May 9, 2025
A trestle bridge gone missing at 352.87kms.
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A trestle bridge gone missing at 352.87kms.
Track beneath the road bridge at Bald Mountain (353.8kms) appears intact. The press release indicated there were five burnt out bridges, with a cursory check identifying four of them, either side of this now isolated piece of track.
This bridge between Wallangarra and Bald Mountain is also gone.
Here is one of the reasons the trains have stopped: a missing trestle bridge at 352.87kms.
Stanthorpe Today
Reopened bridge but line stays damaged
02/05/2024
Bridge Link Drive is reopened after bushfires damaged it and the Wallangarra railway line. Picture: CONTRIBUTED
By Lucy Waldron
Five months after bushfires ravaged Wallangarra, the small town is still grappling with the aftermath of the destruction caused.
At the beginning of the year, residents faced the challenge of navigating their daily lives without the use of the main bridge connecting both sides of the railway.
The unknown in repairing the town’s main bridge by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) left locals frustrated, with concerns over the provided detours. However, the TMR assured residents that repairs were underway and that they had provided the safest alternative options.
In a statement to the media, the Southern Downs Regional Council announced the completion of structural repairs to the township’s key bridge on Bridge Link Drive, bringing relief to the Wallangarra community.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton acknowledged the Wallangarra community’s resilience during the challenges of recovery and said the reopening of the bridge is a significant milestone for the township in its recovery journey.
“The closure of this bridge cut an important link to both sides of the township, and I know from discussions with locals that they have been very keen for the bridge to re-open and to be able to move forward again after the November bushfires,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“On behalf of the Wallangarra community, council thanks Queensland Rail for their prompt response and repairs to the bridge structure.”
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish thanked the local community for its patience while crews repaired the bridge.
“We’re pleased to announce the Bridge Link Drive road-over-rail bridge reopened to road and pedestrian traffic on Thursday 18 April following the completion of repair works,“ Mr Cornish said.
However, Southern Downs MP James Lister raised concerns about the repair works on the Wallangarra railway itself.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon Bart Mellish, stated that currently, the bridge repair is the only ongoing work on the Wallangarra line.
“Queensland Rail has advised the line experienced significant damage, with four timber bridges destroyed, more than 1000 sleepers requiring replacement, and damage to an additional timber bridge,” he said.
“Queensland Rail understands the Wallangarra branch line is important to steam train enthusiasts, however work across the network needs to be prioritised to keep freight and people moving throughout the state.
“As such, the line between Stanthorpe and Wallangarra will remain closed while Queensland Rail continues to investigate options.”
Despite the challenges, Queensland Rail has shown support for heritage operations throughout the Southern and Western Downs, including lending a heritage steam locomotive to the SDSR Association and granting the association use of the historic Warwick station through a long-term lease.
Stay up to date with any potential advancements via the Queensland Rail website queenslandrail.com.au/
Wallangarra line statement
End of the line
06/03/2024
The railway on fire during the November 2023 fires.
Purchase this photo: 392463
By Lucy Waldron
With repairs costing nearly $20 million, the Queensland Government has announced the permanent closure of the Stanthorpe to Wallangarra railway.
The Southern Downs Steam Railway (SDSR), which has been a key player in promoting tourism along this iconic rail route, is now faced with an uncertain future.
The railway line, known for its tunnels, ravines, hand-carved cuttings, steep climbs, and dramatic landscapes through Granite Belt country, has been a significant contributor to the economic prosperity of Stanthorpe and Wallangarra.
SDSR chairman Kelvin Hutchinson said the closure was a tragic loss not only for the region but for the thousands of tourists who regularly experienced the unique adventure.
“The Southern Downs Steam Railway has been a source of pride for our community, and its closure will have far-reaching implications for regional businesses and the local economy,” Mr Hutchinson said.
The railway line between Warwick and Wallangarra has been hailed as one of Australia’s great, historic, and unique rail experiences. Its charm lies in the combination of challenging topography, picturesque landscapes, and the historical significance of the route.
The loss of this railway not only impacts tourism but also erases a piece of Australia’s railway heritage.
The Queensland Government, in a communication with SDSR, cited other priorities for not allocating funds to repair the railway line and bridges.
This decision has sparked outrage among the 35,000 regional local residents who view the railway as a priority for the area.
A passionate advocate for the railway’s restoration, Kevin Patterson said the Warwick, Stanthorpe, and Wallangarra Railway stations are not just stations; they are symbols of our history and heritage.
“Losing them as a part of this overall experience is like losing a part of ourselves,“ Mr Patterson said.
The community is rallying to explore options to revive the railway. Plans include lobbying political representatives, holding community meetings, and raising public awareness about the cultural and economic significance of the railway to the region.
“We won’t let this unique piece of our history disappear without a fight. We are determined to explore all avenues to secure the funds needed for the restoration of the railway line,” Mr Patterson said.
“It’s not just about the tracks; it’s about preserving our heritage and ensuring future generations can experience the magic of this historic rail journey.”
As the residents of the Southern Downs gear up for a battle to save their beloved railway, the spotlight is on the Queensland Government to reconsider its decision and recognise the importance of this iconic rail experience to the region’s cultural identity and economic prosperity.
Approaching Lyra, June 2014.
The show must go on: Flashback to June 2014, about to depart Warwick, southbound.