WWII Oil Storage Tunnels Photo

Photographer’s Note

A unique tourist attraction right under the cliffs of Darwin city are the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels.

Following the bombing of Darwin in 1942 when the original above-ground oil tanks were destroyed, an innovative solution was to build a series concrete and steel lined tunnels for fuel storage. The construction of the tunnels was part of an overall defence strategy for Australia and the Pacific region. Building commenced in 1943 and 8 tunnels were planned. However only 5 were actually constructed. Difficulties and delays in construction, material deficiencies and the inability to effectively seal the tunnels from infilteration of water meant that the tunnels were never actually used for their initial purpose.

In 1992 to commemorate the 50th Aniversary of the bombing of Darwin tunnels number 5 and 6 were opened to the public and today the steel lined walls feature a photographic display of Darwin during WWII.

ribeiroantonio, pauloog, windosil, bukitgolfb301, fanni, fritzi007 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ribeiroantonio (21891) 2009-06-08 20:55

I have been there! It is an incredible place to visit while in Darwin.
I love your shot with the ghost figure wandering along the tunnel. The light and the colour add a mysterious feeling to the scene. Well done.
Antonio

serp2000 (9403) 2009-06-08 22:42

Privet, Marlene,
An interesting information, original shot, fine POV and good exposure. TFS!
Greetings from Russia,
Serghei

trekks (14266) 2009-06-08 22:55

hi Marlene

Very ghostly tunnel scenery but you have managed very well with exposure despite the dim light condition.

I am amazed at the green tone effect around the spot lights. How would it be possible that warm light converts itself into green? Very surprising effect.

Nice work.

tfs, bill

wolf38 (12734) 2009-06-09 5:58

Hello Marlene. At the night the things unfold their own attraction. The light sets the accents. In your photo the light is handled very good. Altogether worth seeing. Best regards, Wolfgang.

pauloog (6436) 2009-06-09 6:00

Hello Marlene,
Good to bring this witness of intrastreucture hopefully never needed again...
Well brought from a good perspective and the dark and humid atmosphere well rendered.
Regards,
Paul

windosil (768) 2009-06-09 10:10

Marlene,
I said "perfect composition" before I noticed that the green-fringed lamp was hidden by my taskbar - so maybe I should suggest you crop it - but as Aires says, it does lend mystery along with the ghostly figure.
TFS,
Winifred

bukitgolfb301 (4588) 2009-06-09 14:10

Hello my dear Marlene

What a fantastic photo !
Nice framework, movement and color management as usual. Very attractive and beautiful shadow. Light to the walker is moderate and marvelous.

Congratulation on your great shot !
Thanks for sharing and best regards,

Takero

danyy (68628) 2009-06-10 0:10

Bonjour Marlène,
une capture difficile mais bien négociée de ces lumières très faibles, beaucoup de profondeur et de perspective.
Un vrai décor de film.
Regards.
Daniel.

holmertz (9594) 2009-06-13 7:59

Hello Marlene,
This is quite an eerie picture, rather unusual for TE. I get strong reminiscences of the famous movie The third man. I am impressed that you managed the sparse light so well all through the long tunnel.
Best regards,
Gert

fanni (8737) 2009-06-15 23:49

Hello Marlene,
looks like it's a ghost rushing along the tunnel?
This is one of the most impressive and very emotional photos I have ever seen! the colours, the darkness, glittering water on the floor... and scarce lamps on the ceiling. This reminds me of the famous copper mind in Falun, Sweden. Quite scary - for me :)
Warmest wishes from Moscow,
Elena

jmdias (19153) 2009-06-18 7:59

marlene

interesting view. I liked the golden light and the lines, the personage is nicely put

hugs

jorge

dArpAn (490) 2009-06-26 9:08

Hi Marlene,

This is quite an achievement. You've captured the low light atmosphere inside the tunnel so perfectly. I just love the sequence of lights that goes on till the other end. B'ful POV and that ghostly figure adds more mystery to the shot.

Rgds,
Darpan

AKITA (5295) 2009-07-12 14:22

dear Marlene,
this is like our inner tunnel through our mind...
lined lights in the dark tunnel path and blurred passengers show us illusionary space.
maybe invisible exit of this tunnel connects another world, or there is no sortie...
thank you for your excellent shot,
Akihisa

kschanna (2634) 2009-07-25 3:27

Hello Marlene,

I like this shot, its a daring picture with good composition and is well executed. Although the note tells a different story, the elements of the picture take one's thoughts into a new direction.

Thanks for sharing
Kamran

fritzi007 (2511) 2009-07-29 13:08

Hi Marlene!
Historic photo with good, informative commentary, congratulate
Many greetings
Wolfgang