Australian tunnel mystery

[the_historian]

An Australian archaeologist is looking for info on the following-

"A group of WW2 enthusiasts have come across, and partially cleared a tunnel complex at Merri Creek Westgarth ( near the Oldis Gardens ), which the amateur enthusiasts have been digging out for the last 6 years. They believe these to be part of a military system, which stored munitions during WW2 and was possibly connected to an artillery depot in Green Street to the north. There apparently was an anti aircraft battery on the opposite side of the creek, a WWI gun mounted on the cliff top and/or another installation at the Fairfield Infections diseases hospital. There have also been various oral traditions about a guarded tunnel entrance during and after WW2 and caches of weapons or other US marked crates.

The tunnels are cut in very weathered basalt, with no evidence of rock drilling or tool marks, suggesting it was fairly easy going requiring only pick and baring. the entrance and first 30-odd metres is about 2m high and .6m wide and level, about 2-3 m above normal creek level, and maybe 20m below the park. A vertical shaft to the surface 3--40m in has been plugged at the surface (recently) and two other tunnels run off about 4-5m above the lower one. The enthusiasts have plans annotated 1941, that show a tunnel partly conforming to what they have found.

It is clearly not a natural lava tube; it is unlikely to be gold mining (although some of the less well informed diggers did excavate shafts and tunnels in pretty unlikely locations); it doesn't seem to be a sewer tunnel, as it does not connect to any existing or known main, although there would appear to be sewage seeping into it; there is a big 19th century stormwater drain by and other underground services, so I am wondering if you have any ideas about this as I am a bit stumped. This is the first I have heard of them (although I must have been past them at some time). Therewas a WWI gunmounted on the top of the cliffs.

I am trying to help them determine what the tunnels might be and whether it is possible to confirm their WWII use.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Gary Vines


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Ashley Matic

Archaeologist
Mobile : 0438 395 789
Email: AMatic@biosisresearch.com.au

Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.
Natural and Cultural Heritage Consultants
38 Bertie Street (PO Box: 489)
Port Melbourne VIC 3207
ph: (03) 9646 9499
fax: (03) 9646 9242
www.biosisresearch.com.au"
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