Emerald railway station, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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The ornate entrance to Emerald railway station, 2014
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| Location | Capricorn Highway/Gregory Highway, Emerald |
| Coordinates | 23°31′36″S 148°09′50″E / 23.5266°S 148.1638°E |
| Owned by | Queensland Rail |
| Operated by | Traveltrain |
| Line(s) | Central Western Clermont Springsure |
| Platforms | 1 |
| Tracks | 2 |
| Construction | |
| Structure type | Ground |
| Disabled access | Yes |
| History | |
| Opened | 19 May 1879 |
| Rebuilt | 1900 |
The Emerald railway station is a special old train station in Emerald, Australia. It's located where the Capricorn Highway and Gregory Highway meet. This station is important because of its history and unique design. It was built in 1900 and is now protected as a heritage site.
Contents
What Trains Use Emerald Station?
Emerald station is a stop for the Spirit of the Outback train. This train is run by Traveltrain. It's a long-distance service that helps people travel across Queensland.
A Look Back: The History of Emerald Station
The railway line reached Emerald on May 19, 1879. Emerald became a very important railway hub. This was because it was chosen as the starting point for other train lines. These lines went to places like Clermont and Springsure.
Emerald was named after a nearby property called Emerald Downs. In the early days, the station quickly grew. By 1882, it had an engine shed and repair shops. This helped Emerald become a major town in the region.
The first station building was later moved to other towns. In 1898, people asked for a new, bigger station. They wanted it to have a raised platform. This new station was built in 1900 by Thomas Moir. The design was created by Henrik Hansen.
Over the years, the station changed. A new engine shed was built in 1926. In 1968, a fire damaged part of the station. But it was repaired and continued to serve travelers. The station's refreshment rooms, where people could eat, closed in 1985. The building was updated in 1986.
In 1972, the National Trust recognized the station as important. It was officially added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it's a special historical place.
What Does Emerald Station Look Like?
Emerald railway station has a unique design. It looks similar to other stations built around the same time. But it stands out with its round roof over the main entrance. The sides of the building also have special window shades.
The front of the station has strong cast iron columns. These support a covered area where people can wait. Inside, there's a main waiting area. There are also offices that used to be for tickets and the station master.
Next to the station, there's an old goods shed. This building is made of timber and covered with corrugated iron. It was used for storing goods. There's also a special scale called a weighbridge. It was used to weigh train cars.
The station building and yard are a big part of the main street in Emerald. They show how important the railway was to the town's growth.
Why is Emerald Station Important?
The Emerald Railway Station Complex is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register for several reasons:
- It shows how Queensland's history developed.
Emerald is one of the biggest towns in Queensland that grew because of the railway. The railway came first, and then the town grew around it. The station's design and its location show how important trains were to the town in 1900 and beyond.
- It shows the main features of important cultural places.
The station's design is credited to Henrik Hansen. It represents a high point in his work as an architect for the railway.
- It has special beauty and design.
The building has a very distinct design. It's part of a small group of similar stations, but it stands out with its unique features.
