Blackheath railway station, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blackheath
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View towards Medlow Bath in December 2019
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| Location | Railway Parade, Blackheath Australia |
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| Coordinates | 33°38′00″S 150°17′04″E / 33.633255°S 150.284343°E | ||||||||||
| Elevation | 1,065 metres (3,494 ft) | ||||||||||
| Owned by | Transport Asset Holding Entity | ||||||||||
| Operated by | NSW TrainLink | ||||||||||
| Line(s) | Main Western | ||||||||||
| Distance | 120.72 km (75.01 mi) from Central | ||||||||||
| Platforms | 2 (1 island) | ||||||||||
| Tracks | 2 | ||||||||||
| Connections | Bus | ||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||
| Structure type | Ground | ||||||||||
| Other information | |||||||||||
| Station code | BKE | ||||||||||
| Website | Transport for NSW | ||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||
| Opened | 28 December 1869 | ||||||||||
| Electrified | Yes | ||||||||||
| Traffic | |||||||||||
| Passengers (2013) | 260 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink) | ||||||||||
| Rank | 214 | ||||||||||
| Services | |||||||||||
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| Official name | Blackheath Railway Station Group | ||||||||||
| Type | State heritage (built) | ||||||||||
| Designated | 2 April 1999 | ||||||||||
| Reference no. | 1088 | ||||||||||
| Type | Railway Platform/ Station | ||||||||||
| Category | Transport - Rail | ||||||||||
| Builders | NSW Government Railways | ||||||||||
Blackheath railway station is a historic train station in Blackheath, New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Main Western line. The station was designed and built by the NSW Government Railways. It was constructed between 1897 and 1985. The station is also known as the Blackheath Railway Station Group. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. The station first opened on 28 December 1869.
Contents
Discovering Blackheath Station's Past
The railway line was extended to Blackheath in 1866. This was a year earlier than planned! Blackheath was chosen as a temporary end point for the line. This was because it had a flat area and good water.
However, a flood in 1867 damaged a bridge. This made the railway open early to Wentworth Falls. So, Wentworth Falls became the temporary end point instead. Later, the line reached Mount Victoria in 1868. This made Mount Victoria the new temporary end of the line. Plans for a large, two-story station at Blackheath were then cancelled. That grand building was built at Mount Victoria instead.
Blackheath station opened as a "halt" in 1868. It became a full platform in 1869. The railway line was doubled between Blackheath and Mount Victoria in 1898. The current station building was built on an island platform at this time. This platform could serve trains on both lines.
The footbridge at Blackheath Station was built in 1911. It helps people get to the platforms. Most parts of the bridge have been replaced since 1990. Only the steel frame is original.
In 1985, a fire badly damaged the station building. The railway's chief, David Hill, decided to rebuild it. This rebuilding, along with work at Mortuary station, started a new focus on protecting old railway buildings in NSW.
Trains and Services at Blackheath
Blackheath station has one island platform. This means it has two sides for trains. It is used by NSW TrainLink services. These trains run on the Blue Mountains Line. They travel from Sydney Central to Lithgow.
| Platform | Line | Stopping pattern | Notes |
| 1 |
NSW TrainLink
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services to Sydney Central | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
NSW TrainLink
|
services to Mount Victoria & Lithgow |
What Blackheath Station Looks Like
The station has a special building from 1898. It was partly rebuilt in 1985. It also has a brick platform from 1898. The steel footbridge was built in 1911. Parts of it were replaced in 1990.
Station Building Details
The station building is made of timber. It has a unique design for an island platform. It has eight sections with roofs that stick out. These roofs cover both sides of the platform. The roof is made of corrugated iron. It has fancy timber decorations. There are also two brick chimneys.
Inside, some of the original design remains. The booking office and parcels office were rebuilt after the 1985 fire. The building has a waiting room with a decorated metal ceiling. It also has old-style windows and timber doors. Some rooms have newer ceilings and floors.
The Island Platform
Blackheath Station has a curved island platform. It is wider in the middle and narrower at the ends. This shape is common for stations in the Blue Mountains. It fits the hilly land. The platform is made of brick. It has an asphalt surface. You can see old-style lights and modern signs. There are also timber benches. Small garden beds are along one end of the platform.
The Footbridge
The footbridge was built in 1911. It is a standard steel beam bridge. It has steel supports. It goes from the street over the highway and tracks. Stairs lead down to the platform and streets. Most parts of the bridge, except the steel frame, have been replaced since the 1990s. The footbridge now has modern covers and metal railings.
Station Gardens
The station has gardens and trees. These are within the station's property. They connect to the local council's gardens.
Shops Near the Station
There are two similar shops at 266 Great Western Highway. They have gabled roofs and verandas. The verandas cover the footpath. The walls are made of textured cement. They have central doors and large display windows. The verandas are supported by timber posts.
The northern shop has a roof covered with fibro slates. It has terracotta decorations. The display windows have fancy cement frames. The southern shop has a terracotta tile roof. Its window frames are simpler.
Station Condition
As of 2008, the station building was in good condition. The platform and footbridge were also in good shape.
Changes Over Time
- Around 1982, the original timber building was badly burned. About 40% of the building today is new.
- After 1990, the footbridge was updated. It got a covered deck and other improvements.
Getting Around: Transport Links
Blue Mountains Transit runs bus routes through Blackheath station:
- 698: to Katoomba
- 698V: from Katoomba to Mount Victoria
Why Blackheath Station is Special
Blackheath Railway Station is very important to the history of New South Wales. It shows how railways were built in the Blue Mountains in the late 1800s. It is also a beautiful part of the Blue Mountains railway scenery. The station building is a great example of a "Federation era" railway building. It is one of only two timber railway stations in the Blue Mountains.
When the building was rebuilt after the 1985 fire, it helped start a new way of protecting old railway buildings in NSW. The station is also special because of its lovely gardens. It is right next to the historic town centre.
The shops near the station are also important. They add to the historic feel around the station. They are also linked to Tomas Rodriguez, a famous former Station Master.
Blackheath railway station was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it is officially recognized as a place of historical importance.
