Port Adelaide Railway 150th celebrations: Keith visits the Adelaide Coast region of South Australia
The railcars affectionately known as the "Red Hens" spent about half a century on the Adelaide Metropolitan rail system. They were retired a decade ago but there's one set all spruced up and ready to go at the National Railway Museum. And they're about to play a starring role in a very important re-enactment - the 150th anniversary of our first steam railway.
We had a ride on the Red Hens and as we slowly edged along the piece of private track at the museum I commented to our driver, Steve that the first train way back in 1856 probably would have been faster. "I don't know," Steve quipped. "I wasn't around then."
Not likely. The first locomotives began huffing and puffing between the city and its only gateway to the world - Port Adelaide 150 years ago. And as you'd expect, the anniversary is going to be a big day for the volunteers who run the National Railway Museum at the port.
I caught up with enthusiast, Graham Vincent at a pair of giant steel wheels on display at the museum entrance. "These are the wheels off Engine Number One that rode the track in 1856." he explained.
The original trio of loco shipped out from England worked hard pulling six trains a day cutting a long bullock wagon or coach trip down to under half an hour.
In the 1840s it was assumed it would run down the middle of what's now Port Road. The 'broad avenue' reserved by Colonel Light for the express purpose of a future railroad - or canal.
Today's trains run on the alignment finally chosen in the 1850s and by that time the English style private company operation was in the too hard basket.
" South Australia was quite different," said Graham. "Because it was the government who owned and operated this first railway. In fact that's what made it unique - it was the first steam government owned and operated railway in Australia."
But what about the earlier Goolwa to Port Elliott line? That was still horse-drawn.
The Port Adelaide line began where the Adelaide railway station is now. The original station was ready for the 1856 opening - sitting on a slice of the Parklands. That was a big call - with an obvious lasting impact.
The first bridge to span the Torrens was a wooden affair. Part of the handsome stone abutment that supported it is all that remains. It was replaced in 1877 with the curved arch steel bridge, which is still in use today.
It was a quick trip - after all, there were only three stops. The first was Bowden. It also served the residents of nearby Hindmarsh, the Colony's first private town. Woodville successfully petitioned for a station then next stop - Alberton. Like Bowden, it was completed for the inaugural run. Its accompanying row of terraced shopfronts is all quiet now - but no doubt, it would have been bustling.
The quaint steel footbridge over the line dates back to 1880. It's one of only a handful to survive.
The end of the line was at Port Adelaide right where the Police Complex now stands on St. Vincent Street.
"That's where the Port Adelaide Station was," explained Graham. "And after a while they extended the line to Semaphore."
The Port Station was a suitably grand two-storey affair and incorporated the Station Master's residence and an impressive bell tower.
Across the road, on the corner of Lipson Street is the Railway Hotel.
"They built the pub in the same year," said Graham. "You have to have a railway pub where there's a railway station - always."
The shunting yards and even one of the original goods sheds is now home to the National Railway Museum. Come Sunday the 23rd the place will come alive to mark the Port Railway's 150th anniversary.
A special Family Fun Day will see the likes of Bub, the little steam engine dressed up as Thomas the Tank Engine especially for the kids.
Peronne, a 1919 engine that spent its working days shunting around the Port Pirie Smelter will be stoked to get a run and so will the refurbished Red Hens.
Artist John Ford is working on a series of railway paintings - they'll be on show. There'll be a book launch, music, buskers and of course plenty of rides for all.
One hundred and fifty years ago, the proud Governor of South Australia said 'we built the Adelaide to the Port line for about half the cost of Sydney to Parramatta'. If you wanted to travel first class it cost one and fourpence. If you wanted to bring you dog, it cost an extra shilling - ten cents.
Times have changed but was can all relive the past at the Port Railway 150th Celebrations and Family Fun Day. It will be on Sunday the 23rd of April. Call the National Railway Museum for details or check their website. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
150th Anniversary Port Adelaide Railway National Railway Museum
Lipson St
Port Adelaide
Sunday 23 AprilPhone (08) 8341 1690
published 12th March 2006
