Swan View Tunnel – Hovea, Australia - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Swan View Tunnel

Hovea, Australia

This 1800s former railway tunnel is now part of a heritage walking trail.  

View all photos
12
62
Top Places in Australia
Big Ant. (Wikimedia Commons)
Big Ant
Broken Hill, Australia
Grave of the Tamam Shud Man
Adelaide, Australia
Captain Cook's Cottage
Melbourne, Australia
 See All

The Swan View Tunnel is a former railway tunnel situated within the picturesque John Forrest National Park in the Eastern Perth suburb of Swan View.

Work began on the tunnel in 1894, and it was opened for use in February 1896. At a length of 340 meters, the tunnel was considered a significant feat of engineering at the time, and historic records note that the roof was sealed with over 330,000 stone bricks.  

The small diameter of the tunnel led to many accidents due to asphyxiation and carbon monoxide poisoning. In February 1966, a diverted route was opened through the Avon Valley which led to the closing of the Swan View Tunnel.

After a period of closure, the tunnel was reopened in 1990 for visitors on foot and it is now part of the John Forrest Heritage Trail. 

tunnels trails design
Community Contributors
O
Added by
Obscuravibes
w
Edited by
wweary
Published
May 22, 2023
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Devil's Terror Cutting
2.49 miles
The Academy of Taxidermy
5.84 miles
Dr. Russell's Imaginarium
5.98 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
The diversion wall running along Nyaania Creek.
Glen Forrest, Australia

Devil's Terror Cutting

A feat of railway engineering required to bypass a muddy quagmire.
The Academy of Taxidermy
Guildford, Australia

The Academy of Taxidermy

One of Australia's largest collections of preserved animals is on display in a historic theater.
Guildford, Australia

Dr. Russell's Imaginarium

This antique store and museum features unusual items from all corners of the world.
Kalamunda, Australia

The Bibbulmun Track

A beautiful hike through national parks, forests and beaches in Western Australia.
Related Places
Kamakura, Japan

Yatozaka Kiridoshi Pass

An ancient mountain-cut pass runs largely forgotten in the suburbs of Kamakura.
Mullan, Idaho

Hiawatha Trail

Cross the Continental Divide through an old railroad tunnel, and ride back to the top on a shuttle.
Baguashan Skywalk
Changhua City, Taiwan

Baguashan Skywalk

The longest skywalk in Taiwan.
Tunnel entrance.
Kennerdell, Pennsylvania

Rockland (Woodhill) Tunnel

An abandoned railroad tunnel transformed into a creepy path for hikers and cyclists.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web