The secret lying under this Aussie city - NEWS.com.au

Melbourne has one of the most elaborate tunnel systems in the world. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

LYING deep underneath Melbourne’s streets is a labyrinth of tunnels stretching more than 1500 kilometres. One of the most elaborate storm water drain systems in the world, it is a complex maze of waterfalls, gates, ladders and reservoirs.

Dangerous, illegal and copping hefty fines if caught, there is a group in Australia called the Cave Clan who regularly meet deep down in Melbourne’s hidden underworld.

Deep underneath Melbourne’s streets are tunnel explorers. Picture: Elliot V. Schoemaker. Source: Flickr

Started by a group of three teenagers from Melbourne in 1986, the underground society now has chapters in each of Australia’s main cities and contacts in countries around the world.

Referring to themselves as urban explorers, they see the illegal activity as as an adventure and the clandestine group is often the subject of many rumours — they’re a gothic band, a graffiti crew, perform bizarre rituals and those escaping from the law.

The main danger is flash flooding. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

One of their favourite hang outs in Melbourne is the ANZAC drain. First discovered by the clan in 1987 it now acts as a local headquarters for the group. Entry to this drain is relatively easy, however about 10 minutes into the tunnel and you’ll come to “The Chamber”, a dark and dank meeting spot for the group whose walls are splashed in graffiti.

The main danger for tunnel explorers is flash flooding so the safest piece of advice the clan gives is “when it rains, no drains.”

However a spokesperson for Melbourne water has warned against this illegal activity saying that drains are dangerous and that there have been tragic fatalities in the past:

“Illegally entering drains is not simply a bit of fun, it could have potentially tragic consequences. As the authority responsible for drainage services throughout greater Melbourne, we strongly discourage anyone from entering the underground drain system.

“This activity is illegal and punishable by law, but also dangerous and potentially fatal.”

For a safe look from above ground of Melbourne’s underground city here are the photos from Darmon Richter of The Bohemian Blog.

Entrance to the ANZAC drain. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

The Cave Clan marks their territory. Picture: Elliot V. Schoemaker. Source: Flickr

Graffiti brightens its walls. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

Stairs to nowhere. Picture: Elliot V. Schoemaker. Source: Flickr

The official meeting spot of the clan. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

Would you be brave enough to enter? Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

Wade through stagnant water and creepy crawlies. Picture: Elliot V. Schoemaker. Source: Flickr

There’s a network of “clannies” in Australia. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

Follow the graffiti. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

Low ceilings at some points are not for the claustrophobic. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied

The tunnels are covered in tags from other explorers. Picture: Darmon Richter/The Bohemian Blog. Source: Supplied