Echoes in the Dark: The Redbank Range "Mushroom" Tunnel

If you ask any local for the most mysterious places near Sydney, the town of Picton is usually the first name mentioned. While the whole town has a reputation for being the "most haunted in Australia," the Redbank Range Tunnel (affectionately known as the Mushroom Tunnel) is the epicenter of the area's supernatural activity.

This 592-foot-long railway tunnel was closed in 1919 and later used for mushroom cultivation—but the "shrooms" aren't what people are looking for when they visit today.

The Legend of Emily Bollard

The most persistent ghost story in Picton involves Emily Bollard. In 1916, Emily was reportedly struck by a train while taking a shortcut through the tunnel to visit her brother.

• The Sighting: Since then, visitors have reported seeing a white, flowing figure that glides through the darkness, often accompanied by a sudden, localized wind—even on a still day.

• The Ghost of a Soldier: Others claim to have seen the shadow of a WWI soldier, a reminder of the era when this tunnel was a vital transport link for troops.

Unexplained Phenomena

Investigators frequently report "anomalies" within the tunnel's brick walls:

• Electrical Interference: Batteries often drain instantly, and flashlights have a habit of flickering out as you reach the center of the tunnel.

• Phantom Sounds: Many have recorded "EVPs" (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of what sounds like heavy breathing or the faint, distant whistle of a steam train.

How to Visit

The tunnel is located just off Prince Street in Picton, about an hour's drive from Sydney.

• Safety First: The tunnel is on private property and can be dangerous; always check local access rules. For a safer (and legally guided) experience, check out the Picton Ghost Tours, which often include the town's most haunted historical sites. For more nearby hauntings, explore Studley Park House in Camden.

Get the Full Supernatural Map

Picton is just one stop on a much darker journey. For the exact GPS coordinates to the Mushroom Tunnel and every other haunted railway ruin in NSW, you need the Supernatural Sydney Guide.