Royal National Park - neety's trainpage

The Royal National Park (RNP) line was opened on March 9, 1886. The original RNP station was located at 17 miles and 35 chains (28.42kms) from Sydney and 1 mile, 26 chains (2.14kms) from Loftus. There were two signal boxes on the line - one at Loftus and the other at the terminus. Both signal boxes remain to this day.

The original RNP platform was an island platform with a siding next to platform 1 and a siding, goods siding and goods platform next to platform 2. The Ordinary Staff and Ticket system of safeworking was used up until January 1931, when it was replaced with the Single Line Track Block system. The original station was placed out of use on February 17, 1978 due the the future development of the nearby RNP visitors centre and carpark. A temporary wooden platform was in use while the development occurred. The new platform was brought into use during the 1979 RNP Centenary celebrations. During the 1980's few passengers made use of the RNP line due to the increasing use of cars. Upto 6 trains a day serviced the RNP on weekends. A signalling problem in June 1991 caused trains to be suspended. The RNP line officially closed on September 9, 1991.

The Sydney Tramway Museum took over the line and the first tram ran on May 1, 1993. The Sydney Tramway Museum "provides a nostalgic and educational insight into the lifestyle of Sydneysiders during the 100 year period of tramway operation from 1861 to 1961, with running and restoration works-in-progress, exhibits and photos depicting the development and operation of tramways during this period." (Museum website). The trams run on a 3.5km section of track from the Sutherland terminus, through the museum and across the Princes Highway to the RNP platform.

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