Springwood railway station facts for kids

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Springwood

Eastbound view in September 2012

Location

Jerseywood Avenue, Springwood
Australia

Coordinates

33°41′56″S 150°33′50″E / 33.698931°S 150.563765°E

Elevation

368 metres (1,207 ft)

Owned by

Transport Asset Holding Entity

Operated by

NSW TrainLink

Line(s)

Main Western

Distance

62.90 km (39.08 mi) from Central

Platforms

2 (1 island)

Tracks

Connections

Bus

Construction

Structure type

Ground

Disabled access

Yes

Architect

John Whitton

Architectural style

Victorian Carpenter Gothic

Other information

Station code

SPR

Website

Transport for NSW

History

Opened

11 July 1867

Electrified

Yes

Traffic

Passengers (2013)

1,550 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink)

Rank

132

Services

Preceding station	NSW TrainLink			Following station
Faulconbridge toward Lithgow		Blue Mountains Line (electric services)		Valley Heights toward Central
Katoomba toward Bathurst		Blue Mountains Line (twice daily) Bathurst Bullet		Penrith toward Central

New South Wales Heritage Register

Official name

Springwood Railway Station Group

Type

State heritage (built)

Designated

2 April 1999

Reference no.

1247

Type

Railway Platform/ Station

A Look Back at Springwood Station's History

When the first railway line crossed the Blue Mountains in 1867, Springwood got its own station. This spot has been a key railway station for over 140 years. Many trains to and from Sydney have started or ended their journeys here. The main station building you see today, made of brick, was built in 1884. Other stations at Wentworth Falls and Lawson were built around the same time.

In the 1880s, the Blue Mountains became a popular holiday spot. This led to new, fancy brick platforms replacing older wooden ones. Springwood received one of the best station buildings in the Blue Mountains in 1886. An engineer named Fred Avery even helped approve its design.

Originally, a gatekeeper's cottage was near the station. The gatekeeper managed the crossing gates where Bathurst Road met the railway line. A footbridge also helped people cross the tracks safely. Since there was only one track then, the station building faced north towards the line and its crossing loops.

The railway line over the Blue Mountains was doubled in 1902. This meant changes were needed for most stations. At Springwood, a new platform wall was built on the south side of the main building. The main station building was also changed to add a shelter on that side. This was likely when the building was made longer towards the east. The old level crossing was replaced by an underground tunnel, called a subway. A new footbridge was also added for people to get to the platform. A men's toilet block was built east of the main station building.

In 1998, the station got more upgrades. A new subway was built for people to walk through, replacing the 1902 footbridge. A lift was added between the subway and the main station building. A new roof was also put over the west end of the platform for more shelter. Today, you can get to the station using stairs or a lift. These connect to an underpass tunnel that leads to Macquarie Road and the station's parking area.

Train Services and Platforms at Springwood

Springwood station has one platform with two sides, like an island. It serves NSW TrainLink Blue Mountains Line trains. These trains travel from Sydney Central to Lithgow. Two evening services also go to Bathurst. Some trains from Sydney end their journey at Springwood.

Platform	Line	Stopping pattern	Notes
1	NSW TrainLink	services to Sydney Central
2	NSW TrainLink	services to Katoomba, Mount Victoria & Lithgow 2 evening services to Bathurst
2	NSW TrainLink	terminating services, returning to Sydney Central

What Springwood Station Looks Like

The station area includes the main station building from 1884, a signal box from 1935, and a brick toilet building from 1944. It also has a brick island platform, built in 1884 and 1902, and a pedestrian subway from 1997-98.

The Main Station Building

The main station building was built in 1884. It is made of brick with a steel roof. This roof extends out to cover both platforms like an awning. The building has a special style called Victorian Carpenter Gothic. An extension was added to the east side later. Two chimneys are on the roof, but their tops are not original. The walls are made of special brickwork with sandstone details. A stone carving on the building says "ERECTED 1884".

The building has three doors with glass panels above them. The windows are double-hung and have sandstone frames. The original wide awning on the north side is held up by wooden posts with carved designs. The awnings on the south side were added in 1902. A train mural by artist Vernon Treweeke is on the eastern side of the building.

Inside, the building has kept some of its original layout. This includes a waiting room, ticket office, and a parcels office. The signal box, which used to control the trains, is now a storage room.

The Toilet Building

The toilet building was built in 1944. It has a simple roof and brick walls. You enter through an arched door on the east side. A mural is on the outside wall. Inside, the toilets and lights were updated in 1998.

The Island Platform

The island platform was built in 1902. It is curved towards the east. The platform has brick sides and a concrete top with an asphalt finish. There are a few potted plants and wooden benches. You can find modern and old signs here. The entrance to the subway is at the east end of the platform.

The Pedestrian Subway

The pedestrian subway was built in 1997-1998. It has a long roof over the Macquarie Road footpath and a smaller roof over the platform. You can get to the platform from both sides of the subway using a ramp or stairs. There is also a lift. The inside walls of the subway are tiled. The station is a noticeable landmark on Macquarie Road.

Special Items at the Station

A old safe called a Milners' Patent safe is in the station office.
Original signs like "Station Master" and "Waiting Room" are still there.
Two special plaques from 1984 and 1998 are on the platform.
Some old light fittings are on the platform.

Station Condition

As of 2008, the station buildings were in good shape. The toilet building, platform, and subway were also in good condition. The station looks much like it did in the past, with only small changes to the outside.

Getting Around: Transport Links

Blue Mountains Transit operates 10 bus routes that stop at Springwood station:

685H: to Hazelbrook
690C: to Champman Parade
690P: Faulconbridge to Penrith station
690K: to Katoomba
692W: to Winmalee
692B: to Springwood Hospital
692H: to Hawkesbury Heights
692Y: to Yellow Rock
693: to Burns Road
694: to Bee Farm Road

Why Springwood Station is Important

The Springwood Railway Station Group is very important to the history of New South Wales. It has been a key railway station for over 140 years. Many trains to and from Sydney have started or ended their journeys here. The main station building is the second oldest surviving station building in the Blue Mountains. It is also a rare example of a Victorian Gothic style railway station.

Springwood was one of three stations in the Blue Mountains that were upgraded in the 1880s. This shows how popular the area was becoming for tourism. Springwood is the only station building from that time that is still standing. Even with changes made in 1902, the station kept its elegant look. The size and strong design of the main building show how important Springwood village was in the 1880s. The station is also a landmark in the town, especially where Macquarie Road curves.

Springwood railway station was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, because it met several important requirements.

Historical Importance

Springwood Railway Station is important because it has been a key railway station for over 140 years. It is the second oldest station building still standing in the Blue Mountains. It is also the only station building left from the 1880s upgrades in the Blue Mountains. The station's size and strong design show how much Springwood grew in the 1880s.

Design and Beauty

Springwood Railway Station is beautiful because it is a great example of a Victorian Gothic style railway station. The use of brickwork with sandstone details makes the building look very elegant. This look was kept even after the railway line was doubled in 1902. The station, especially the main building, is a landmark in Springwood.

Rarity and Uniqueness

The Springwood station building is a rare example of a Victorian Gothic style railway station that was upgraded in the 1880s. The other two stations from this time, at Lawson and Wentworth Falls, have been taken down. This makes Springwood station very special.

Showing How Things Were Done

The main station building from the 1880s is known as a "type 3" second-class station building. It is one of about 40 similar stations in New South Wales. It shows how railways were built and operated in the 19th century.

Images for kids

Springwood railway station exit 2011
Springwood railway station mural 2011 (painted by Vernon Treweeke
Springwood railway station tunnel 2011
Springwood railway station stairs 2011
Springwood railway station carpark 2011
Springwood railway station entrance 2011
Springwood railway station north end 2011
Springwood railway station platform 1 middle 2011
Springwood railway station platform 1 south 2011
Springwood railway station platform 2 2011
Springwood Station Platform 2 2011
Springwood Station Platform 2 2015
Springwood railway station platform 2 south 2011
Springwood railway station south end 2011
Springwood railway station ticket office 2011
Springwood railway station waiting room 2011
Springwood railway station entrance east side 2012
Springwood Station platform 1 2007 (a)
Springwood station platform 1 2007 (b)
Springwood railway station 2012
Railway Station - Springwood 1953

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Springwood railway station Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.