Busby's Bore

This tunnel or “bore”, cut mostly through sandstone, carried fresh water 3.5 km from the Lachlan Swamps (Centennial Park) to Hyde Park. It was planned and supervised by John Busby, government mineral surveyor, and constructed by convict labour 1827-37. It superseded the tank stream and alone provided Sydney and departing ships with an unfailing water supply until 1886. Busby’s Bore was the first engineered water scheme in Australia.

A view along Busby's Bore.

Plan and Section of Busby's Bore.

Location of Busby's Bore.

The Engineers Australia plaque near the upstream end of the tunnel.

Monumnt at the Centennial Park end of the bore.

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Busby's Bore location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM)
Award Date	April 1988
Heritage Significance	This water supply scheme superseded the tank stream and alone provided Sydney and departing ships with an unfailing water supply until 1886. Busby’s Bore was the first engineered water scheme in Australia.
Fragments of Nomination Document	Available here.
Brochure	Available here.
Supporting Document (Aird WV)	Available here.
Supporting Document (Dale & Burgess)	Available here.
Supporting Document (Dictionary of Sydney)	Available here.