Opened in 1926, St James Railway Station was part of the Bradfield Plan. Designed by chief engineer John Bradfield, the plan incorporated the Sydney Harbour Bridge an underground city railway network and Central Station. Bradfield also planned the electrification of the suburban Sydney rail network. Although only partially implemented, his plan forms the basis for today’s Sydney rail network.
The station features a classical architectural style, with a sandstone entrance building on Elizabeth Street and a vaulted ceiling with tiled walls and floors underground. The station signage is similar to the roundel design used in the London underground. Only Museum Station has similar signage in Sydney.
Built to extend the railway line into the city centre and provide access to Hyde Park and St James’ Church the station forms part of the City Circle Line. It was originally named Queen’s Square, but renamed St James in 1927 to avoid confusion with Queen’s Square in London (apparently for those who didn’t know what hemisphere they were in).
Secret Tunnels
Although not open to the public, the station has several secret tunnels, the result of the cancelled plans for connecting lines. These tunnels have led a fascinating, shadowy existence over the years. They have served as a bomb shelter during World War II, a mushroom farm in the 1950s, a film set for Hollywood movies such as The Matrix and Mission: Impossible II.
Historical railway artefacts are displayed in cabinets and as murals placed around the station. These show the construction of the rail line and station and detail its history.
Stairs out of St. James StationSt. James Station Sign and bench seatDisplayGrand Opening of St. James StationDisplayPicture of the entrance to St. James StationDisplayPicture of the development of St. James Station
Located partially beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bradfield Park is a publicly accessible park in North Sydney which provides magnificent vistas of the harbor, Circular Quay, and the Sydney Opera House. The park, named in honor of John Bradfield, the renowned engineer responsible for the bridge’s design, encompasses a playground, picnic facilities, a paved area under the bridge, and a direct pathway leading to the Olympic Pool and Luna Park complex.
Bradfield Park History
Originally conceived as a garden suburb in 1924, the plans for the area took a different turn in 1940 when it was designated as a Royal Australian Air Force station. Throughout World War II, this station served as a training ground for over 200,000 members of the RAAF and the WAAAF. Today, the once military station has transformed into the breathtaking Bradfield Park. This picturesque public space is conveniently accessible by public transportation, located just a short stroll away from Milsons Point railway station and Kirribilli shops.
What to See
Walking to the park from the train station, we noticed this amazing looking door on a house along the way.
Ornamental door on a house near Bradfield Park
Eastern Side
Entering the park, one of the initial sights that strikes you is a peculiar steel sculpture. Presented by the Swiss Government and the Swiss Australian Community in commemoration of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, this remarkable work of art is crafted using components salvaged from an antiquated train, along with rivets sourced from a Swiss bridge and discarded industrial steel.
The Australian Angel
The foreshore of Bradfield Park is a fantastic spot for taking photos. You can capture many great landmarks and even use the weather shelters to get a unique perspective of the Sydney Opera House across the shore.
Sydney Opera House From Milsons Point
Of course, the dominant feature in the area is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walking through the park will take you past the buttress towers and under the train roadway. From here you get a completely different view of the bridge than when driving over it. You can see the structure and engineering that has gone into its design and the huge amount of steel needed to build it.
Under Sydney Harbour Bridge
Underside of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Located under the bridge and forming part of the foreshore is the bow of the first HMAS Sydney which served in World War One.
The Bow of HMAS Sydney (I)
Western Side
Originally situated at the intersection of Berry and Miller Street in North Sydney, ‘Harbour Cycles’ by Richard Byrnes has now found its new home in the western section of Bradfield Park. Made from aluminium, this impressive creation showcases various elements such as the iconic struts of the Harbour Bridge, maritime machinery, and local architectural designs.
Harbour Cycles by Richard Byrnes
Entrance to Milsons Point Station under the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The history of the area is explained with a series of information boards. These are great because most people would be unaware of the area’s history.
Information Board
Sitting atop the Broomfield Memorial Drinking Fountain in Bradfield Park, this bronze fox terrier was crafted in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Harbour Bridge. The fountain serves as a tribute to Jessie Broomfield, a generous benefactor who left funds for the well-being of Sydney’s dogs and specifically requested the installation of trough-equipped fountains in public parks for our furry companions to quench their thirst. Positioned at the northernmost section of the park, adjacent to Lavender Street, the fountain stands as a testament to Broomfield’s philanthropic legacy.
Statue of a fox terrier atop a drinking fountain, with drinking troughs for dogs
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
This took place on 29 and 30 April 2023 in Maitland, New South Wales. Maitland Steamfest 2023 was a festival of steam and industrial heritage. The festival celebrates Maitland’s rich steam and industrial history, which dates back to the 19th century when the city was a major coal mining and railway centre. Featuring a diverse program of family friendly entertainment, with a steam theme (well generally but not always) it was a great day out.
Train Rides
Several historic steam engines made their way to Maitland for the festival, providing rides around the Hunter Valley’s nearby towns. Starting at the Maitland train station, we arrived just in time to see the Garratt 6029 leaving. The photo below shows how well maintained the train is despite its age. It was great to be able to get close while it was running, but the noise when it let off steam was deafening.
Steam Locomotive Beyer Garratt #6029
The Rally Ground
Across the road from the train station, the rally ground had displays of antique machinery such as traction engines, portable engines and steam rollers. Most of the steam engines were running and demonstrating how they operated. Several were also driving around a loop track outside the rally ground.
Foden steam truckTraction engine giving joyridesTraction engine doing loops around the other displaysJoyrides on a traction engineSteam traction engineLine up of steam engines
Steampunk and Town Crier
We found several steampunk enthusiasts wandering through the grounds, along with a town crier who were all happy to pose to photos. They also had a display tent selling steampunk themed merchandise. They all seemed to be having a great time and staying in character.
An area was set aside where blacksmiths demonstrated their skills, which apparently are in high demand again and is a growing in popularity as a profession again.
Steampunk ladySteampunk gentlemenTown Crier
Vintage Military Display
One of the not quite steam related display was a large collection of military equipment in the middle of the rally ground. They were a great addition to the other displays and had a huge crowd looking at them. With no barriers, we were able to get very close and see inside most of them.
Willys JeepFerret armoured carVolkswagen Type 82 KübelwagenHumvee
What Did We Think of Maitland Steamfest 2023?
We had a great day out at Steamfest because of the relaxed atmosphere and variety of thing to see. All things steam from trains to traction engines and steampunk people.
