Sydney to Hurstville Railway Quasquicentenary (125 year) Celebration

It was a trip back in time for the people who took part in celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney-to-Hurstville railway line on Saturday, 10th October.

Members of the Peakhurst School of Arts who organised the trip on a recently restored steam locomotive, were dressed in period costume to recreate the historic first trip along the Illawarra route, in 1874.

Crowds at stations including St Peters, Sydenham (originally Marrickville), Tempe (originally Cooks River), Arncliffe, Rockdale and Kogarah gathered to wave the train along before it was welcomed by Kogarah Concert Band and residents at Hurstville Station.

Peakhurst School of Arts secretary, Mr Brian Shaw, said the steam train travelled so well, overtaking a Tangara at one point, that it had to remain at Allawah station so as not to be ahead of time.

A similar volunteer-run event may occur next year to celebrate the opening of the railway track to Sutherland.