Amongst the business of the city we do not always pay close attention to the details of our surroundings. Is it because of the relatively mundane and repetitive nature of streets and roads, or simply the rush associated with the environment? Sometimes we yearn to disconnect from the city and escape into a fantasy.
Hidden between the Illawarra’s natural and modern worlds exist some places where these two things intertwine, if you know where to look. A hidden refuge where art and nature thrive together lies a few minutes’ drive south of Wollongong Central.
Local resident Curtis visits this place semi-regularly. Curtis discovered what he refers to simply as ‘The Drain’ as a kid when he was on a walk with his father and got lost, to his enjoyment, ending up in the hidden storm drain.
“Once you’re there, it’s like an overlooked place” he said
“but there’s lots of graffiti and there’s also lots of nature because not many people go there. And I find that quite pretty because its relatively undisturbed even though it’s just like a utility.
“Especially when it’s in the middle of suburbia, you just don’t expect it to be there”.
Curtis’ girlfriend Kiara also had a connection with The Drain from a young age. Kiara first went to The Drain as a child with her father, who also used to explore there when he was young. Upon her first visit, Kiara hadn’t seen anything like it before, and on return trips rarely saw other people.
“I don’t think I’ve ever really seen anybody else while we’ve been down there”, she said.
“Not many people know about it other than the people who go down and graffiti it.
“It’s always changing”.
Curtis and Kiara visit the storm drain together on occasions, maintaining their connection to the area, and still discovering new things when they visit so many years later after each of them first discovered ‘The Drain’.
Urban explorers can make their own path or follow goat tracks through the area. Ladders are adorned along the walls that can be used for forging alternative paths in time when the flora is too overgrown.
Those feeling curious enough and with knowledge of the local area should watch for the clues in the video about how to find this place. But if you are not local to Wollongong, perhaps an exploration of your own home town will yield unexpected delights.
Drifting with JT 