Killawarra

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Type : Station
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 360.30km
Opened : 4 February 1913
Closed : 29 June 1975 (station), 1983 (signal box)
Status : Loop in use
Name meaning : An Aboriginal word meaning "a scrub turkey" or "turpentine tree"
Notes : The original Down side platform was 76.2 metres in length and had been increased to 96.3 metres by 1961. The timber station building contained the usual ladies and general waiting rooms and a store. A 1549 metre crossing loop is at the location.

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A view from the cab of NT-36, the Up "Grafton XPT" as it passes through Killawarra crossing loop on 26-2-2005. An Up Pacific-National freight train waits at the Sydney end of the Loop. The posts visible between the pair of tracks is the site of the former signal box which was closed in August 1982. (Graeme Kirkby)



Kim Andronicus:


GRK, a number of years ago the house on the left caught fire, "they who attended" were told to let it burn. I think it occured before you retiered and the loop has been shortened to get the point on the straight.


Graeme Kirkby:


Kim Andronicus . Yes, Kim, I recall the house being burnt out. I thought it sad as the people then were homeless and I waved whenever I saw someone there. Yes, remember the points into the Loop at Sydney end, a sharp curve into the loop, the points already on a 15 chain curve. A lot of wear on the point blade.


Kim Andronicus:


Old gate keeper house maybe?


Graeme Kirkby:


Kim Andronicus . Perhaps, but I'm more inclined to think it was either a Signalman's or a Ganger's home. The 1961 North Local Appendix shows the level crossing as unattended.


Donald Bourke:


One of the few island stations on the Nth Coast

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Train, NT-2, the Up "Brisbane XPT" speeds through Killawarra while NT-25, the Down "Grafton XPT" waits in the Loop, 4-48pm on Monday 21-8-2000. (Graeme Kirby)

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A similar view to previous post, but from cab of NT-25, "Grafton XPT" in the Loop at Killawarra as NT-2, the Up "Brisbane XPT" approaches on its way to Sydney. 4-50pm on 15-10-2000. (Graeme Kirkby)

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Location of Killawarra Station (opened 1913, closed 1975 (station), loop in use) (Google maps)

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Steam in the sixties.
March 1969.
5915/5902 were working 455 goods to Taree and were put away in the loop at Killawarra to cross a following stock train.

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View from NT-25, "Grafton XPT", at the Sydney end of Killawarra crossing loop with the points set for the loop. In June 2009 the points into the loop were repositioned about 80 metres further North to eliminate the sharp curve into the loop which was causing maintenance issues. The house seen in centre of photo burnt down in August 2008. (Graeme Kirkby)

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NT-25, "Grafton XPT" waits in the Loop at Killawarra for NT-2, "Brisbane XPT" to pass. 13-2-1995. In November 1995, the crossing loop was extended at this Northern end to accomodate the longer freight trains now running. (Graeme Kirkby)

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View from cab of NT-25, "Grafton XPT" in the Loop at Killawarra as NT-2, the Up "Brisbane XPT" spears around the curve. 13-2-1995.  Fresh earthworks can be seen in preparation for extending the Loop further Northwards. The extension was opened in November 1995. (Graeme Kirkby)

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North Coast Mail crossing the old Killawarra bridge 7/4/1948, new bridge under construction (State Archives)

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4514 at Killawarra (undated) (Steve Bucton)

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42103 Killawarra  14.2.05 (uncredited)

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Killawarra 1948 (Wal Browning)

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Killawarra, 9/3/1969 (John Ward)

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Lex Davy, later Duff, at Killawarra train station. (Alison Johnson)