130-year-old tunnels in Australia being lightened by Glow Worms

130-year-old tunnels in Australia being lightened by Glow Worms (Photographer: Chen Tang)

SYDNEY, May. 5 (People’s Daily Online) -- Helensburgh, roughly 50 kilometers south of Sydney, is the home to 7 Helensburgh tunnels whth a history of around 130 years. In addition to the history behind the tunnels, glow worms have turned these tunnels into unique sceneries that have become a popular attraction worth visiting in New South Wales, Australia.

Helensburgh train tunnels were built between 1884 and 1886 and were abandoned a few years later. The first Helensburgh station was put into use on 1 January 1889 that connects Helensburgh tunnel and Metropolitan tunnel. Helensburgh tunnel at the time was 80 meters long while the Metropolitan tunnel was 624 meters long.

Following the closure of the tunnels, Metropolitan tunnel was turned into reservoir and mushroom farms. As the mushroom production continues to decline, there is a rapid growth in glow worm population that resides inside the tunnel. Now, metropolitan tunnel is believed to be one of the largest colonies of glow worms in New South Wales that attracts a large number of tourists, photographers and hikers.

Due to the historical significance, Helensburgh tunnels have been listed as an Environmental and Heritage Reserve in New South Wales. The government suggests that tunnels should be treated with care in regarding to protections of the natural habitat.