Scarborough railway station, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scarborough
Scarborough in October 2019
Location	Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough Australia
Coordinates	34°15′54″S 150°57′57″E / 34.264931°S 150.965731°E / -34.264931; 150.965731
Elevation	293 feet (89 m)
Owned by	Transport Asset Holding Entity
Operated by	NSW TrainLink
Line(s)	South Coast
Distance	62.53 kilometres from Central
Platforms	2 side
Tracks	2
Construction
Structure type	Ground
Other information
Station code	SCB
Website	Transport for NSW
History
Opened	21 June 1887
Rebuilt	21 January 1916
Electrified	Yes
Previous names	Clifton South Clifton
Traffic
Passengers (2013)	10 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink)
Rank	286
Services
Preceding station NSW TrainLink Following station Wombarra toward Bomaderry or Port Kembla South Coast Line Coalcliff toward Bondi Junction

Scarborough railway station is a historic train station in New South Wales, Australia. It is located on the South Coast railway line. The station serves the small coastal town of Scarborough. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999. This means it is an important historical place.

History of Scarborough Station

The area around Scarborough was first called South Clifton. In 1887, a hotel named the Scarborough Hotel opened there. The name Scarborough might come from a seaside town in England. It could also be named after a ship from the First Fleet. The name "Scarborough" means "Fort on the Rock."

The first land sales in the area happened around 1886-1887. It was advertised as "Town of Clifton." By the early 1900s, Scarborough became a popular place for tourists. Other nearby towns like Austinmer and Thirroul also became tourist spots.

The train station first opened on June 21, 1887. It was called Clifton at first. It was located south of where the station is today. On October 3, 1888, its name changed to South Clifton. Then, on October 1, 1903, it became Scarborough.

When the station first opened in 1887, it was the end of the train line. The line only went as far as Wollongong back then. In 1916, the train line was made into two tracks. This meant the station had to move to a new spot. The current Scarborough station opened on January 21, 1916. The old timber building from the 1887 station was moved to Thirroul in 1915.

The buildings at Scarborough station were built in 1915. They are made of brick and look similar on both platforms. There was also a small brick building called an "Out-of-room" on one platform.

Platforms and Train Services

Scarborough station has two platforms, one on each side of the tracks. NSW TrainLink South Coast line trains use these platforms. Trains travel between Waterfall and Port Kembla.

During busy times and late at night, some trains go to Sydney Central. Others go to Bondi Junction or Kiama.

Station Buildings and Features

Scarborough Railway Station has two main buildings, one on each platform. These buildings and a small "out-of-room" building were built in 1915. There are also modern stairs on one platform.

The station has two platforms. Platform 1 is on the west side, and Platform 2 is on the east side. Green fences mark the edges of the station. You can get to Platform 2 from First Street. You can reach the west platform from Railway Avenue or by crossing the First Street bridge. North of Scarborough, the two train tracks become one track. This single track goes through the Coalcliff Tunnel.

Platform 1 Building

The building on Platform 1 (west side) has a pointed roof. It is made of brick. It has a roof that sticks out over the platform. The windows have colored glass in their top parts. The building used to have a Station Master's office, a waiting room, and a men's toilet inside.

Platform 2 Building

The building on Platform 2 (east side) also has a pointed roof and a roof that sticks out. It is also made of brick. Some parts of the walls are painted. The windows are similar to those on Platform 1. This building also used to have a Station Master's office, a waiting room, and a men's toilet.

Out of Room Building

At the south end of Platform 2, there is a small square brick building. It has a pointed roof and one door facing the platform.

Other Features

• Pedestrian Stairs: There are modern concrete stairs that connect the First Street bridge to the south end of Platform 2.
• Platforms: The two platforms have modern concrete edges. They have been made wider over time.
• Surroundings: Scarborough Railway Station is in a natural bushland area. You can see the Illawarra escarpment (a steep slope) to the west.

Building Condition

In 2013, the Platform 1 Building was in fair condition. The Platform 2 Building was in good condition, and the "Out of Room" was in very good condition. The outside of these buildings is still mostly the same as when they were built. The platforms themselves have been made wider.

Changes Over Time

• 1915: The train line was made into two tracks.
• 1986: The train line was electrified. This means trains could run on electricity.

Why Scarborough Station is Important

Scarborough Railway Station is considered a heritage-listed site. This means it is important to the history and culture of New South Wales.

It is important for several reasons:

• Historical Importance: It has been a key transport spot for Scarborough village since 1915. It also shows how the train line was made into two tracks in 1915. The station played a part in Scarborough becoming a popular tourist spot in the early 1900s.
• Design Importance: The station buildings are good examples of how train stations were built in 1915. They show the standard design used for many stations during that time.
• Community Connection: The station helps connect the local community to its past. It is a place that has been part of their history for a long time.

The station's buildings are similar to those at other stations on the Illawarra line. These include Banksia, Bulli, and Helensburgh.

Images for kids

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  Overbridge

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  Platform 1

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  Pedestrian stairs