Hill 60 is an enclosed grassy area of craters, shell holes and mounds. A monument constructed of blue granite, the Tunnellers' Memorial, is by the side of the road, opposite the former Hill 60 museum. The inscribed plaque reads 'In Memoriam of Officers and Men of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Coy who gave their lives in the mining and defensive operations of Hill 60 1915-1918. This monument replaces that originally erected in April 1919 by their comrades in arms 1923'.

Hill 60 is a hillock 60 metres high formed from the spoil of a 19th century railway cutting. As the best observation point in the region, both sides fought fiercely for possession of Hill 60. The Germans were holding it in November 1916 when the 1st Tunnelling Company took over maintenance of the British mines underneath. Above and below ground the Australians fought to prevent the Germans from finding the galleries and mines.

Further details:

In Flanders, Australian tunnellers' had been busy helping to plant huge mines under Hill 60, Ypres, as part of a big British offensive. On 7 June 1917, 19 mines were exploded and infantry, including the AIF 3rd Division, advanced to fight the Battle of Messines. The 4th Division soon joined in and, together with the New Zealand Division, the Australians captured Messines Ridge in one of the most successful Allied operations thus far in the war. Nevertheless, there were some 2,000 casualties suffered by the Australians.

All five AIF Divisions were engaged in the Third Battle of Ypres (more popularly known as the Battle of Passchendaele) between July and November 1917. It was really a series of battles, the most significant for the AIF being the victories of Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Broodseinde. Much of the fighting took place in mud so deep that wounded men drowned in it. Conditions were appalling. For the first time, at Broodseinde all the AIF Divisions fought side by side. The Australian military reputation for courage and military skill grew even brighter at the price of 38,000 casualties in eight weeks of fighting.

The original monument was erected in April 1919.

Zwarteleenstraat, Zwarteleen, Belgium.

The Tunnellers' Memorial (Hill 60) is located by leaving Ypres on the Rijselsstraat via its southern exit through the Lille Gate and over the moat. At the roundabout go straight on into the N336 Rijselsteenweg. After about 500 metres there is a left turn just before the railway crossing. Turn left here onto a minor road called Konenseweg in the direction of Hollebeke. Approximately 4.5 kilometres along this road there is a left turn to Zwarteleen called Zwarteleenstraat. Continue for about 200 metres when you will drive over the Ypres-Comines railway. Hill 60 is on the right immediately after the railway bridge. There is a parking area large enough for a coach to park.