Cootamundra railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cootamundra
Southbound view in July 2007
Location	Hovell Street, Cootamundra
Coordinates	34°38′29″S 148°01′49″E / 34.6414°S 148.0304°E / -34.6414; 148.0304
Owned by	Transport Asset Holding Entity
Operated by	NSW TrainLink
Line(s)	Main South Tumut & Kunama Lake Cargelligo
Distance	429.65 kilometres from Central
Platforms	1
Tracks	3
Construction
Structure type	Ground
Disabled access	Yes
Other information
Station code	CMD
History
Opened	1 November 1877
Previous names	Murrumburrah
Services
Preceding station NSW TrainLink Following station Junee toward Griffith NSW TrainLink Southern Line Griffith Xplorer Harden toward Sydney Junee toward Melbourne NSW TrainLink Southern Line Melbourne XPT
Former services Preceding station Former Services Following station Former NSW Main line services Frampton towards Albury Main Southern Line Jindalee towards Sydney Former NSW Branch line services Brawlin towards Tumut Tumut Line Terminus Cootamundra West towards Lake Cargelligo Lake Cargelligo Line

Cootamundra railway station.

The Cootamundra railway station is an important train stop in New South Wales, Australia. It is located on the Main South line and serves the town of Cootamundra. This historic station was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it is a special place protected for its history and importance.

When Did Cootamundra Station Open?

Cootamundra station first opened on 1 November 1877. This was when the Main South line was extended from a place called Harden-Murrumburrah. The station was the end of the line for a short time. Then, the railway line was extended further to Bethungra on 15 April 1878.

On 1 June 1886, Cootamundra became a junction station. This means it became a place where different train lines meet. The Tumut & Kunama line opened, going as far as Gundagai. Later, on 1 September 1893, the Lake Cargelligo line also opened, reaching Temora.

In 1901, an extra platform was built in the middle, called an island platform. It is no longer used but is still there. In 1943, the railway line through Cootamundra was made double-track. This allowed more trains to run at the same time. A very large signal gantry (a frame holding signals) was also put up. It was the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere! It has since been moved and is now kept near the station as a historical item.

The Lachlan Valley Railway has a base right next to the station's train depot.

What Does the Station Look Like?

The main station building is made of brick and was first built in 1884. It has been changed and added to over the years, in 1904–05, 1915, and 1943. The platforms where people wait for trains are also made of brick.

There is a special room called a refreshment room on one of the platforms. It was built around 1890 and had additions in 1904. Another platform, for the branch lines, has a lovely awning (a roof-like cover) at the Sydney end.

The station area also includes other important buildings. There is a signal box from 1942, which is a small building where railway signals are controlled. Railway barracks from 1932 provided housing for railway workers. A gatekeeper's residence, built for the person who managed the level crossing, is also part of the site. The level crossing itself, a steel pedestrian footbridge, a turntable (for turning trains around), and the station's trees, signs, and lights are all considered historically important.

What Train Services Use Cootamundra?

Cootamundra station is used by NSW TrainLink services.

• Two XPT services run daily in each direction. These trains travel between Sydney and Melbourne.
• A Xplorer train runs twice a week between Griffith and Sydney. This train splits from Canberra services at Goulburn.

NSW TrainLink also runs bus services from Cootamundra to many towns. These include Mildura, Tumbarumba, Queanbeyan, Bathurst, Dubbo, and Condobolin.

Why is Cootamundra Station a Heritage Site?

Cootamundra is a very important railway complex. It has many different buildings and a unique first-class station building not found anywhere else. It is significant both for the town and for the history of railways. The large railway yard stretches almost the entire length of the town's eastern side. The station buildings are at the end of one of the town's main streets.

The station building and its large platform awning are especially important. They have very detailed designs, including fine cast iron columns and brackets supporting the canopy. The station building has been changed a lot over time. It shows how a big railway facility can grow and change while still looking good. A special part of the station is the tower over the main entrance. Another important feature is the beautiful awning on the branch platform, with lots of cast iron panels and columns. This is one of the best awnings of its kind in New South Wales.

All the different parts of the site help us understand how a major railway centre worked and grew. The site also has many old trees that make the area look nice.

Cootamundra railway station was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it is recognized as a special place with important historical value.