Rail Experiences

The Cowra Railway has been an integral part in making Cowra what it is today. Since the first train coming along the lines until the last train left in September 2009, the Cowra line has been a major contributor to accessing the Central West of New South Wales from Sydney and Melbourne.

On the 26th May 1886, the first passenger train arrived at Cowra with a load of approximately 750 people. Operated by the contractor Fishburn and Co, the train carried passengers to a picnic in Cowra. Funds raised aided the Cowra and Young hospitals. As the Lachlan River bridge was not complete, a temporary platform was constructed at a site adjacent to the present Cowra Graincorp bulkhead. Constructed of sleepers, the platform boasted two small structures that served as a ticket office and goods shed.

The closing of Cowra Station and subsequently all lines out of Cowra has impacted immensely on the infrastructure of the town. Both State and Federal Governments have been lobbied extensively for years to re-open the lines. Due to the great work by Lachlan Valley Railway and Local Governments in the area there is still a chance some lines may reopen in the future.

All this information and more can be found in Lawrance Ryan’s book “Cowra – a rail enthusiast’s album”. Available for purchase at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre.

For further information contact Lachlan Valley Railway Society on 02 6342 4999 or email inquiries@lvr.com.au.

Lachlan Valley Railway Society has their depot and museum located at 3 Campbell Street, Cowra. It is open 9am-4pm daily. See the volunteers restore old locos back to their glory days, and have a chat about the great rail journeys in Australia's history.

Cowra War Museum (AKA Cowra Fun Museums) also has an extensive collection of railway memorabilia. This museum can be found 3km east of Cowra on the Mid-Western Highway. They are open daily from 9am - 4pm and can be contacted on 02 6342 4266.