Moss Vale Station
Oct/Nov 2024
LINDA EMERY
The first steam locomotive to bring passengers to Moss Vale rolled into the fledgling township in 1867. The railway station was known as Sutton Forest for the next 10 years until authorities bowed to local pressure to rename it.
More than 150 years later, when ‘The Picnic Train’ approaches Moss Vale, its distinctive steam whistle blows loudly announcing the arrival of rail enthusiasts and families on a nostalgic journey to the Southern Highlands. Operated by an army of dedicated volunteers, The Picnic Train organisation runs tours on steam-hauled heritage trains throughout NSW.
The Great Southern Railway brought growth and prosperity to Moss Vale, which became the main rail head for the district, handling goods and produce from the surrounding farming and grazing industries.
As the closest railway station to Hillview, the country residence of the NSW Governor, Moss Vale hosted a succession of vice-regal visitors. The Governor and his entourage would arrive in the magnificent State railway car built at Eveleigh Railway Workshops in Sydney in 1891. The opulent carriage had three compartments – the main saloon, a boudoir and a smoking room. Built from Australian timbers (silky oak, blackwood, myall and kauri), its furnishings included silk-upholstered chairs and sofas. The State carriage is now housed at the Powerhouse Museum.
On reaching Moss Vale, the Governor could retire to private vice-regal rooms at the station, before making the journey by road to Hillview. No other such waiting rooms exist on the rail system, making them unique in terms of railway heritage. Moss Vale is one of the most important station groups in NSW and is listed on the State Heritage Register.
In 1891, the Railway Refreshment Rooms opened to great fanfare with a banquet and public ball. Trains would stop for sufficient time for travellers to have a meal in the dining room, where the tables were set with crisp white cloths, fresh flowers and silver cutlery. For soldiers travelling on troop trains during both World Wars, Moss Vale became almost legendary as the stop where they were guaranteed a warm welcome and some ‘good tucker’.
The last official steam train made its final journey in NSW in 1973 but railway preservation groups like The Picnic Train organisation have kept ‘the age of steam’ alive by restoring and maintaining a range of rolling stock. The 1930s carriages of ‘The Picnic Train’ are hauled by steam locomotives 5917 and R766, rare survivors of the golden era of train travel – a living museum on rails.
Back Issue October / November 2024 (PDF Download)
Relive the beauty of the Southern Highlands with this digital back issue of Highlife.
It’s a spring thing
Blossoms and bulbs brighten the Highlands every spring. Make sure to get out and enjoy the show.
Amazing grace
Bellevue Park was built in 1936 by women’s rights campaigner Erna Keighley. Jo-Anne Mason loved its heritage as soon as she saw it but has taken a fresh approach to decorating.
Back to the studio
Artists Steve Harrison and Janine King have built four potteries, having lost three to bushfire. The couple, who are dedicated to recycling and making things, show us their character-filled new studio.
The leap to sheep
Wiltipoll sheep are known for their calm temperament, which is the number one reason Geoff and Nikki Lomann began breeding them. We visit their stud during lambing time.
Piece by piece
Jeweller and sculptor Tracy Hopkirk works with everything from precious stones and metals to old bones and rusty wire. We visit her Mittagong studio, where she teaches and creates eclectic works.
The ever-growing garden
Mireille Turner had no intention of starting a fifth garden, but after she and husband Brett moved to a farm outside Crookwell, its fertile paddocks proved irresistible.
All about alliums
Pretty in the garden, flavour-packed on the plate. Kirstine McKay explains why alliums – garlic, leeks, onions, chives, shallots and spring onions – should be part of every garden.
To the ends of Japan
In Japan, not just once but twice in as many months, Huw Kingston was able to explore two very different regions: the sub-tropical islands of Okinawa and snowy island of Hokkaido.
Leading the way
The heads of 12 schools tell us what makes their school special.
The perfect setting
If you’re looking at options for your big day, our annual wedding special offers plenty of inspiration for planning an idyllic country wedding.
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