Imagine walking through Melbourne and its busy streets. Imagine the hidden world that lies beneath your footsteps, full of secrets, stories, and structures holding the city together. Melbourne’s rectify.net.au/underpinning-melbourne/ is like discovering an entirely new dimension.

Ever wondered what lies beneath the iconic tram tracks? What lies beneath those iconic tram tracks is not just dirt, pipes and ducts. Melbourne’s Underground is a maze-like labyrinth with old bluestone foundations as well some secret hideaways. Let’s take a look at this underground world.

Melbourne used to be a major gold rush destination. The 1850s brought people to Melbourne, hoping for a gold rush. As they searched for gold on the surface, something was going on underground. Not only were they digging up gold, but they also dug tunnels in order to move their nuggets discreetly. Some of these passageways remain today, buried under modern infrastructure.

Imagine the scene in the early 20th century. Engineers built an underground railway loop to relieve the congestion of the streets. This was not a normal project. In fact, it was an engineering feat at the moment. Imagine digging deep underground while trams, cars and other vehicles could zip through the air above.

It’s about more than trains and tunnels. What about “Little Lon?” In the late 1900s, this area was known as a notorious slum and brothel. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts and bottles from this period under the modern buildings.

Melbourne’s character is defined by its cobblestoned bluestone laneways. These beautiful stones were part of the intricate drainage system created in the 19th Century to prevent flooding.

Have you been to Flinders Street Station Station? Consider this the next time that you are there: beneath the iconic facade, an abandoned ballroom lies! Yes, you’ve read that correctly. This grand space was once a place of music and dance when World War II soldiers would waltz to ease their tensions before heading into battle.

Melbourne’s sewerage systems are a great achievement, given the amount of garbage that is produced every day by an expanding city! The main sewer is located deep underground on Elizabeth Street. This unsung hero helps keep the city clean while we continue to live our normal lives above ground.

In the spirit of unsung heroes, how about those who toil tirelessly beneath us. Maintenance crews often brave confined dark spaces to ensure that everything runs smoothly there, so that we up here can enjoy seamless services without much thought.

When we walk through Federation Square, or enjoy a coffee in Degraves Street Cafes surrounded with street art murals –we seldom stop and think what holds all this urban beauty up from below! If you want to discover Melbourne’s history, look below the surface.

Melbourne has a vibrant culture. But don’t just stop there. Don’t leave out its amazing underbelly. It may surprise you how much is unseen, but still plays a key role in shaping Melbourne to what it is now.

Maybe one day, they will join you to discover the mysteries of the metropolis below with newfound respect for all that is happening above.