Old Helensburgh Station: A Journey Through Time

Step back in time at the Old Helensburgh Station, explore historic tunnels, and witness the enchanting glow worm colony.

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Old Helensburgh Station

Explore the remnants of the original Helensburgh Station, a historical landmark nestled between two tunnels. Closed in 1915, the site now attracts visitors with its railway heritage and a mesmerizing glow worm colony in the Metropolitan Tunnel.

A brief summary to Old Helensburgh Station

2 Vera St, Helensburgh, New South Wales, 2508, AU
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring a torch for exploring the tunnels, but avoid using it in the glow worm area to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Wear suitable footwear, like gumboots, to navigate the potentially muddy areas.
Check local weather conditions before your visit to ensure a comfortable experience and avoid flooding.
Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a quieter and more immersive experience.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Old Helensburgh Station via public transport, take a train on the South Coast Line to Helensburgh Station. From there, walk approximately 1.2 kilometers to the old station. Exit the train station and head east on Walker Street, then turn left onto Parkes Street and follow it until you reach Vera Street. Turn right onto Vera Street, and you will find Old Helensburgh Station at number 2. A single fare on the South Coast Line from Sydney to Helensburgh costs around $6-$9 AUD.
Car

If driving, head towards Helensburgh from any part of Illawarra. Use the M1 Pacific Motorway if coming from the south. Take the Helensburgh exit (exit 36) and follow the signs towards the town center. Once in Helensburgh, turn onto Parkes Street, then take a right onto Vera Street. Old Helensburgh Station will be located at 2 Vera St. Parking is available on the street. Limited short-term parking may be available at the Helensburgh Station car park, a short walk away.

Discover more about Old Helensburgh Station

The Old Helensburgh Station offers a captivating glimpse into the past, located at the junction of Tunnel Road and Vera Street. Established in 1889, the station was uniquely positioned between the 80-meter Helensburgh Tunnel and the 624-meter Metropolitan Tunnel. The station ceased operations in 1915 when the line was duplicated. In 1995, restoration efforts unearthed 22 meters of the original platform, which was subsequently reinstalled with track sections from the Metropolitan Colliery. Today, the site serves as a historical landmark, attracting visitors interested in its rich railway heritage and the nearby glow worm colony. The Metropolitan Tunnel, now known as the Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnel, is home to a multitude of bioluminescent glow worms, creating an eerie radiance. The glow worm ecosystem is delicate, and flashlights, flash photography, and drones are prohibited to protect them. It's also advisable to wear gumboots and avoid visiting during heavy rainfall due to potential flooding. Some visitors have reported paranormal experiences within the tunnels. Helensburgh Landcare is actively involved in preserving the site. In March 2019, a new reserve was established, including the two old tunnels and the railway station car park, for passive recreation, heritage purposes, and environmental protection.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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Hacking River

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Coalcliff Beach

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Curracurrong Creek

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Port Hacking

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh Limited NSW Australia

Otford Lookout

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Figure Eight Pools

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Stanwell Tops

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Bald Hill Lookout

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Lucia's By The Sea

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The Anchorage Restaurant

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Old Helensburgh Station: A Journey Through Time

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A brief summary to Old Helensburgh Station

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

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Discover more about Old Helensburgh Station

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Stanwell Tops Lookout

Grand Pacific Drive

Hacking River

Coalcliff Beach

Curracurrong Creek

10B cycling trail

Mike Dwyer Reserve

Cabbage Tree Basin

Georges River

Port Hacking

Oak Park Beach

Collins Rock

Illawarra Escarpment

Salt Pan Creek

University of Wollongong

Unmissable attractions to see

Symbio Wildlife Park

Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh Limited NSW Australia

Otford Lookout

Figure Eight Pools

Stanwell Tops

Bald Hill Lookout

Bald Hill lookout Hill End

Governor Game lookout

Curra Moors loop track

Garie Beach

Heathcote National Park

Sea Cliff Bridge

Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout

Royal National Park

Glenbernie Orchard - Home of Darkes Cider

Essential places to dine

Outback Steakhouse Campbelltown

Outback Steakhouse Wollongong

Lagoon Seafood Restaurant

TwentyTwenty Training Restaurant

Pepe's On The Beach

Lucia's By The Sea

Seaside Shahi - Shahi Dining Wollongong

The Anchorage Restaurant

Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant

Bombora Seafood Cafe/Restaurant

Steamers Bar and Grill

The Bistro on Beaton

K.malu Kitchen and Bar

Rookie Eatery

Bull & Bear Cafe - Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Magnolia Collective

Corrimal Village

Off Grid Outfitters

North Beach Boutique

Narellan Town Centre

Blu Emporium Corner Store

Wandering Merchants

Trenz Resort Wear

Wollongong Central Shopping Centre

Typo

Kingsway Clothing

Jam Woman Clothing

TK Maxx Wollongong

Frolic Girls

Forever New Wollongong

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

UOW UniBar