We don’t usually recommend riders have tunnel vision, unless it’s an unused historic tunnel of which there are many throughout the nation.

If you’re a bit of a history buff, or you just enjoy something unusual on your bike trip, check them out.

You may be surprised to find that there are some close to you and some that you can even ride through like the Boolboonda Tunnel, about 35km west of Gin Gin, Queensland.

There is a short 2km of smooth gravel leading up to the tunnel on the eastern side that is easy to ride no matter what bike you have.

If you are coming through the farm gate on the western side, make sure you close it behind you.

The track is rough and should really only be tackled on an adventure or dirt bike. Try not to scare the cattle.

Once you get to the tunnel, it’s probably best to walk it first to check the condition of the surface.

Use a torch or your phone’s torch. It can be wet and potholed.

Look up and you will see it is also home to a colony of bats, although you will smell them long before you see them.

Put your lights on high beam, take off your sunnies and ride through slowly as it’s one way and there can be vehicles coming from the other end.

There can also be pedestrians in the tunnel.

They also ask you to not disturb the bats.

Search now for unused historic railway tunnels near and get out there and ride them. They’re “cool fun”.

Short history

The tunnel is 192m long which makes it the longest unsupported man-made tunnel in Queensland.

This engineering marvel was built from 1881 to 1884 to service the Mt Perry copper mines.

The line was deviated in 1960 and tracks removed the following year.

It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 24 September 1999.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com