platform.
In 2012 the heritage sign was vandalised.
It was restored then reinstalled on the platform in 2015.
Unfortunately within 18 months of the sign being put back in position some letters were stolen resulting in the original 1889 sign being permanently removed.
In 2020 a metal replica sign was places on the original Helensburgh platform.

Metropolitan Tunnel:
Metropolitan Tunnel is a 624 metre straight downgrade tunnel.
In May 1928 metropolitan colliery used Metropolitan tunnel as a reservoir constructing a concrete plug which is installed at southern end of tunnel.
In the present day glow worms reside in this tunnel making a great spot for photography.

These tunnels and old Helensburgh station have been closed for 108 years (as of 2023).

There are other tunnels along the closed part of the line which will be explored at a later date including the Cawley, Lilydale & Otford Tunnels.

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