The last train between Adelaide and Melbourne passed through Sleeps Hill Tunnel on 11 August 1919 but it’s full steam ahead for the tunnel’s second Fringe opening. As one of the most popular events of last year’s Fringe, the cooler weather is sure to see even more people jump onboard this year.

The straight tunnel is only 377 metres long but curtain light traps separate each of the displays effectively, preventing the noise and visual impact of each exhibit impacting on the others. These exhibits vary from returning displays to new surprises, telling the history of the tunnel and early steam trains, through to the abandoned tunnel’s conversion to a mushroom farm from 1932-1938.

The information is imparted through light boards, projections, sound and video, including a luminous mushroom garden by SA artist, Clare Miyuki Guerin, and a mesmerising electronic immersion space with dancing patterns of light by Novatech. 

Most of the visuals are repeated at multiple stations so punters don’t need to crowd around a single display. This is particularly so with the animated The World Beneath Our Feet by The Barbican, which is set up with headphones for a few people at each large open booth.

Time lapse footage by Steve Axford, and Cath Marciniak provides a resting area part way through the short walk, with ample bench seating to help visitors admire the ceiling projections.

All in all, there is enough variety in the presentations to bring history to life and retain interest. Kids will love the movement, colour and sound. Adults will enjoy that and the knowledge they take away. 

Talks by tunnel owner Dave Munro run three times per day, supporting the information already on display.

Allow half an hour to wander through the tunnel in both directions, plus more if you book your visit to coincide with one of the talks at 11:30am, 2pm or 6pm.