Illowra Battery, Military fortification in Port Kembla, Australia.
Illowra Battery is a coastal defense complex in Port Kembla consisting of two gun emplacements connected by underground tunnels with concrete stairs and metal trolley tracks. The structure spans multiple levels and uses both natural cavities and artificially excavated passages.
The facility was constructed in 1941 and equipped with two 6-inch naval guns to defend Port Kembla during World War II. It played a crucial role in protecting the local steel industry throughout the war years.
The underground tunnels today display numerous graffiti artworks on their concrete walls, showing how the location is used by contemporary artists. These murals demonstrate the living connection between the site's historical past and present-day creative expression.
Access to the tunnels is through the lower parking area, but bring a flashlight or head lamp since the underground passages are dark. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for damp and potentially slippery surfaces.
After the war, the facility was repurposed as a mushroom cultivation site, making use of the constant temperature and humidity within the underground bunker system. This unexpected second life demonstrates how the abandoned military structure found an entirely new purpose.
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