Busby's Bore

Busby's Bore is an underground water tunnel running beneath Sydney's streets through sandstone rock formations. The system was engineered to move water from one location to another using gravity and natural geological features.

The tunnel was constructed during the 1830s in response to the city's growing water demands. The project represents early engineering efforts to meet Sydney's essential infrastructure needs.

The tunnel marks the transition of Sydney from a penal colony to an established city, demonstrating early Australian engineering capabilities in water management.

The tunnel system runs beneath active city streets and is not directly accessible to visitors today as it lies underground. Historical markers and information signs on the surface allow visitors to trace its route and significance.

The construction used multiple vertical shafts sunk from above through the rock, allowing workers to excavate from several points simultaneously. This technique was innovative for the time and significantly sped up the construction process.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -33.88737,151.22233

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08