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Penrith
Penrith railway station.jpg
Eastbound view from Platform 2 in November 2011
Location Jane Street, Penrith
Coordinates 33°45′01″S 150°41′47″E / 33.750142°S 150.696427°E / -33.750142; 150.696427
Elevation 31 metres (102 ft)
Owned by Transport Asset Holding Entity
Operated by Sydney Trains
Line(s) Main Western
Distance 49.5 kilometres (30.8 mi) from Central
Platforms 3 (1 island, 1 side)
Tracks 4
Connections B
Construction
Structure type Ground
Disabled access Yes
Other information
Status Staffed
Station code PNR
Website Transport for NSW
History
Opened 19 January 1863
Electrified Yes
Traffic
Passengers (2013) 7,710 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink)
Rank 31
Services
Preceding station TfNSW T.png Sydney Trains Following station
Emu Plains
Terminus
 TfNSW T1.svg North Shore & Western Line Kingswood
toward Berowra
Terminus
Preceding station TfNSW T.png NSW TrainLink Following station
Emu Plains
toward Broken Hill
 Blue Mountains Line
Local services
 Blacktown
toward Central
Springwood
toward Bathurst
 Blue Mountains Line
(twice daily) Bathurst Bullet
 Westmead
toward Central
Katoomba
toward Dubbo
 NSW TrainLink Western Line
Dubbo XPT
 Blacktown
toward Sydney
Katoomba
toward Broken Hill or Dubbo
 NSW TrainLink Western Line
Broken Hill Outback Xplorer
 Parramatta
toward Sydney
Official name Penrith Railway Station group
Type State heritage (complex / group)
Designated 2 April 1999
Reference no. 1222
Type Railway Platform/ Station
Category Transport - Rail
Builders M. and A. Jamison and D. Forest (1863 building)

Penrith railway station is a special train station in Penrith, a suburb in western Sydney, Australia. It's on the Main Western line. This station is important because it's "heritage-listed," meaning it's a historic place protected for its special value.

The station was designed by the New South Wales Government Railways. The oldest part, built in 1863, was constructed by M. and A. Jamison and D. Forest. It's also known as the Penrith Railway Station group. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.

Today, Sydney Trains' T1 Western Line services use the station. Also, NSW TrainLink's Blue Mountains Line, Central West XPT, and Outback Xplorer trains stop here.

History of Penrith Station

Early Days and Growth

The train line first opened in Penrith on January 19, 1863. At that time, it was the end of the Main Western line. The line was later extended to Springwood in 1867. In 1886, a second track was added, making the line "duplicated."

Penrith became a very important train hub once the line went over the Blue Mountains. Trains would stop here to change locomotives (the engines) and crews. Passengers could also get food and drinks.

Penrith's Role in Train Travel

Extra locomotives were often added at Penrith to help push trains up or down the Blue Mountains. However, Penrith's role as a major locomotive depot (a place for train engines) became less important between 1913 and 1916. This happened when new depots opened in other areas.

A daily commuter train to Sydney was even named "The Heron train." It was named after Driver John Heron, who was closely connected with Penrith.

Changes to Station Buildings

The building on Platform 3 dates back to 1863. It had additions in 1880. In 1881, the original wooden platform was replaced with an earth-filled one. The Railway Refreshment Room (a place to eat) was expanded many times between 1895 and 1952. It finally closed in 1957.

A telegraph office was added in 1901. The old verandah (a covered porch) was replaced in 1955. The station has been updated many times since then.

The building for Platforms 1 and 2 was built around 1890. Part of it also became a Railway Refreshment Room in 1895. It closed in 1957. A new control room was added in 1989, and a meal room in 1990.

Station Master's Residence

The Station Master's residence was built in 1878. It was common for a station to get an official home only when a senior officer was assigned there. By 1878, Penrith was a very busy station.

This two-story house was quite rare for NSW Railways. Most railway buildings were only one level. Penrith and Emu Plains were two of the few places with two-story residences at nearby stations. This shows how important these locations were.

Turntable and Water Facilities

Around the 1890s, a new turntable was installed at Penrith. A turntable is a rotating platform that turns train engines around. This one was 60 feet (18 meters) long and imported from America. It was used until at least 1970, even after the main depot closed. Today, it's not connected to the tracks anymore.

A large water tank was built in 1921. It could hold 20,000 imperial gallons (90,922 liters) of water. This tank helped serve the many trains that stopped at Penrith. It was important for steam locomotives before they climbed the Blue Mountains.

A steel footbridge was built in 1953. It has been changed quite a bit since then. A water column and filler spout were added in 1955. These were used to fill steam locomotives with water. Since the 1990s, they have been used by special excursion steam trains.

Signal Box

The brick signal box, which is elevated, opened in 1956. It was one of the last brick signal boxes built for the NSW rail system.

What Penrith Station Looks Like

The Penrith Station complex includes several important parts:

  • Station Buildings:
    • One building for Platforms 1 & 2 (from around 1890)
    • Another building for Platform 3 (from 1863)
  • Signal box: A tall brick building (from 1956)
  • Station Master's residence: The house where the station master lived (from 1878)
  • Platforms: Concrete platforms (from 1863 and around 1890)
  • Footbridge: A modern steel bridge over the tracks (from the 2000s)
  • Water column & Filler spout: Located at the end of Platform 1/2 (from 1955)
  • Water tank: Located at the end of Platform 3 (from 1921)
  • Turntable: (from 1896)

Platforms 1 and 2 Building

This building has a corrugated metal roof. The middle part of the building still looks much like it did when it was built. It has a wide awning supported by decorative posts. The original wooden window and door frames are only in the central part.

Inside, the building has been changed a lot. It's now used for staff meals and communication. There's also a ticket office.

Platform 3 Building

This is a large brick building with a corrugated metal roof. It has two brick chimneys. Many changes have been made to its doors and windows over the years. The original wooden awning on the train side was replaced with a metal one.

The side of the building facing the road has tall windows with decorative frames. Inside, the Platform 3 building has the Station Master's office and ticket offices. There's also a large waiting area.

Signal Box

The signal box is a two-story brick building. It looks more like an airport control tower than a typical signal box. The lower floor has metal-framed windows. The control room at the top has many windows to see the tracks. A tiled roof protects the control room from the sun.

Inside, the signal box is mostly original. It still has its control panel and other equipment. A narrow wooden staircase leads up to the control room.

Station Master's Residence

This two-story brick house was built in 1878. It has a simple, balanced look with no fancy decorations. Two brick chimneys stand out on the roof.

The front of the house has a central entrance door and two tall windows. A covered verandah runs along the ground floor. The upper floor has two windows that match the ones below. The side of the house facing Station Street also has a similar look.

Inside, the house has a square layout. It has three rooms, a kitchen, and a toilet on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and a bathroom. Some original features like fireplaces are still there.

Platforms

The platforms are made of concrete with an asphalt finish. They have modern station furniture. This includes wooden benches, lighting, and glass and metal canopies. There are also vending machines and aluminum fences. A newsagency/kiosk is located on Platform 3. You can reach the footbridge from each platform using stairs and lifts.

Footbridge

The current footbridge is a new steel and glass structure. It goes over the platforms and tracks. It has an overhead walkway, stairs, and lifts to each platform.

Water Column and Filler Spout

This equipment is located at the end of Platform 1/2. It was installed in the 1950s to work with the new electric train lines. It has a cast iron pipe that curves over the top. A lighter steel spout helps direct the water. A raised wooden platform allows a worker to move the spout.

Water Tank

This is a large, unused railway water tank from 1921. It's made of cast iron and can hold 20,000 imperial gallons (90,922 liters) of water. The tank sits on steel posts with cross bracing for support. An inspection ladder is on one side for maintenance.

Turntable

The turntable is a cast iron and steel platform from 1896. It's turned by hand and pivots in the center. It has one set of railway tracks on it. The turntable is 60 feet (18 meters) long. It sits in a cement-paved area with sandstone walls. It is currently not in use and is fenced off.

Condition of the Station

Most parts of Penrith Station are in good to moderate condition.

  • The Platform 1/2 Building needs some repairs.
  • The Platform 3 Building has some flaking paint and dampness issues.
  • The Signal Box is in good condition.
  • The Station Master's Residence is in moderate condition outside but needs a lot of work inside.
  • The Platforms and Footbridge are in good condition.
  • The Water Column, Filler Spout, and Water Tank are generally in good condition, though the tank has some rust.
  • The Turntable appears to be in moderate condition.

While new canopies and the footbridge have changed the overall look of the station, the individual buildings are still mostly original. The Station Master's residence looks original from the outside, but the inside has been changed a lot. The water tank, filler spout, and water column are still very much as they were built. The turntable is also mostly original, even though the old locomotive depot is gone.

Transport Links

Penrith Station has a large bus interchange on its south side. Busways operates most of the bus routes in the Penrith area.

Stand A

  • 770: To Mount Druitt via St Marys
  • 774: To Mount Druitt via Nepean Hospital
  • 775: To Mount Druitt via Erskine Park
  • 776: To Mount Druitt via St Clair

Stand B

  • 780: To Mount Druitt via Ropes Crossing
  • 782: To St Marys via Werrington
  • 783: To Jordan Springs
  • 784: To Cranebrook
  • 785: To Werrington via Cambridge Park
  • 786: To North Penrith

Stand C

Stand D

Stand E

Stand F

  • Arrivals Only

Why Penrith Station is Special

Penrith Railway Station is important for many reasons, especially its history.

Historical Importance

The station is a very old railway site, with buildings from the 1860s. It was once the end of the railway line for many years. This was during the time the line was being extended over the Blue Mountains. The station was key in developing the main western railway line. It was also a vital stop for changing locomotives and helping trains cross the mountains.

The Signal Box is important because it shows how Penrith Station helped manage train traffic between Sydney and the Blue Mountains since 1956.

The Station Master's residence was built in 1878. It shows how important Penrith Station was for changing locomotives. This house has been used by many station masters and the community.

The water tank, filler spout, and water column are important pieces of equipment. They supported steam locomotives, showing Penrith Station's long connection with steam trains since 1863. The turntable, from 1896, is the oldest railway structure left from the old locomotive depot.

Design and Appearance

The station buildings are good examples of how railway stations were designed in the 1860s and 1890s. They have typical features like a large brick building with wings, simple roofs, and awnings supported by decorative columns.

The signal box looks unique, almost like an airport control tower. It's a special example of a "Functionalist" style signal box from after World War II.

The Station Master's residence is a simple, balanced building. It shows how railway homes were built in the late 1800s. They balanced importance with keeping costs down.

The water tank, filler spout, and water column are strong, practical structures. They fit well with the railway environment. The turntable is a great example of 19th-century cast-iron technology.

Rarity and Uniqueness

Some parts of Penrith Station are quite rare. The filler spout and water column are among the few still working on the system. The signal box is one of only five similar "Functionalist" style signal boxes built in the area.

The Station Master's residence is one of only four two-story railway homes built in the Sydney area. This shows how important Penrith was as a major train hub. The turntable at Penrith is also becoming rare in the metropolitan train network.

Penrith railway station was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.


Images for kids

  • Penrith railway station

    Eastbound view from Platform 2 in November 2011

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