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HENRY'S TRAMWAY TUNNEL

Location OFF WEST BARWON TRACK BARRAMUNGA, COLAC OTWAY SHIRE File Number 502160 Level Registered

[1/1] 1 henry's tramway tunnel west

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Henry's Tramway Tunnel is the most intact tramline tunnel in Victoria. Built around 1911, it provided timber tramline access through a projecting spur between Henry's No.1 and No.2 Mills in the upper West Barwon Valley. The tunnel is approximately 11 metres long, approached by box cuttings at either end, and retains most of its internal structural timbers. It was in use until 1928, when logging operations ceased in the valley.

How is it significant?
Henry's Tramway Tunnel is of historical and scientific significance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?
Henry's Tramway Tunnel is scientifically important as a comparatively intact example of one of only three such tunnels built on Victorian tramlines. The site has the potential to yield evidence relating to the technological history of timber transport.

Henry's Tramway Tunnel is historically significant as a rare and innovative response to the challenge of timber-getting in a remote forest environment. Timber production was important to Victoria for its role in providing a vast range of products for use in domestic, commercial and industrial contexts. Henry's Tunnel is also significant for its association with a major figure in the Victorian sawmilling industry, WR Henry.