The Richmond Vale Railway Museum is located just outside of Kurri Kurri New South Wales. Run by volunteers, it is set in the old Pelaw Main colliery and aims to preserve local railway history. Unfortunately a bushfire went through the area in early 2018, destroying a large section of track and many old wagons that were in storage. The volunteers have restored some of the track, so the trains are running again, but not out to the old colliery. You do however get to ride in a steam train.
Bushfire Damaged Carriages
The entry fee allows access to the grounds, manager’s residence and the steam train ride. The old colliery buildings and processing plant are fenced off for safety reasons, but you can still take photos as the view through the fence is good. Unfortunately, when we visited the old manager’s residence was locked, so we couldn’t look through the interior. However, it was worth a look around the outside of this impressive looking building.
Manager’s Residence
On the grounds, you will find a nicely preserved old steam train and the steam train ride. The train runs regularly, so don’t worry if you miss it. The ride is not very long but enjoyable.
Steam Train Ride at the Museum
Richmond Vale Railway Museum Steam Train Ride
Steam Train at Richmond Vale Railway Museum
There is a small playground, where children can climb over a small train engine. Nearby a miniature train provides rides for visitors.
Old Coal Wagons
Old Mine Processing Plant
To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.
Founded in 1965 as the “The Lady Hopetoun and Port Jackson Marine Steam Museum”, the Sydney Heritage Fleet operates 10 large and 55 small heritage vessels. Its 450 active volunteer workers conserve Australia’s maritime past, while preserving traditional technical methods and skills.
Three (as of August 2024) vessels are currently being restored, the 1912 ferry Kanangra, the 1950s wooden speed boat Kookaburra II and the 1927 pilot vessel John Oxley. Possibly the most well known vessel is the 1874 iron barque James Craig, now fully restored and regularly put to sea under full sail and is a beautiful site when sailing Sydney Harbour.
We booked a tour of the Kanangra restoration project, which gave us an opportunity to also see some of the other ships in the fleet. See their website for times and tickets.
Getting There
We took the light rail from Central Station to Rozelle and walked (10 minutes) to Sydney Heritage Fleet from there.
The Tour
A safety briefing started the tour, as we would be entering an active work area. Safety hats and high-visibility jackets (both provided) along with enclosed shoes (wear your own) were a requirement.
The tour started in the workshop where we saw how the parts needed for the restoration were made. Then it was on to the dock to see the boats. Although we only boarded the Kanangra, we were able to see many others very well.
On board the Kanangra we needed to stay alert, as the decking and sides of the ship were under repair. Interestingly, the largest job currently being undertaken was the removal of concrete from the hull. Large quantities had been used to stop leaks in the rusting hull plates. Apparently it’s a quick and easy fix, but difficult to remove.
We were able to see all levels of the ferry, from the engine room to the top deck and restored wheel house. Restoration should finish in 2032 when she will be back in the water. Considering how badly corroded the hull looked and the amount of steel plates requiring replacement, I can see why it will take this long.
This was a fantastic tour and highly recommended for anyone who likes old ships. The tour guides were very informative, friendly and passionate about the restoration. The tour ran two hours and we loved every minute.
Sydney Ferry Kanangra
Launched on the 14th of August 1912, Kanangra is a steel-hulled K-class ferry that operated on Sydney Harbour until 1985. Originally coal fired, she was converted to diesel in 1959.
Kanangra is currently sited on a floating dock at Rozelle Bay as part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Restoration work intends to restore her to the 1960s configuration with diesel power.
KanangraExterior showing corrosion of hullExterior showing corrosion of hullInterior of the upper deckWheelhouseEngine telegraphLower deck interiorInterior of the Lower DeckLower deck interiorOutside lower deckEngine Room
Steam Ship John Oxley
Built in 1927 in Scotland for the Queensland Harbours and Rivers Board, the John Oxley was a relief pilot vessel in Moreton Bay, a buoy tender and a lighthouse tender that operated along the Queensland coast.
In the Second World War John Oxley was requisitioned for the Royal Australian Navy and a 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun was mounted on the stern. She was returned to her former duties in 1946, and converted from coal to oil fuel that same year.
John Oxley continued in service until 1968 and was officially donated to Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1970. Since 2002 the John Oxley has been under continuous restoration at the Heritage dockyard of the Sydney Heritage Fleet, Rozelle Bay, Sydney. As of August 2024 she is nearing completion and almost ready for her first post-restoration cruise.
John Oxley restored upper worksOfficer’s quartersJohn Oxley pilots’ area and stairs to lower deckRestored kitchenJohn Oxley restoration of interior underwayJohn Oxley Steam Ship
Bronzewing-class Tugs
Four Bronzewing-class harbour tugs were constructed for the Royal Australian Navy. The ships in the class were:
Bronzewing (HTS 501) Currawong (HTS 502) HTS 503 (to Papua New Guinea in 1974) Mollymawk (HTS 504)
They were constructed by Stannard Bros, Sydney, except for HTS Mollymawk (504), she was constructed by Perris Engineering, Brisbane.
Bronzewing and Currawong are currently on loan to the Sydney Heritage Fleet, where they are often used in the support of the James Craig and other heritage ships in the Fleet.
Harman is a Royal Australian Navy motor launch built in 1944 by the firm Storey and Keers. The RAN used her on Sydney Harbour to transfer personnel between ship and shore and the various establishments on the Harbour.
On retirement from the RAN in 1957, she was transferred to Cockatoo Island Dockyard where she worked as a passenger and general duties launch. She was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1992 and has since undergone several refits to keep her seaworthy.
Motor Launch Harman starboard sideHarmanMotor Launch Harman port aft view
Motor Launch Berrima
Launched in 1955 as A.O.R.1, Berrima is a motor launch owned by the Sydney Heritage Fleet and used around Sydney Harbour. Originally used by Stannard Bros on behalf of Australian Oil Refineries on Botany Bay, it ferried workers from La Perouse to the refinery on the other side of Botany Bay. At times it also doubled as the Pilot Cutter.
Berrima was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1990.
Motor Launch BerrimaMotor Launch Berrima
Lady Hopetoun
Built in 1902 by WM Ford on Sydney Harbour, the Lady Hopetoun was used as a VIP and Vice-Regal steam yacht by the NSW Government through the Sydney Harbour Trust and its successor the Maritime Services Board of NSW until the 1960s.
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun starboard sideLady Hopetoun starboard sideSteam Launch Lady Hopetoun port sideSteam Launch Lady Hopetoun seen from the Kanangra
Motor Launch Protex
Built sometime around 1908, Protex was later purchased in 1934 by the Sydney ferry and tug company, Nicholson Bros. In line with their usual policy of naming their craft using words beginning with ‘Pro’ she was called Protex after a popular brand of soap. Up until 1970, she ferried goods and people from the Palmolive factory at Balmain to various city wharves.
In 1970, she was sold to Mr Terry Hodgson who used her as a ferry operating out of Woy Woy and Toukley, and later between Brooklyn and Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River.
The Protex became part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1981 and is berthed at their Rozelle wharf.
ProtexProtex
Steam Tug Waratah
Built in 1902 at Cockatoo Island, Waratah is a coal fired tug and part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Originally named Burunda, her primary role was to tow dredges and barges between the various ports along the NSW coast.
From 1948, her age and condition restricted her to operating within the Newcastle Port and by 1968 she was considered to be beyond economical repair and was set to be scrapped. Saved by the Sydney Heritage Fleet, she is now, once again, fully operational and regularly takes passengers on trips around Sydney Harbour.
Steam Tug Waratah bow viewPort viewSteam Tug Waratah bridge and main deckWaratah looking down from KanangraSteam Tug Waratah
Located in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia the historic Zig Zag Railway is a unique railway, with its zigzagging track and vintage steam locomotives. Offering an experience of travel in the late 19th century, it’s a must do if visiting Sydney.
History
The Zig Zag Railway’s story began in 1869, when the need arose to transport goods and passengers across the steep escarpment of the Blue Mountains. The existing railway line at the time was unable to handle the steep incline, and a more innovative solution was needed. The resulting design incorporated a series of switchbacks and tunnels that allowed trains to gradually climb the mountainside. Looking like a capital letter Z, the layout gave the track its name.
The Zig Zag Railway officially opened in 1870 and quickly became a vital transportation link between Sydney and the west of New South Wales. It played a crucial role in the development of the region, transporting coal, timber, and other essential goods.
Becoming a Tourist Attraction
Unfortunately, the Zig Zag Railway’s reign as the primary transportation route was short-lived. In 1910, the nearby Ten Tunnels Deviation opened, offering a more efficient and direct route. As a result, the Zig Zag Railway fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned.
However, in 1975, a group of volunteers formed the Zig Zag Railway Co-op and began the process of restoring the railway to its former glory. Reopening in 1977, the Zig Zag Railway offers visitors a chance to travel on heritage steam locomotives, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.
Getting There
Depending on where you board the train, you can either drive or arrive by train. From the upper station at Clarence, a large car park caters for visitors. If leaving from Clarence self drive is the best way to get there. Choosing to join at the lower points enables you to catch a train from Sydney. Just make sure the connecting times are right and you can board the train here.
The trip is booked as a return ticket, so you finish at the same station you started at. Booking is best done on line as the trains are often fully booked.
What to See
At Clarence, displays and exhibits detail the history of the railway, providing a great introduction to the visit. Exchange your online ticket for vintage style ticket at the gift shop, which has some interesting items for sale.
When the train arrives there is plenty of time to look at the carriages and locomotive. We were able to go into the cab, talk to the driver and look at the firebox.
As the train travels between stations a commentary explains the history and workings of the railway. It also points out places of interest such as the viaducts and tunnels. The viaducts are amazing with their arches and at one point you can see several at once, built into the escarpment.
The train stops twice each way so that the locomotive can change to the other end of the train to pull it on the next leg. Passengers are allowed out at these stops where you can look at some displays in the old stations. The signal box at one was also open, so we were able to see that as well.
Be aware that there are no allocated seats, so if you get off when you come back, someone may be sitting where you were when you return to the carriage.
Locomotive
On our trip, the locomotive was Steam Locomotive 218A built in 1902 by Beyer, Peacock & Company in Manchester, England.it was withdrawn from service in 1958 and later acquired by the Zig Zag Railway Co-op in 1975. It has since been restored to operational condition and is now used to haul passenger trains on the Zig Zag Railway.
Engine 218A built by Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA in 1943 an AC16 Class steam locomotiveThe firebox in the locomotiveTrack patrol vehicleOne of the viaducts along the trackView along the track during the train rideLocomotive changing endsSignal BoxInside the signal boxEngine 218A built by Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA in 1943
