Gordon railway station, Sydney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gordon
Location	St Johns Avenue, Gordon
Coordinates	33°45′22″S 151°09′16″E / 33.75610°S 151.15448°E / -33.75610; 151.15448
Owned by	Transport Asset Holding Entity
Operated by	Sydney Trains
Line(s)	North Shore
Distance	17.12 km (10.64 mi) from Central
Platforms	3 (1 side, 1 island)
Tracks	3
Connections	Bus
Construction
Structure type	Ground
Parking	550 spaces
Disabled access	Yes
Other information
Status	Staffed
Station code	GDO
Website	Transport for NSW
History
Opened	1 January 1890
Electrified	Yes
Traffic
Passengers (2018)	14,730 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink)
Services
Preceding station Sydney Trains Following station Killara toward Emu Plains or Richmond North Shore & Western Line Pymble toward Berowra Killara via Strathfield toward Hornsby Northern Line Terminus Pymble continues as T1 toward Berowra Preceding station NSW TrainLink Following station Chatswood toward Central Central Coast & Newcastle Line Hornsby toward Wyong
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Gordon Railway Station
Type	State heritage (complex / group)
Designated	2 April 1999
Reference no.	1150
Type	Railway Platform/ Station
Category	Transport - Rail
Builders	New South Wales Department of Railways

Gordon railway station is a special train station in Gordon, a suburb of Sydney. It's listed as a heritage site, meaning it's an important historical building. The station is on the North Shore line and is used by Sydney Trains for the T1 North Shore line and T9 Northern line services. It was built by the New South Wales Department of Railways and opened on 1 January 1890.

Discovering Gordon Station's Past

Gordon railway station has a long and interesting history. It opened on 1 January 1890 as part of a new train line. This line connected Hornsby to St. Leonards, helping people travel around Sydney.

Early Days and Expansion (1890-1910)

When it first opened, Gordon station had just one platform. In 1909, the train line was made bigger. They added a second track and a new island platform at Gordon. This new platform had a station building on it. A third platform was also built for local trains that ended their journey at Gordon.

To make it easier for people to get around, an overhead footbridge was built in 1909. This bridge allowed people to cross the tracks safely. It also had a booking office where you could buy tickets.

Changes Over Time (1990s-Present)

In the early 1990s, the station's platforms were changed around. One platform became the main one for southbound trains. Over the years, more car parks were added to help commuters. In 2014, a new three-storey car park and bus area were built. This new area opened in June 2015, making it easier to connect to buses.

Train Services and Platforms

Gordon station has three platforms that serve different train lines.

Exploring the Station's Design

Gordon railway station has several interesting buildings and structures. These include the main station building, an overhead booking office, and the platforms themselves.

Station Buildings and Features

The main station building on Platform 2/3 was built around 1909. It's made of red brick with a corrugated steel roof. It even has a signal box built into one end, which used to control the train signals. Inside, you can still see many original features like the ceiling and wall finishes.

The overhead booking office was built in 1910. It's made of timber and sits above the tracks. This office has modern ticket windows and new lifts for easy access. There's also a smaller station building on Platform 1, rebuilt in 1993 to look like the original 1890 waiting room.

Footbridge and Platforms

The footbridge, built in 1909, is made of strong steel. It crosses over the train tracks, connecting different parts of the station. The platforms themselves were also built in 1909. They have brick edges and an asphalt surface.

Station Surroundings

The area around the station is nicely landscaped. You can see many trees and shrubs, like poplars and jacarandas. This adds to the station's pleasant look.

Historical Items at the Station

Inside the station, you can find some cool historical items. These include an Honour Roll from 1914–1918 and old timber indicator boards from 1927 and 1969. There's also an old cast iron drinking fountain on Platform 2/3.

Connecting to Other Transport

Gordon station is a hub for different types of transport. You can catch buses from here to many nearby areas.

Bus Services from Gordon Station

• Forest Coach Lines runs three routes:
  • 195: to St Ives Chase (a loop service)
  • 196: to Mona Vale
  • 197: to Mona Vale & Macquarie University

• Transdev NSW operates three routes:
  • 560: to West Pymble (a loop service)
  • 562: to Macquarie University
  • 582: to St Ives

NightRide Services

Gordon is also served by one NightRide bus route for late-night travel:

• N90: from Hornsby station to City (Town Hall)

Why Gordon Station is Special: Heritage Listing

Gordon Railway Station is very important to the history of New South Wales. It's listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's recognized for its historical and architectural value.

Historical Importance

The station shows how important railways were in helping Sydney's northern suburbs grow. When it opened in 1890, it helped people move into and develop these areas. The station buildings, booking office, and platforms from 1909-1910 are key parts of this history.

Architectural Beauty

Gordon station is a great example of early 20th-century railway architecture. Its detailed design shows how important the station was. The overhead booking office is quite rare for stations on the North Shore line, making Gordon station stand out.

Community Connection

The station also has a strong connection with the local community. People in the area have been involved in its changes, like the addition of new lifts. Local history groups often include the station in their tours, showing how much the community values it.