Dalveen Tunnel, Dalveen, Qld

Dalveen tunnel is on the Warwick to Wallangarra line in Queensland's Granite Belt. On its way to Stanthorpe from Wariwick, the line climbs the Great Divining Range up a 1 in 50 grade past the former locations of Kerrick and Temangum before reaching Dalveen. The length of this tunnel is only 141 metres, and it is situated only 1 kilometre from Dalveen. Upon leaving the tunnel, the line continues our climb all the way to Dalveen, having risen a further 160 metres in the space of about 7km from Kerrick to Dalveen.

The Dalveen Tunnel was constructed to pierce a spur in the Silverwood Range. It was one of the major works on the second contract to Stanthorpe. The tunnel is of semi-elliptic cross section, and is brick lined with brick arches and brick portals which features a date of 1880. At its opening, it was noted that the tunnel work here was something to be proud of, perfectly straight, true curves of arch, bright red brick and pure whiteness of stone facing, the whole tunnel being on a 1 in 50 grade. The works were noted as being a great credit to all.

Cherry Gully Tunnel

Back towards Warwick the line passes through the Cherry Gully Tunnel. Costruction on the tunnel began in 1878, and took longer than expected as exceptionally hard rock was encountered. Several driling machines failed and hand driling had to be resorted to. Four lives were lost in the tunnel's construction. The tunnel was one of the first in Queensland to have a concrete lining instead of the more common brick lining. However, the crown of the tunnel was still lined in brick. The tunnel was known as the ‘Big Tunnel’ and a substantial camp was established, including its own school on the ridge above for the navvies. The tunnel is 272 metres long and is on the Queensland Heritage register.



From Warwick Railway Station to the tunnel, the line rises risen 300 metres in the space of 25.5km. Cherry Gully was the end of the first section to be built. The line was opened between Warwick and Cherry Gully on 8th December 1880.

Though the line is closed to commercial traffic, it is still used by the Southern Downs Steam Railway for heritage excursions.