Muntapa Tunnel - QLD

  Historic Site

Position

DEG: -27.07572 151.747192
DMS: 27º 04' 32.59" S 151º 44' 49.89" E
UTM: 56 J 7004560mN 375780mE
Altitude: 640m

Description

Place Type

Heritage - Historic Site

Location

133.82kms West of Brisbane - Driving 208 km (2 hours 39 mins)
754.07kms North of Sydney - Driving 939 km (11 hours 0 mins)

Address & Contact

Access Road off Oakey - Cooyar Road 14 km south of Cooyar
Phone: N/A
Email: N/A
Web: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/parks-gardens/parks-by-location/cooyar-muntapa-tunnel1

Information

Constructed in 1913 the tunnel was an important achievement in bringing the branch line from Oakey to its terminus at Cooyer. The first train steamed into Cooyar on 29th April 1913. The line remained open until 1964.

The tunnel is unique in that at 287 meters it is the longest straight railway tunnel in Queensland. It passes under the ridge of The Great Dividing Range and is the only tunnel in Queensland to join two distinct water catchment areas.

The tunnel was dug by hand with rock removed by bullock drays. The engineer said that it was "easy digging". At the information centre he is pictured looking on. Supervising no doubt!

Access through the tunnel is not permitted to protect an existing colony of Bent Winged Bats. Visitors can explore 30m into the space (take a torch). Approaches to the tunnel are very soggy after rain.

The workers lived on the ridge under which they tunnelled. They clearly had confidence in their work.

Visitor facilities are excellent with interpretive signage, picnic shelters, barbecues and a toilet. Plaques identify historical relics such as the site of the bakery and the school.

The tunnel is 3 km off the main road and is reached by a good quality gravel road. There is no camping here but picnic facilities include bbq, park benches, picnic tables, shelter, and toilets. No drinking water, and pets are not allowed.
PlaceID102580
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Wildflowers

Weather

Closest Weather Station

Oakey at 28/08:30pm EST
Distance from Muntapa Tunnel 36.42km S
TemperatureFeels LikeRel. HumidityDew PointPressureRainfallWind DirectionWind SpeedGusts
20.4°C18.5°C72%15.2°C1020.8hPa0.0mmE19km/hr
10knots
28km/hr
15knots

Closest Climatic Station

Oakey Aero
Distance from Muntapa Tunnel 36.42km S
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C30.829.928.625.822.319.018.520.323.826.628.630.2
Mean Min. °C17.817.615.611.87.84.12.83.67.211.214.416.6
Mean Rain mm82.183.449.232.240.030.329.726.531.657.177.295.0

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