Murrawal, New South Wales facts for kids

Murrawal is a special place in the countryside of New South Wales, Australia. It used to be a busy spot on the old Gwabegar railway line. Imagine a time when trains were super important for moving goods and people across the country!

This location had a railway station with a "loop" and a "loading bank." These were important parts of the railway system. The station was active for many years, from 1917 until 1972.

What is Murrawal?

Murrawal is located in the north-western part of New South Wales. It sits right beside the Castlereagh River. Rivers are often important for towns and settlements, providing water and sometimes even a way to travel.

Parishes and Counties

Murrawal is also part of something called the Bungaba Parish. A "parish" in this sense is a historical way of dividing up land. It's like a small, old-fashioned district. The Bungaba Parish is itself part of a larger area called Napier County. These divisions helped people organize land and keep records long ago.

The Gwabegar Railway Line

The Gwabegar railway line was a very important transportation route. It connected different towns and communities. Trains on this line would carry things like wool, wheat, and other farm products. They also carried people traveling between places.

Why Railways Were Important

In the past, before cars and trucks were common, railways were the fastest way to move things over long distances. They helped towns grow and allowed farmers to send their products to bigger markets. The Gwabegar line played a big role in connecting rural areas of New South Wales.

What is a Railway Loop?

At Murrawal, there was a "loop" on the railway line. A railway loop is like a side track that curves around and connects back to the main line. It allows trains to pass each other or to turn around. Imagine two trains going in opposite directions; one could pull into the loop to let the other go by.

What is a Loading Bank?

A "loading bank" was another key feature at Murrawal. This was a raised platform or ramp next to the railway tracks. Farmers and businesses would use it to load heavy goods onto train wagons. Things like bales of wool, bags of grain, or even livestock could be moved easily from a truck or cart onto the train.

Murrawal's Railway History

The station at Murrawal opened in 1917. This was during a time when Australia was still building many of its railway lines. For over 50 years, Murrawal was a point where trains stopped. It helped the local community connect with the rest of the state.

The Line Closes

The Gwabegar railway line, including the station at Murrawal, closed in 1972. Many railway lines in Australia closed around this time. This often happened because new roads were built, and trucks became a more popular way to transport goods. Cars also made it easier for people to travel without trains.

Adjacent Stations

On a railway line, stations are usually spaced out along the track. Murrawal was located between two other stations on the Gwabegar line.

• To the left (or one direction) was Deringulla.
• To the right (or the other direction) was Binnaway.

This shows how Murrawal was part of a network of stations that made up the entire railway line.