Deep beneath the bustling streets of Sydney’s CBD, a hidden world has lain mostly undisturbed for decades.

Soon visitors will be offered the chance to explore this fascinating world that’s equal parts mesmerising and haunting.

The abandoned “ghost” tunnels that sit 20 metres under St James Station near Hyde Park were built in the 1920s as part of the underground railway project by Sydney Harbour Bridge engineer John Bradfield.

However, this project was abandoned as a result of the Great Depression and disagreements over rail routes.

The tunnels have served a variety of purposes over the decades, from air-raid shelters during the Second World War to a mushroom farm in the 1930s.

The unique acoustics and atmosphere of the tunnels have also attracted film and TV makers, with parts of the station and tunnels appearing in movies such as The Matrix.

In 2018, the then-NSW government had plans to turn the space into an underground dining and entertainment precinct. That came to nothing.

Now the state has revealed that guided tours will take visitors through approximately one kilometre of passageways where they will experience walking through water-filled tunnels in gumboots while learning about Sydney’s rail history.

The tunnels feature blast walls every 30 metres, remnants from the the Second World War that add to the eerie atmosphere and historical significance of the site, joining graffiti from WWII soldiers and people who have broken into the tunnels since.

The introduction of the St James Tunnels experience is a part of the NSW government’s strategy to promote “experience-led tourism”.

Tours will take visitors through around a kilometre of passageways. Photo: Reddit

In line with this vision, the government has invested about $1 million in safety and infrastructure for the tours. They are expected to become a significant tourist attraction, akin to famous tunnels in cities such as London, Paris, and New York.

Minister for Transport John Graham previously highlighted the importance of the project.

“Tours like the bridge climb 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,” he said.

Construction of the tunnels began in the 1920s. Photo: State Library of NSW

Guided tours are slated to run several times a day later this year.

Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland emphasised his enthusiasm for the tours.

“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,” he said.

This article first appeared in Australian Traveller. Read the original here