Wollongong railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wollongong
Northbound view from Platform 2 in October 2011
Location	Lowden Square, Wollongong Australia
Coordinates	34°25′38″S 150°53′15″E / 34.427360°S 150.887580°E / -34.427360; 150.887580
Elevation	56 feet (17 m)
Owned by	Transport Asset Holding Entity
Operated by	NSW TrainLink
Line(s)	South Coast
Distance	82.92 kilometres from Central
Platforms	4 (2 side, 2 dock)
Tracks	2
Connections	Bus
Construction
Structure type	Ground
Parking	Yes
Bicycle facilities	Yes
Disabled access	Yes
Other information
Station code	WOL
Website	Transport for NSW
History
Opened	21 June 1887
Electrified	Yes
Traffic
Passengers (2013)	2,590 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink)
Rank	96
Services
Preceding station NSW TrainLink Following station Coniston toward Kiama or Port Kembla South Coast Line North Wollongong toward Bondi Junction

Wollongong railway station is a historic train station on the South Coast railway line in New South Wales, Australia. It serves the main part of Wollongong city. This station is important because of its history and design, and it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999.

History of Wollongong Station

An Endeavour train at the eastern dock platform.

The first part of Wollongong railway station, Platform 2, was built in 1887. A special room for refreshments (like snacks and drinks) was added to Platform 2 in 1890. This room is still used today! Later, in 1923, Platform 1 and its own refreshment room (in 1926) were built.

The train line to Wollongong first opened on June 21, 1887. It was extended to Bombo later that year. By October 1888, the line finally connected to the northern Sydney section. Wollongong Station became a very important stop. This was because of the city's busy coal mining and the Port of Wollongong. Even today, it remains a major station due to the growth of Port Kembla and the steelworks.

Over the years, the station changed a lot. In 1910, it had a large goods yard and a small place for train engines. After the line was doubled (meaning two tracks instead of one) in 1923, the yard was made bigger. It was changed again in 1985 when the goods yard closed.

In 1986, the train line to Wollongong became electric. This was a big step forward for train travel. A special plaque was put up at the station to remember this event.

In 2005, a new footbridge was built. This bridge has lifts, making it easier for everyone to move between platforms. In 2010, a new car park was opened. It added 365 free parking spaces for cars, bikes, and people with disabilities.

Wollongong Station is one of the few stations in New South Wales that still has working railway refreshment rooms. These rooms let passengers buy food and drinks right on the platform.

Platforms and Train Services

Wollongong Station has two main platforms, called side platforms. Trains here are run by NSW TrainLink. They offer services on the South Coast Line.

• Platform 1: This platform is for trains heading north. These trains go towards Thirroul, Waterfall, Sydney Central, and even Bondi Junction.
• Platform 2: This platform is for trains heading south. These trains go towards Port Kembla and Kiama.

During busy times, some trains finish their journey at Wollongong. Their carriages are then stored in special sidings (extra tracks) south of the station.

There are also two other platforms, called dock platforms, that face south. These are sometimes used by special Endeavour trains. They used to be used by older train services from Moss Vale until 1985.

Getting Around: Transport Links

The bus stop area on the eastern side of Wollongong Station.

Wollongong Station is a hub for many different transport options. You can catch buses and coaches from here to various places.

• Busabout Sydney: Operates one service:

* 887: To Campbelltown via the Princes Motorway.

• NSW TrainLink Coaches: These coaches connect to other towns:

* To Moss Vale and Bundanoon.

• Premier Illawarra Buses: Run several local routes:

* 34: To Port Kembla. * 37: To Wollongong Beach via Oak Flats & Shellharbour (anti-clockwise loop). * 51: From Wollongong University to Albion Park. * 53: From Wollongong University to Oak Flats station. * 57: To Wollongong Beach via Shellharbour & Oak Flats (clockwise loop). * 65: From North Beach to Port Kembla station.

• Premier Motor Service: Provides a longer coach service:

* Between Sydney and Eden.

Station Buildings and Features

Wollongong Station has several important parts that make up the complex. These include the main buildings on Platform 1 (from 1923) and Platform 2 (from 1887). Both platforms also have refreshment rooms. There are also smaller brick sheds (from the 1970s) and a Train Crew Building (from the 1950s).

The station has two platforms, one on the east and one on the west. You can get between them using a covered footbridge built in 2005, which has ramps and lifts. The station also has a bridge over Crown Street (built in 1928) and a small weighbridge.

The Platform 2 building is made of painted brick with a gabled roof. It has chimneys and windows with timber frames. The Platform 1 building is also made of painted brick and has a similar style. Both buildings have awnings to protect people from the weather.

There's a small garden area on the east side of the Platform 2 building, facing Station Street. This garden has a plaque that celebrates the electrification of the train line in 1986.

Even though the station buildings have been changed and updated over the years, their original look and materials are still clear. The insides of the buildings have changed a lot, but the outside still shows their history.

Why Wollongong Station is Important

Wollongong Railway Station is considered very important to the history and culture of New South Wales. It's listed on the State Heritage Register for several reasons:

• Historical Importance: It was the first major station built on this part of the Illawarra line, starting in 1887. Materials for building the line were even shipped from Sydney to Wollongong to begin construction here. The station shows how railways developed over time, with buildings from different periods.
• Design and Beauty: The station buildings are great examples of railway architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The 1887 building on Platform 2 has a Victorian Italianate style, and the 1923 building on Platform 1 has a Federation Queen Anne style.
• Community Connection: The station helps connect the local community to its past and heritage.
• Rare Features: The refreshment rooms on both platforms are quite rare to find in city train networks today. They remind us of a time when passengers could get food and drinks right on the platform. The weighbridge is also a rare leftover from the station's old working yard.

Overall, Wollongong Station is a fantastic example of a major railway station in a regional town, with parts still standing from 1887 all the way to the mid-20th century.