Big Peninsula Tunnel, Heritage mining tunnel in McMahons Creek, Victoria, Australia
Big Peninsula Tunnel is a historic mining passage carved through rock that measures approximately 25 meters long with a square cross-section about 2 meters on each side. It sits near McMahons Creek along the upper Yarra River and demonstrates the straightforward stone construction methods miners used in this region.
Gold miners excavated this passage in 1864 during the Victorian gold rush to reach valuable deposits in the Yarra River bed more directly. Its construction reflects the determination of early mining communities who sought resources in this remote location.
The tunnel represents a testament to nineteenth-century mining engineering methods and stands as evidence of early Australian resource extraction techniques.
Access is available from a parking area along Woods Point Road, located about 1 kilometer from McMahons Creek. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground can be uneven and the surrounding terrain is rocky.
The tunnel connects directly to the Goldfields Walking Trail, making it a starting point for hikes that explore the old mining landscape. This connection transforms it from an isolated relic into part of a larger story walkers can experience on foot.
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