Gundagai railway station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gundagai railway station |
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| Location | Cootamundra-Tumut railway, Gundagai, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Architect | John Whitton |
| Owner | Transport Asset Holding Entity |
| Official name: Gundagai Railway Station and yard group | |
| Type | state heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1159 |
| Type | Railway Platform/ Station |
| Category | Transport - Rail |
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The Gundagai railway station is a historic train station in Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia. It used to be part of the Tumut railway line. This important building was designed by John Whitton. It 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.
Station History
The Gundagai railway station officially opened on 21 July 1886. People in the community had asked for a station for 20 years. It was designed by John Whitton, who was a very important railway engineer.
In 1903, the train line was made longer. It reached Tumut after a large railway bridge was finished. This bridge crossed the Murrumbidgee River flood plain.
The station area is quite special. It was built on the side of a hill, above a flat flood plain. Workers had to dig into the hillside to create space for the tracks and the goods yard. This made the station area a bit smaller than usual. It was originally planned to be the end of the line.
In 1926, part of the station was rebuilt. This was to add a refreshment room for people to eat and drink. In 1927, changes were made to create a ladies' waiting room.
For 98 years, the station was very important to Gundagai. It helped move goods, passengers, and mail. People could travel to and from big cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Sadly, the train line closed after big floods in 1984. In 1989, the State Rail Authority stopped using the building. But in 1994, a group called Gundagai Historic Bridges Inc. took over the station. They got a 25-year lease to look after the unused building. The station was then greatly improved in the 1990s.
Station Description
The main building for passengers is a large, single-story structure. It is made of timber and covered with weatherboard panels. It has verandas on both main sides and brick chimneys. This building is a standard design from 1886.
The old signal box is a small timber building. It also has weatherboard walls and a skillion roof. This building held the equipment to control the train signals. It is located right on the platform.
The goods shed is a standard building for storing goods. It is made of timber and covered with corrugated iron. It has a special gabled roof that is slated, not iron. This is very unusual for New South Wales. The shed stands on a brick base with timber platforms. There are also extended platforms leading to a pillar crane.
The crane is a T151 model and can lift up to 5 tonnes.
In 2000, most of the buildings were in good condition. Only a part of the goods shed needed some repairs.
Why It's Important
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The Gundagai railway station is a very important historical site. It was the first place where the Hume Highway crossed the Murrumbidgee River. The station has a great collection of railway buildings from the late 1880s. The way the station, yard, and the timber road and rail bridges fit together is very special.
The high quality of the buildings shows how important this location was when the railway first opened. The complete site and its beautiful view over the valley make it even more special. It shows how the railway became part of the local area and town. Even though the station is a bit away from the town centre, it is a key part of Gundagai's look.
The Gundagai railway station was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This was because it met several important rules:
- It shows the history of New South Wales.
The station building and goods shed are unique. They show how much politicians were involved in managing railways. The station became a central part of life in Gundagai. It is strongly connected to how the town grew.
- It shows great design and technical skill.
The railway area is uniquely built on a hillside above a flood plain. The tracks and goods yard were made by digging into the rock. The station looks out over the Murrumbidgee Valley. The town itself looks down on the station.
- It has a strong connection with the community.
The station was very important to the people and trade that used the rail system. When it is fully restored, it will again have a positive impact on the community.
- It can help us learn about history.
This station has the longest timber platform building in New South Wales. The Signal Box has one of the oldest mechanical interlocking frames in the state. These features can teach us a lot.
- It is rare or uncommon.
This station is considered rare in terms of its history, science, architecture, and social importance.
- It shows the main features of similar historical places.
It is important for its social significance to the community.
Images for kids
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Aerial view of the station in May 2021
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