Spray Tunnel Walk – Zeehan, Tasmania

An Easy Walk Through Zeehan’s Historic Mining Past

The Spray Tunnel Walk just outside the historic West Coast mining town of Zeehan leads to one of Tasmania’s more unusual walking attractions – a remarkable keyhole-shaped railway tunnel cut through solid rock during the region’s mining era. Originally constructed to carry ore from the Spray Silver Mine, the tunnel is approximately 100 metres long. Today, walkers can follow the old mining route through regenerating West Coast bushland, explore remnants of Zeehan’s mining history and walk directly through the atmospheric tunnel itself. The relatively easy terrain and novelty of walking through a genuine mining tunnel make this an enjoyable short outing for families and anyone interested in Tasmania’s industrial heritage. Bring a torch, as the centre of the tunnel is dark and glow-worms may sometimes be seen inside.

Spray Tunnel Walk Overview

About the Walk

The Spray Tunnel Walk begins beyond the Zeehan Golf Club and follows an old route associated with the area’s once-thriving mining industry. The track climbs gently through regenerating West Coast bushland towards the remains of the Spray Silver Mine. Along the way, old boilers, building remains and other mining relics provide reminders of the period when Zeehan was one of Tasmania’s most important mining centres. The main attraction is the Spray Tunnel itself. Cut through solid rock, the approximately 100-metre-long tunnel has a distinctive keyhole profile and was constructed as part of the railway infrastructure used to transport ore from the mine. Walking through the tunnel is an atmospheric experience. Daylight quickly fades as you enter, and the middle can become quite dark before the opposite entrance gradually appears ahead.

Terrain and Track Conditions

The walk follows formed tracks and sections of old tramway formation through typical West Coast bushland. Gradients are generally gentle, making this a relatively straightforward walk for most visitors. Conditions can become muddy after rain, and some sections may be uneven. Inside the tunnel, the ground can also be damp and irregular, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Difficulty

The Spray Tunnel Walk is rated Easy and is suitable for most walkers with a basic level of fitness. There are no major climbs, although the approach to the tunnel includes some gentle uphill walking. The darkness and uneven surface inside the tunnel require a little more care, particularly when walking with younger children.

Walk Highlights

The Spray Tunnel

The highlight of the walk is undoubtedly the historic Spray Tunnel. Its unusual keyhole shape, rock walls and dark interior make it very different from the natural attractions found on many other Tasmanian short walks. Glow-worms may also be visible inside the tunnel. If looking for them, avoid shining bright lights directly at them and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.

Mining Relics

Old boilers, foundations and other remains around the former Spray Silver Mine provide a fascinating glimpse into Zeehan’s mining past. These relics help transform the walk from a simple bush track into a journey through an important chapter of Tasmania’s West Coast history. Top Tip: Bring a torch or headlamp. The centre of the Spray Tunnel is very dark, and having your own light makes it much easier to negotiate the uneven ground.

What to Bring

• A torch or headlamp for walking through the tunnel
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Water
• A waterproof jacket – West Coast weather can change quickly
• A camera for the tunnel and historic mining relics

Safety

• Watch your footing inside the tunnel, where the surface can be dark, damp and uneven.
• Carry your own torch rather than relying entirely on a phone light.
• Take care on muddy or slippery sections after rain.
• The access road is narrow in places, so drive carefully and use passing areas where necessary.
• The track is not considered suitable for wheelchairs or most prams.

Is the Spray Tunnel Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. The relatively easy terrain and novelty of walking through a real historic mining tunnel make the Spray Tunnel Walk particularly appealing to families. Some younger children may find the dark centre of the tunnel a little spooky, so bringing a reliable torch or headlamp is recommended. Children should also be supervised around the historic mining remains.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Visitors have used the Spray Tunnel route with dogs, but access conditions can change. Check the current signs at the trailhead before taking a dog onto the track and keep dogs under close control around other walkers and wildlife.

Getting There

The Spray Tunnel Walk is located just outside Zeehan on Tasmania’s West Coast. From Zeehan, travel towards the northern end of town and follow Fowler Street past the Zeehan Golf Club towards the Spray Tunnel trailhead. The final approach can be narrow and unsealed in places, so drive carefully and allow additional time in wet conditions.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the Spray Tunnel trailhead. Walkers should bring their own drinking water and anything else required for the walk. Zeehan township is only a short drive away and has toilets, fuel, food and other basic visitor services.

Why Walk the Spray Tunnel?

The Spray Tunnel Walk offers something quite different from the waterfalls, rainforest tracks and mountain walks for which Tasmania’s West Coast is famous. Instead, this short walk combines bushland with the fascinating remains of the region’s mining history. The opportunity to walk through a 100-metre historic railway tunnel makes it a memorable stop while exploring Zeehan and the surrounding West Coast. It is relatively easy, family friendly and can be comfortably combined with Zeehan’s other historic attractions as part of a day exploring the area.