Our Dream: to rebuild the Richmond Kurrajong Railway
New South Wales, Australia

By anyone's measure, to rebuild the Richmond/Kurrajong railway is a big undertaking. A proposed route for the line is being planned. The final routing for any part of the railway may vary from current plans after discussions with residents and other problems are addressed. However, it is envisaged that the railway line will be close to this plan as issues of grades need to be considered.

The line will probably require a new crossing over the Hawkesbury River and deviations around North Richmond and Kurrajong. The railway line will be built in stages over a number of years.

The use, ownership, lease and/or purchase of land needs to be resolved with owners for the building of the line. This will happen alongside the acquisition and restoration of engines and rolling stock.

Stages of the line development may include the following sections:

• Pioneer Park North Richmond to Kurrajong
• Hawkesbury River crossing to Phillip
• Phillip to Richmond
• Phillip to Yarramundi Falls

Steam railways are becoming increasing popular world-wide because they are probably the most identifiable relic from the industrial revolution. Romantic notions of the steam engine are constantly being reinvented, whether it be through heritage trains like the Flying Scotsman or popular adaptations like Thomas the Tank Engine.

Having said that, it is envisaged that the Richmond-Kurrajong line could become as popular as Melbourne's Puffing Billy. Puffing Billy attracts a quarter of a million visitors every year, and a third of those visitors are international tourists. Puffing Billy has become one of Victoria's premier tourist attractions.

There are many parallels to the Kurrajong line, whether it be distance from the city, the length of the line, the scenery, the grades and terrain or even local populations.

TRAK believes the Kurrajong line can replicate Puffing Billy's success because there are no similar tourist railways operating so close to Sydney. We also believe that other steam railways further afield will benefit from our operation. As people's interest in steam is rekindled  they will be more likely to visit these other operations.

Since its inception in 1999 TRAK has achieved the following goals :

• Awareness of the railway that served the area from 1926 to 1952.
• The commemoration of 75 years since the opening of the railway.
• The producing of a book about the railway.
• Development a realistic and workable business plan.
• Development of an Engineering Strategy.
• Development of technical drawings and plans.
• The amassing of a large collection of photographs pertaining to the line - and developing a collection of memorabilia.
• The on going support and advice from respected rail consultants.
• Basic land access agreements.
• Financial responsibility and promotional activity to maintain a healthy bank balance.