melbourne underground tunnels tour

What lies beneath? A rare tour of Melbourne's secret tunnels amid $24 million power upgrade

As a legion of workers and residents rush about their days on the streets of Melbourne's CBD, Mal Harrison is wandering around a little further below — underneath the buildings and bitumen.

For the past two decades, his office has largely been the vast network of tunnels crisscrossing their way under the city, out of sight — and largely out of mind — of the people bustling above.

Clad in high-vis and safety gear, Mal is something of an expert on what lies underneath Melbourne.

He's a CitiPower project manager, recently tasked with helping deliver a major upgrade to the city's power network to help future-proof it against growing demand.

His subterranean workplace has also given him an enviable insight into a topic often pondered by curious Melburnians: what secrets lie hidden in the tunnels under the city?

Mysteries buried deep underground

CitiPower has long been the main energy distributor in the city, overseeing more than 2,300 kilometres of massive cables that snake their way under almost every street in the Hoddle Grid.

Many of these cables run through tunnels previously used for other purposes, such as the tunnel Mal is wandering through now, in the bowels of Southern Cross Station — previously used as a transport route between the station and the Mail Exchange.

To enter these tunnels, Mal strolls onto one of the train platforms and waits to be buzzed into a gated-off sloping runway in its centre.

After a walk through the station's underbelly, he arrives at a nondescript door, with a telling 'high-voltage' warning attached to it — the hallmark of many of CitiPower's mostly blank CBD infrastructure entrances.

Inside is a roughly 40-metre long hallway, lit by a series of fluorescent tubes and holding a bit more than a dozen large black cables to its walls.

The cables snake their way into the tunnel via an underground pit beside its entrance, travel along the walls where they take their leave into tubes embedded in the wall — and continue their journey elsewhere in the CBD.

Melbourne's power needs are growing, spurring an investment in the infrastructure beneath the city. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)

Many of Melbourne's tunnels were once forgotten. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)

Cables run through brick walls, which hold the history of Melbourne's CBD. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)

Mal knows a bit about the history of these tunnels, including that this one was discovered during the most recent redevelopment of the station above.

Many others were discovered and repurposed by CitiPower, having been buried when the CBD was levelled in the 1800s.

"There's a lot of things buried deep that were buried in the 1850s, 1860s when they levelled it off and did the Hoddle Grid," he says.

'Urban legends' of the tunnels

"Every day's different," says the easygoing Mal, standing a couple of metres underneath the intersection of Spencer and Bourke streets, where he talks over the dull rumble of trams passing overhead.

"We find lots of stuff that's forgotten about or abandoned."

There was also a thick road surface discovered under Todd Road in Port Melbourne a few years back, which gave Mal's CitiPower crew an exciting opportunity to test their research skills.

"It was actually the old runway from World War II, where they built aircraft down at Fishermans Bend then rolled them out on the runway and flew them straight up to New Guinea," he says.

"Recently we also found an old cable car system in Lonsdale Street, including the culverts and a gear room that was just buried and abandoned in the city.

"There's all sorts of urban legends about the amount of tunnels in Melbourne, and I guess only time will tell."

Many of those legends include tales of underground transport routes and gold stockpiles. Asked if he's found any yet, Mal answers with a wry smile.

"No, not that. Or any bodies either."

Increasing power demand

CitiPower has opened up its "hidden" network of tunnels to the ABC amid a three-year, $24 million upgrade.

The electricity distributor's head of network planning, Andrew Dinning, says the need for the works is clear, with demand across the CBD expected to jump by at least 60 per cent over the next decade.

"Melbourne CBD is certainly growing," he says, standing inside a hulking substation hidden behind an unassuming facade in a Chinatown alleyway.

"Currently, the peak demand we see for that CBD network is around 500 megawatts. To set that in context, that's the same as one generation unit out at somewhere like Loy Yang power station, dedicated to supplying less than 3 square kilometres of CBD.

"We are forecasting that to increase up towards 700 megawatts in the next decade."

Census data shows the population in Melbourne's 3000 postcode almost tripled in the 15-year period from 2006 to 2021, from 14,538 to 43,084.

Andrew says the increasing number of people living and working in the city, along with a push for electrification and even a jump in the use of electric cars, was behind the increasing power demands.

CitiPower's $24 million upgrade began in late April, starting with a tunnel on Little Queen Street built in the 1930s, and stretching in an almost 100-metre loop.

It gets hot and muggy quickly down there, and the walls are lined with an organised chaos of red and black high-voltage power cables, which disappear into holes in the wall and stretch their way out underneath the city.

As works begin, Mal says he'd rather be down here than sitting at a desk all day.

"Every day is a mystery on this job, finding stuff buried underground when we're doing excavation works. Because even though Melbourne's not that old a city, it's been redeveloped multiple times," Mal says.

"There are parts of Melbourne's underground that nobody knows exist, and we get to work in them every day, so it's not a bad office."

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Melbourne Storm Water Drains (Maze Drain or Tunnels)

Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia

The tunnels are an integral part of the city’s infrastructure, designed to manage stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding. Hidden beneath the city, these tunnels are a testament to Melbourne’s advanced engineering capabilities and commitment to urban sustainability.

While primarily functional, the tunnels also represent the city’s proactive approach to environmental challenges. They ensure the city’s resilience against extreme weather, playing a crucial role in protecting vibrant urban areas.

The Story of the Maze

Completed in the early 21st century, it represents a significant engineering feat designed to address the city’s challenges with flooding and stormwater management. These tunnels are part of a larger strategy to protect the urban environment and ensure the sustainability of Melbourne’s water systems.

By diverting excess stormwater to the bay, the tunnels mitigate potential damage and disruption caused by natural weather events, safeguarding both historical and new developments. Beyond their practical purpose, the Storm Tunnels highlight the city’s commitment to innovative infrastructure solutions.

They offer an example of how modern engineering can intersect with urban planning to enhance city resilience and quality of life. Tours of the tunnels provide a unique insight into the hidden aspects of city management, showcasing the complex systems that operate beneath the bustling city streets.

What Are Melbourne Storm Tunnels Famous For?

They are an integral part of the city’s modern infrastructure, designed to protect against flooding and enhance water management. This network of underground tunnels, capable of diverting large volumes of stormwater, showcases Melbourne’s commitment to innovative engineering solutions.

The tunnels are a critical asset in safeguarding the city’s central business district and surrounding areas from water-related disasters. Besides their practical function, the Storm Tunnels are a marvel of civil engineering, attracting those interested in urban planning and sustainability.

Tours of the tunnels offer a unique perspective on the complexities of managing a modern city’s infrastructure needs. They exemplify how Melbourne combines urban development with sustainability and resilience, making them a notable example of effective urban management.

Did You Know?

• As part of the larger Melbourne Water management system, the tunnels were constructed to protect the city from flooding and manage stormwater effectively.
• These tunnels can divert the equivalent of 6000 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water away from urban areas during significant rain events.
• They represent a significant engineering achievement, incorporating advanced technology and design to sustain urban development.
• Tours of the tunnels are available, offering a unique insight into the city’s efforts in sustainable urban planning and infrastructure management.

How To Get There?

Remember that it’s illegal to enter the underground tunnels. However, if you want to see the maze drains, the following transit lines have routes that pass near it.

Bus: 609, 624, 200, 207

Train: Alamein, Belgrave

Tram: 75, 48, 16, 70

Taxi: Go Catch, Uber, OLA

Nearest Parking and Cost

The following parking places are located near Maze Drains: Linda Cres – free

1 Wakefield St – free

5 Park St –   free

3 Alfred St – $2/hr

Nearby Attractions – Make A Day Of It!

Planning on touring the tunnels? These nearby places also offer other perspectives on city life.

Dights Falls

This scenic waterfall, located within the Yarra River National Park, offers a tranquil escape from the city, with walking trails and breathtaking views of cascading water.

Melbourne Museum

This renowned museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the rich history and natural wonders of Victoria and beyond.

Top 5 Closest Hidden Gems – Recommended By Adventure Clues

Your hidden gems itinerary.

• Start above the Maze Drains, but don’t go there.
• Visit Coop’s Shot Tower : Learn about its fascinating history and marvel at the impressive architecture.
• Take a walk to the Royal Arcade : Wander through this iconic shopping arcade, filled with boutiques, cafes, and historical charm.
• Make your way to Federation Square : Experience the cultural hub of Melbourne, where you can catch live performances, visit art galleries, or simply relax and people-watch in this bustling public space.
• Head towards Hosier Lane : Immerse yourself in a vibrant street art scene as you explore this iconic laneway filled with colorful murals and graffiti.
• Conclude your day exploring The Block Arcade : Step back in time as you wander through this stunning heritage-listed arcade, renowned for its ornate decor and upscale boutiques.

As evening sets in, you might enjoy taking a scenic drive or a tram ride through the city to see Melbourne illuminated at night, offering a different perspective on its beauty.

Best Eateries Around

In the area above the tunnels, there are several options for a meal.

Ninis Hawthorn

Ninis offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu features a delicious blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for a memorable dining experience.

Vaporetto Bar & Eatery

renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine. Established in 2014, they serve classic Venetian dishes alongside world-class cocktails, creating an unforgettable dining journey.

No Entry Price, Don’t Trespass

It is illegal to enter the Maze Drains, so no one should ever ask you for a fee.

Final Thoughts

The tunnels offer an intriguing glimpse into the city’s efforts to manage its waterways and prevent flooding. These tunnels attract those interested in engineering and urban planning, showcasing a vital aspect of the city’s infrastructure.

Melbourne Storm Tunnels FAQs

Find answers about the storm tunnels, focusing on their history and the current legal restrictions concerning entry.

When is the best time to visit Melbourne Storm Tunnels?

Check busy times and typical weather patterns to decide the best timing for your trip.

What is a maze drain?

A maze drain refers to a complex network of stormwater drains designed in a labyrinthine manner, often resembling a maze. These structures are integral components of modern city infrastructure, ensuring efficient water outflow management to reduce the risk of flash floods.

In Melbourne, maze drains are particularly fascinating due to their intricate brickwork, spacious cylindrical tunnels, and numerous junctions. Urban explorers, like the Cave Clan, are drawn to these subterranean waterways for the thrill of navigating their cobwebbed passages and peering into murky intersections.

What are the dangers of entering a storm drain?

Entering a storm drain poses several dangers. The risk of sudden flash floods is a primary concern, with explorers often hearing rushing water up ahead. Toxic gases and low oxygen levels can lead to suffocation, while confined spaces can cause claustrophobia and cramping.

Physical injuries from slipping on filth, coming into contact with rusted rungs, or encountering sharp objects on concrete walls are common. Wildlife, such as spiders with neurotoxic venom, and cockroaches, can also be hazardous. Additionally, explorers face legal risks, as many entrances are secured by grates or located near high-traffic areas like freeways.

Who is the Cave Clan?

The Cave Clan is a group of urban explorers who originated in Melbourne, Australia, in the late 1980s. They are renowned for their exploration of underground tunnels, drains, and caverns, particularly those beneath Melbourne. The Cave Clan has become a cultural phenomenon, emphasizing the thrill of exploring hidden passages and maze drains.

Their adventures often involve navigating the elaborate storm drain systems around Melbourne, signing their names on walls, and documenting their journeys in guestbooks. The group’s activities have been featured in various media, including Atlas Obscura.

What is the Anzac Drain?

The Anzac Drain is a notable storm drain located in Melbourne, named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Known for its spacious passages and intricate archways, the drain is a favorite among urban explorers and graffiti artists.

It’s recognized for its historical significance and its elaborate network of tunnels, which include intersections like the “pit of death” and long stretches where traffic passes overhead. The Anzac Drain’s entrances are often hidden, requiring adventurers to wade through black water and navigate through manholes, making it one of Melbourne’s most famous underground sites .

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/melbourne-storm-tunnels

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/exploring-the-storm-drains-of-melbourne-a-secret-labyrinth-of-tunnels-and-creepy-crawlies

https://www.google.com/maps/search/bus+route/@-37.820449,144.9907245,13z?entry=ttu

https://www.parkopedia.com.au/parking/carpark/glenferrie_centre/3122/melbourne/?arriving=202405040130&leaving=202405040330

https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/yarra-bend-parkhttps://ninis.com.au/eat-nini/

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Feeling adventurous? Get into your hardhat, slip into your overalls, lock into the ladder system and descend 20 metres below Fremantle Prison to explore a labyrinth of tunnels built by prisoners.

Guides lead the trek through dry sections of the tunnels on foot, before boarding replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways accessible only by boat.

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Melbourne’s underground tunnel network is the most elaborate in the world

LYING deep underneath the streets of this Aussie city are a labyrinth of tunnels stretching thousands of kilometres, the most elaborate system in the world.

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LYING deep underneath Melbourne’s streets is a labyrinth of tunnels stretching more than 1500 kilometres. One of the most elaborate storm water drain systems in the world, it is a complex maze of waterfalls, gates, ladders and reservoirs.

Dangerous, illegal and copping hefty fines if caught, there is a group in Australia called the Cave Clan who regularly meet deep down in Melbourne’s hidden underworld.

Started by a group of three teenagers from Melbourne in 1986, the underground society now has chapters in each of Australia’s main cities and contacts in countries around the world.

Referring to themselves as urban explorers, they see the illegal activity as as an adventure and the clandestine group is often the subject of many rumours — they’re a gothic band, a graffiti crew, perform bizarre rituals and those escaping from the law.

One of their favourite hang outs in Melbourne is the ANZAC drain. First discovered by the clan in 1987 it now acts as a local headquarters for the group. Entry to this drain is relatively easy, however about 10 minutes into the tunnel and you’ll come to “The Chamber”, a dark and dank meeting spot for the group whose walls are splashed in graffiti.

The main danger for tunnel explorers is flash flooding so the safest piece of advice the clan gives is “when it rains, no drains.”

However a spokesperson for Melbourne water has warned against this illegal activity saying that drains are dangerous and that there have been tragic fatalities in the past:

“Illegally entering drains is not simply a bit of fun, it could have potentially tragic consequences. As the authority responsible for drainage services throughout greater Melbourne, we strongly discourage anyone from entering the underground drain system.

“This activity is illegal and punishable by law, but also dangerous and potentially fatal.”

For a safe look from above ground of Melbourne’s underground city here are the photos from Darmon Richter of The Bohemian Blog.

A major airline has dropped a surprise sale to more than 60 destinations, slashing more than one million fares.

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The Metro Tunnel will create a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the south east, with bigger and more modern trains, and 5 new stations. With testing now underway, the Metro Tunnel will open in 2025.

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Metro Tunnel Walking Tour

Join the Metro Tunnel Project team on a walking tour along Swanston Street between the sites of the two new underground train stations in the CBD.

Put on your hard hat and zip up your high-vis vest as you visit key locations including City Square,  Franklin Street and A’Beckett Street where construction is underway.

See how this mega project is being constructed in a busy city while trams and pedestrians continue to flow along Swanston Street.

The project team will guide you along the new tunnel route pointing out some of the challenges of building in an urban environment, including relocating services such as telecommunications, water and electricity, tunnelling through Melbourne’s complex ground conditions and designing stations that reflect the character of their surroundings whilst enhancing the liveability of our city.

Get a glimpse of what will take place below the ground, plus peek at how the stations may look and feel.

The Metro Tunnel will transform the way we travel into and around the city. It will deliver five new underground stations for Melbourne at Arden in North Melbourne, Parkville, CBD North (between La Trobe and Franklin streets), CBD South (between Collins and Flinders street) and Domain under St Kilda Road near the Shrine of Remembrance. The two CBD stations will have direct underground connections to Melbourne Central and Flinders Street stations respectively.

The Metro Tunnel is a once in a generation project that will leave a lasting legacy and contribute to the aesthetic of our city. This is Victoria’s biggest ever investment in public transport. The Metro Tunnel will untangle our rail network, creating more space for more trains, more often.

This event is presented by the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority the authority responsible for the delivery of the Metro Tunnel Project.

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The engineering behind Melbourne’s groundbreaking Metro Tunnel project

Tunnelling specialist Paul Thomas says Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel is one of the most challenging he’s encountered.

Since 2019, four 1100 t tunnel boring machines have been carving twin nine-kilometre railway tunnels beneath Melbourne. As the machines tackle the final stretch, create spoke to chartered engineer and tunnelling specialist Paul Thomas about the challenges involved.

The 6.3 m-diameter tunnels and five new stations will add a new rail line to ease pressure on Melbourne’s busy train network. Combined with the new High Capacity Metro Trains, the aim is to increase peak hour capacity by half a million passengers per week.

The project’s four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are named for groundbreaking women . They honour Victoria’s first (and only) female premier Joan Kirner; the state’s first female MP Millie Peacock; Australian women’s cricket team captain Meg Lanning; and World War I and II nurse Alice Appleford.

Paul Thomas, Deputy Director at Rail Projects Victoria, has been with the project since its early days. Thomas is a Chartered member of Engineers Australia, with three decades of major civil engineering project experience — including underground rail projects in Singapore, Hong Kong, India and Saudi Arabia. He says Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel is one of the most challenging he’s encountered.

As well as the TBM-made tunnels, there are mined caverns, which are the two major stations under Melbourne’s CBD, three box stations with diaphragm walls and deep bored piles, and complicated geological conditions (including siltstone, silts, gravels and basalt) beneath the Yarra River. To top this off, the project needed to minimise disruption to Melbourne’s busy centre, universities, businesses, hospitals and residents.

“If you mix it all together it makes a very complex project,” Thomas said.

Slow and steady

When combined with its ‘back up’ support structures, each TBM is 120 m long — about the same length as three E-Class trams lined up end to end. They operate 24/7, with crews of up to 10 people, and include an office, kitchen and toilet.

Boring tunnels safely through rock is a slow process. At the business end of the TBM is a 7.28 m cutterhead, which mines around 91 m of tunnel per week (on average).

As it advances, the TBM installs concrete rings to line the tunnel. Each 1.7 m long ring is made up of six precast concrete segments, and weighs about 25 t. In total, 56,000 concrete segments will line the completed tunnels. 

Thomas describes this as a “start-stop excavation process”. 

“The concrete ring is formed within the TBM shield and then the TBM pushes off the completed ring and starts the excavation cycle again,” he explained.

At time of writing, the tunnels were more than 85 per cent complete. TBM Joan and TBM Millie had completed their journey to Town Hall Station, 28 m beneath Swanston Street in Melbourne’s CBD. 

Thomas told create he expected tunnelling to complete by mid-year, with the arrival of TBM Meg and TBM Alice at Town Hall Station.

He will mark the occasion with a small celebration, but pointed out there will still be work to do.

“We need to pull the TBMs out, take the services out of the tunnels, and complete the cross passages,” he said. 

“And we’ve got to fit the tunnels out to receive the mechanical and electrical installations, track slab concrete and rails.”

Geotechnical precision

One of the project’s biggest challenges was constructing close to existing buildings and underground rail tunnels , including Melbourne’s City Loop.

“We tunnelled close to the existing rail tunnel, which remained operational,” Thomas said, adding that the TBMs’ navigation systems used lasers and automatic theodolites stations to achieve accuracy, generally within 50 mm.

The project also tunnelled about 7 m beneath the Burnley Tunnel in the East and within 3 m of the existing Western Viaduct piles.

Detailed geotechnical investigations and analyses conducted before the project started was key.

“Knowing what the ground characteristics and predicted behaviour were like, we could predict with a great deal of accuracy how the adjacent and above ground structures would perform when we were tunnelling and excavating quite close to them,” Thomas said.

The project also installed about 12,000 individual monitoring devices to keep tabs on movement around Melbourne’s historic and significant buildings, as well as the underground movement on completed tunnels and structures.

“The system will tell us very quickly if we’ve got a problem in terms of ground or infrastructure movement,” Thomas said.

As well as sophisticated technology, the Metro Tunnel owes much to the expertise of engineers from Melbourne and overseas, and highly a skilled tunnelling and underground workforce.

“We’ve got very good people delivering these works, and I think we should always recognise that,” Thomas added.

Interested in the design, construction and utilisation of underground space?  Learn more with the Australian Tunnelling Society .

AEC sector trends to heed in 2021

Australian research is driving us closer to the cars of the future, nadine cranenburgh.

Nadine Cranenburgh is an electrical engineer with postgraduate qualifications in environmental engineering, and professional writing and editing. She works as a freelance writer and editor specialising in complex topics that draw on her experience in the engineering, local government, defence and environment industries.

Wow that is awesome and very interesting storyline to know of Melbourne Metropolitan CBD brand new tunnel. Thanks to Paul Thomas and his crew and engineering staff and all employees for the risking n dangerous job they’ve done and it’s nice to know of something new for Melbourne?about time Victoria? Good on ya job well done. Blah from Sydney?

I’m trying to ask why the crushed motor cars were being taken into the tunnels. Computer says I already asked…. I’m talking about years of moving wrecks to the site into the holes….what is it for.? It’s not in any catalogues.

Who are building the tunnels? Is it a consortium of companies? Who is involved please?

Who are building the tunnels Is it a consortium of construction companies?

Thanks Nadine for the well done project. I missed this project but I was forunate to be part of the rail project towards Danedanong in 2017. I really enjoy my stay there and the pay which is different from Sydney NSW. Thanks to the union in Victoria

Do you have any more information on the construction of the stations?

John Holland/Bouygues/Lendlease JV is the D&C contractor for the Melbourne Metro Project, This JV takes all the design and construction risk for the project.

Do you know why all the crushed vehicles have been going underground ?

I want to ask why all the crushed cars were being taken down into the tunnel system. I don’t think anyone bothered to ask just watched the crushed cars going into the project while crossing Westgate bridge. Not talking a couple of old cars but years of bringing those vehicles onto the site and into the holes. It looked like they were being used as reinforcements. What was it really?

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