The Nobbys Gunpowder Tunnels
Stockton, Australia
A series of gun powder chambers currently hidden from view within Nobbys Headland in Newcastle, Australia.
The chambers were excavated in 1853 in order to blow up the then Island of Nobbys to construct a lighthouse. But in what has become known as Australia’s first recorded environmental action the citizens of Newcastle, under the leadership of local businessmen John Bingle and Mr. George Thorne, petitioned the Governor to step in and avoid Nobbys’ complete obliteration.
The lighthouse was eventually built, but the gunpowder chambers remain within the landmark. According to a newspaper report from 1945, the last person to view the chambers reported there was an inscription to “Lieut. Shortland,” the European discoverer of Newcastle (or Coal River) within one of the tunnels.
Stay in Touch!
Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day.
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Follow Us on Instagram
No Thanks
Visit AtlasObscura.com
No purchase necessary. Winner will be selected at random on 05/01/2021. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Offer subject to change without notice. See contest rules for full details.
Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook