This tunnel was once used to store chemical weapons. It could become a bike path

Sydney Morning Herald

by Ellie Busby

February 23, 2026

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This tunnel was once used to store chemical weapons. It could become a bike path

An abandoned railway tunnel in Glenbrook, once used to store mustard gas during WWII, is set to transform into a pedestrian and cycle path under a bold plan by the Blue Mountains City Council. The Lapstone Hill Tunnel, a 130-year-old structure, has lain unused for over a decade, its walls marred by graffiti and erosion. Despite efforts to clean up the site, including the removal of tons of waste and sediment, the council faces funding challenges, with $4 million proving insufficient to ensure safe public access. The tunnel's history is deeply tied to Australia's wartime past, serving as a secret storage site for chemical weapons until its contents were removed after the war. It later became a mushroom farm but closed in 2016 due to safety concerns. The council's vision for repurposing the heritage-listed site includes creating a tourist attraction that could boost the local economy and preserve an important piece of history. The project highlights the tension between historical preservation and modern community needs, as well as the financial hurdles often encountered in such ventures. If successful, the tunnel could become a significant draw for tourists and cyclists, offering a unique glimpse into Australia's wartime past while

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026