W. H. Burford Soap Factory Tunnel

Current condition and vandalism

PLEASE NOTE: The Burford Soap Tunnel has recently been secured again with a reinforced metal gate to prevent unauthorised entry. Unfortunately, this has become a recurring problem, with people using tools and angle grinders to force their way inside, damaging the security measures and potentially putting themselves and others at risk.

 

Within approximately two years of these photographs being taken, the condition of the tunnel had deteriorated considerably.

 

Graffiti now covers sections of the limestone walls, while rubbish and other damage have become increasingly common. Unfortunately, this isn't limited to the tunnel, with similar vandalism occurring along other parts of the Swan River foreshore.

 

Some people seem more interested in leaving their mark than respecting the history of these places and it's certainly not just children responsible.

 

Several of the timber supports within the tunnel have also been displaced or pushed over. Apart from damaging the surviving structure, disturbing these supports raises concerns about the stability of the surrounding limestone and the safety of anyone entering.

 

The repeated damage is particularly frustrating because the tunnel is one of the surviving remnants of the industrial activity that once occupied the Rocky Bay foreshore.

 

History of the Burford Soap Tunnel

The Burford Soap Tunnel is approximately 96 metres long and extends through the limestone cliffs between the former W. H. Burford & Sons Soap Factory and the Swan River at Rocky Bay, North Fremantle.

 

The tunnel has been recorded as approximately 1.8 metres high and 1.4 metres wide.

 

It was used to discharge liquid waste from the soap manufacturing operations into the Swan River. According to historical accounts, the discharge caused the surrounding river water to become soapy, resulting in the area becoming known as Soapy Bay.

 

The tunnel also contains remnants of metal pipes associated with the factory's former water supply system. Water was pumped from the river to the factory above for use in manufacturing operations, including cooling processes and steam production.

 

The factory ceased production of soaps and candles in 1946.