This novel way of transport for Walgett thrived and grew for many years.  We called the train the North West Mail, although correctly, a couple of carriages, broke off the Mail Train at Narrabri, with the larger part of the train travelling North to Moree and Walgett’s section, turning West through Narrabri West, Wee Waa, Burren Junction, Cryon, dropping mail, papers and groceries at the sidings of Inverness, Kootiney, Beanbri, Keil Keil, Waminda and Eurie Eurie on the way to Walgett.  The train driver always blew the loco whistle as he was coming over the 2 Mile Bridge (viaduct) near the Walgett Silo.  This was clearly heard by people waiting at the Station and they knew that the train was not far away.

It seemed to be imperative that when travelling on the train, one must be dressed in his / her best.  Gentlemen in suits, ties and hats and ladies also in suits, hats and gloves, children were also dressed in their best.  When we look back and think of the black smoke puffed out by the old locomotives and the soot and cinders distributed all over the carriages, it must have caused some problems and consternation for cleaning.

The railway thrived for many years, being an important centre for shipping out the wool, at one stage we held a record for the amount of wool sent to the selling centres of Newcastle and Sydney.  Walgett also had yards and loading facilities to load sheep and cattle being sent to Homebush Saleyards in Sydney.

Walgett had a station master’s residence, barracks for the staff, a water tank, a turntable, goods shed and weighbridge. 

In later years, as roads and motor cars became the norm, rail travel and freight, dropped off and for a few years before final closure of the rail to Walgett in 1987, we were serviced by a one or two carriage light diesel rail motor. 

This was a enormously important event for our town giving people a chance to travel, unhindered by boggy roads during times of rain and flooding and brought fresh vegetables, much needed groceries, importantly the mail and parcels and freight.  This event was celebrated with the steam locomotive cutting the ribbon stretched across the line on arriving at the station and the Minister for Works, Mr Lee, congratulated the people of Walgett on finally  having their railway line completed.  There followed a street procession down the main street, horse and buggy style! No person in Walgett owned a motor car until 1909.

This novel way of transport for Walgett thrived and grew for many years.  We called the train the North West Mail, although correctly, a couple of carriages, broke off the Mail Train at Narrabri, with the larger part of the train travelling North to Moree and Walgett’s section, turning West through Narrabri West, Wee Waa, Burren Junction, Cryon, dropping mail, papers and groceries at the sidings of Inverness, Kootiney, Beanbri, Keil Keil, Waminda and Eurie Eurie on the way to Walgett.  The train driver always blew the loco whistle as he was coming over the 2 Mile Bridge (viaduct) near the Walgett Silo.  This was clearly heard by people waiting at the Station and they knew that the train was not far away.

It seemed to be imperative that when travelling on the train, one must be dressed in his / her best.  Gentlemen in suits, ties and hats and ladies also in suits, hats and gloves, children were also dressed in their best.  When we look back and think of the black smoke puffed out by the old locomotives and the soot and cinders distributed all over the carriages, it must have caused some problems and consternation for cleaning.

The railway thrived for many years, being an important centre for shipping out the wool, at one stage we held a record for the amount of wool sent to the selling centres of Newcastle and Sydney.  Walgett also had yards and loading facilities to load sheep and cattle being sent to Homebush Saleyards in Sydney.

Walgett had a station master’s residence, barracks for the staff, a water tank, a turntable, goods shed and weighbridge. 

In later years, as roads and motor cars became the norm, rail travel and freight, dropped off and for a few years before final closure of the rail to Walgett in 1987, we were serviced by a one or two carriage light diesel rail motor. 

Walgett Railway Station crowds 2 Dec 1924

Opening of Walgett Railway Station, 7 Nov 1908