In search of platforms 26 and 27: Central station’s mysterious underground world

THOUSANDS of commuters walk through Sydney’s Central railway station every day oblivious to the fact that an eerie network of tunnels and disused platforms lie beneath their feet.

The disused station master’s office under Central Station. Photos: Chris McKeen

THOUSANDS of commuters walk through Sydney’s Central railway station every day oblivious to the fact that an eerie network of tunnels and disused platforms lie beneath their feet.

Most think the farthest you can go at the station is to platforms 24 and 25, deep in the bowels of the historic building.

But sitting between those underground platforms and the Central station concourse are the mysterious disused platforms 26 and 27.

Never used, the platforms are an incredible snapshot of the past and just a small part of the network of tunnels, offices and amenities that hold a rich history and some unbelievable tales.

Platforms 26 and 27 sit unused under Sydney's Central Station. Pictures: Chris McKeen

The tunnels were never used and stretch only a few metres on either end. Photos: Chris McKeen

The ghost platforms sit between platforms 24 and 25 and the Central Station concourse. Photos: Chris McKeen

Most people are oblivious to the fact the network of ghostly tunnels exist. Photos: Chris McKeen

As ultra modern electric trains roll through the station, a network of tunnels crisscross underneath.

Follow them and you’re rewarded with such finds as an abandoned station master’s office, complete with fireplace and federation doors.

You’ll discover abandoned bathrooms and offices of an era past and, if you listen hard enough, it is said you can hear the ghostly sounds of children playing.

The disused station master’s office under Central Station. Photos: Chris McKeen

At the end of one tunnel, you’ll discover these disused toilets under Central Station. Photos: Chris McKeen

Tunnels run underneath Sydney's Central Station. Photos: Chris McKeen

The corridor to the disused station masters office under Central Station. Photos: Chris McKeen

Tony Eid, Director of Operations for Sydney Trains, stands in a disused jail cell under Central Station beside chains used to shackle prisoners. Photos: Chris McKeen

Back upstairs and you’ll find the last remaining evidence of a fierce gunbattle which took place at the station in 1916.

A bullet hole in the marble near platform one tells the story of the Battle of Central Station.

Soldiers rebelling against camp conditions had raided hotels in Liverpool and travelled to the city by commandeered trains where they set about destroying the facilities at Central.

Gunfire was exchanged between the rampaging rioters and military police. One of the rioters was killed and several others were injured.

BRADFIELD, THE VISIONARY WHO BUILT THE BRIDGE

The only remaining evidence of a gunbattle which took place at Central Station in 1916 is a small bullet-hole in the marble by the entrance to platform one. Photos: Chris McKeen

Soldiers upset with camp conditions fought military police at Central. Photos: Chris McKeen

When draughtsman and visionary John Bradfield, the man who designed and built Australia’s iconic Harbour Bridge, drew a plan to improve Sydney’s rail network in 1915, it included stations in places such as Maroubra, Manly and Narrabeen.

It also contained a vision for what is now the City Circle. But it took a long time to become a reality: Museum and St James stations were opened in 1926 and Town Hall and Wynyard in 1932.

“The vision he had for mapping the Sydney transport network was remarkable,” Sydney Trains director of operations Tony Eid said. “And much of what he saw is keeping Sydneysiders moving today.”

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