Lahey's Tramway Tunnel, Canungra: Hand-Cut Timber Tunnel
Built between 1901 and 1903, Lahey's Tramway Tunnel in Canungra is a survivor from Queensland's early timber industry. Cut by hand through about 90 metres of solid sandstone, it let the Lahey family's private tramway haul huge hardwood logs from the surrounding forests to their Canungra sawmill. Today the heritage-listed tunnel is still intact, a reminder of the hard manual labour behind early logging. It's one of the stops in our Hidden Gems Queensland guide.
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Lahey's Tramway Tunnel History
The tramway was built to the same 3 ft 6 in gauge as the Queensland Government Railways and had to climb the steep country of the Scenic Rim, using a geared Climax steam locomotive to haul timber out of the valleys. As the timber ran out the mill closed, and by 1933 the line was being dismantled. The tunnel's solid sandstone meant it survived. During World War II it was used to store ammunition for the nearby military camp, now Kokoda Barracks. Its weathered, unlined sandstone walls are a direct look at the engineering of the era.
How to Visit Lahey's Tunnel
The tunnel is just outside Canungra township, reached by a short walking track. The interior is fenced off with steel barriers for safety, so you can't go inside, but you can walk the old tramway alignment and see the entrance portals. The bushland and surviving earthworks show just how much effort it took to get timber out of the hinterland before modern roads.
Respect the barriers: don't climb the fences or try to enter the tunnel, and stay on the track.
Lahey's Tunnel Canungra FAQs
Can you go inside Lahey's Tunnel?
No. The interior is fenced off with steel barriers for safety, but you can see the entrance portals from the track.
How long is Lahey's Tramway Tunnel?
About 90 metres, cut by hand through solid sandstone, with an approach cutting at each end.
When was Lahey's Tunnel built?
Between 1901 and 1903, for the Lahey family's timber tramway to their Canungra sawmill.
For complete access details and more heritage sites across the state, grab a copy of our Hidden Gems Queensland guide.
