Gap, New South Wales facts for kids

Gap is a special place in New South Wales, Australia, especially for trains! It's where two important railway lines meet up. Think of it like a big crossroads for trains. One line is called the Mungindi railway line, and the other is the Binnaway – Werris Creek Line. For a while, from 1940 to 1971, there was even a platform here where people could get on and off trains. Sometimes, people just called this spot 'The Gap'.

Gap: A Key Railway Spot

Gap is known as a "railway location." This means it's a specific spot along a train track. What makes Gap special is that it's a "junction." A junction is where two or more railway lines connect. Imagine a road intersection, but for trains! These junctions are very important for moving goods and people across a country.

Where is Gap Located?

Gap is found in the state of New South Wales, which is in Australia. Australia is a large country, and New South Wales is one of its biggest states. Railway lines stretch all over New South Wales, connecting towns and cities. Gap is just one of these important points on the railway map.

The Mungindi Railway Line

One of the railway lines that meets at Gap is the Mungindi railway line. This line is also sometimes called the North-West railway line. It's a long track that helps connect different parts of New South Wales. Railway lines like this are used to transport many things, from farm products to building materials. They also used to carry many passengers.

The Binnaway – Werris Creek Line

The other important line joining at Gap is the Binnaway – Werris Creek Line. This line also plays a big role in the railway network of New South Wales. Having two lines meet at Gap means trains can switch from one track to another. This helps trains travel to many different destinations.

The Passenger Platform at Gap

For a period of time, Gap was more than just a junction. Between the years 1940 and 1971, there was a special platform built there. A platform is where passengers wait to get on or off a train. This means that for over 30 years, people could start or end their train journeys right at Gap. It was located just north of where the two railway lines joined.

Why Was a Platform Needed?

Having a passenger platform at Gap suggests it was a useful stop for people living nearby. Even if Gap wasn't a big town, a platform could serve local communities or workers. It made it easier for people to travel by train during those years. After 1971, the platform was no longer used, likely because fewer people were traveling by train from that specific spot.

What's in a Name? 'The Gap'

You might hear this railway location called 'The Gap'. It's quite a common name in New South Wales! Many places are named 'The Gap' because of their natural features. Often, a "gap" refers to a narrow opening or a pass through hills or mountains. While we don't know the exact reason for this specific railway location, it's a simple and descriptive name.