Tunnels and mirrors: step into an immersive experience this Fringe
From an old rail tunnel to Carrick Hill’s Celestial Gardens, this year’s Fringe program embraces unconventional venues and transformative installations.
If Sleeps Hill Tunnels owner Dave Munro has his way, the award-winning Adelaide Fringe immersive experience will become a permanent annual event celebrating the tunnels’ significant contribution to South Australia’s history.
“I’m very proud of it,” he says. “I do have a passion for sharing the story.
“I just don’t think they get the recognition it deserves; not just for the transport, but also for its war history and, also, feeding us, with the mushrooms.
“So, in one form or another, I would love for it to be open so more of the public can learn about it.”
Sleeps Hill Tunnel is back by popular demand this year. Formerly part of the old Adelaide-to-Melbourne rail line, the tunnel in Panorama was transformed into a mesmerising light installation that won a swag of praise, including scooping the Festival and Events category at the 2024 SA Tourism Awards.
It will now compete against all other state winners for the National Tourism Awards, which will be announced at tourism’s night of nights in Adelaide on March 21. Munro is just chuffed to be in the mix for national glory.
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“Look, I was just over the moon to win the South Australia one,” he says.
“It’s really recognition of what Novatech and Adelaide Fringe have done, and the foresight that they had. You know, hats off to them, and well deserved for them. So yes, I am very, very proud, very proud.”
Photo: Anastasia Comelli / Supplied
Sleeps Hill Tunnel sees audience members guided through a 377-metre-long journey of light projections which highlight its transformation from steam train passageway to mushroom farm.
There’s been a few tweaks since its debut, including an ‘Infinite’ world of mirrors. Every surface, from floor to ceiling, is covered in reflective panels, creating another kaleidoscope of light and colour, accompanied by a surrealist soundtrack curated and created by Adelaide-based event production company Novatech.
Videographer and photographer Stephen Axford has again brought the tunnel’s fungal history to life, featuring a kaleidoscope of colourful species, and a forest of glowing mushrooms.
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Also on show is the installation ‘The World Beneath Our Feet’, which unearths the world of life in the soil underground. Along the way, screens display old newspaper clippings and projections on the tunnel walls, showing the history of the space through text, black-and-white photos, and archival video.
The journey culminates with ‘Transcendent’, a stunning projection by local production studio Watchpost that brings the tunnel’s history full circle.
Munro was quite emotional seeing his tunnel transformed again.
“I use the analogy of an ugly duckling that had been neglected, to it becoming so dressed up. Just so beautiful.
“I’m so happy with the way Adelaide Fringe and Nova Tech have paid homage to the tunnels and told the story so beautifully.”
Sleeps Hill Tunnel
The Tunnels, Grandview Crescent, Panorama
until March 30
Tunnel Owner Talks at 11.30am, 2pm and 6pm daily
Sleeps Hill Tunnel is just one of a host of immersive experiences at this year’s Fringe, here’s a few of our other favourites:
DREAM STATE
Garden of Unearthly Delights
Until March 23
While on entry, it might remind you of a carnival side-show — a House of Mirrors or even a ghost train — this walk-through audio-visual installation is so much more. It’s almost — as its name implies — like being in a dream, or a crazy music video. You have absolutely no idea what’s coming next. The swirling lights and pulsing sounds mess with your senses — in a good way. You can wander through with a group, but it’s almost better experienced alone, without distractions. And it is so very ‘grammable.
Dream State. Photo: Supplied
CELESTIAL GARDENS
Carrick Hill Gardens
Until March 2
Following its award-winning season last year, this sensory-rich experience has returned for six magical nights. Interact with the plants and they’ll respond to your movements. It’s perfect for families — somewhere kids can go and not have to sit still for an hour. They’ll be transfixed by the human-sized plants roaming around. Especially Sunny Flower who loves a chat. Tip: if you can bear to be parted from your phone, do so. You’ll notice the most intricate details such as the centrepiece of the experience — the giant Elm — which is covered in its own unique style of tattoos as it gently sways to the music.
The Dome Experience
The Grand Hall at Dom Polski
Until March 23
You enter through a gap in the wall into the large tent-like structure and sit — or rather lie — on a bean bag, looking up at the dome overhead. Projected above you are immersive stories, from the undersea life of Ningaloo: Australia’s Other Great Reef to a whirlwind journey across our solar system in The Great Solar System Adventure. When Ningaloo: Australia’s Other Great Reef takes you to WA for a spectacular annual coral spawning event, you’ll truly feel like you are submerged in the water surrounded by new coral life rising to the surface. It might also inspire you to book a trip to see the real thing.
The Dome Experience. Photo: Anastasia Comelli / Supplied
This story is part of a series of articles being produced by InReview with the support of Adelaide Fringe