Local Stories

Ipswich Little Theatre re-enact the first rail journey from Ipswich to Bigges Camp [Grandchester], 1965 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

This year marks 150 years since the first section of the Queensland railway line was opened and travelled upon. This small yet much anticipated train journey took place in July 1865 on a section of track constructed between Ipswich and Bigges Camp (now known as Grandchester). This was a great event in the eyes of Queensland residents and one that was many years in the making, even though this section was considered to be the easiest stretch of track when considering what was to follow with future construction.

The decision to build a railway in Queensland was made after it was realised that the current condition of roads in the state was rapidly deteriorating, making means of transport such as dray carts and the like difficult to navigate. The use of such transport was also made impossible during large wet spells as the roads became  extremely muddy, causing carts to be bogged. Although a transport committee was established in 1860 to deal with the abysmal condition of current roads, it was not until 1863 that serious talk was made regarding the establishment of funds to build a railway line. Finally, the Moreton Bay Tramway Company was established to build a line from Ipswich to Toowoomba, however the funds needed to start this line could not be raised. So, once again the idea was put on-hold, until finally, after much political debate the Australian Government agreed to finance the line.

Many people may wonder why Ipswich and not Brisbane was chosen as the starting point of this new railway line, and this can be put down to several factors including the fact that:

– Transport between Brisbane and Ipswich was well established and reliable

– Ipswich at the time had a large influence over the state of Queensland

– The government already had plans that had been developed for a similar line from this point

Finally in January 1864 the contract for the construction of the Ipswich to Grandchester line was awarded to famed British company, Peto, Brassey and Betts for the sum of 86,900 pounds. In February of the same year the first sod was turned at North Ipswich by Lady Roma Bowen, wife of the current Governor. The construction itself was supposed to be a fairly straight-forward process in the beginning, with the tracks running from the North Ipswich site along the Bremer River to Grandchester. However, when residents in the Ipswich area were made aware of this route, there was outrage, as they had previously been promised a road/rail bridge over the Bremer River, to replace the small inadequate pontoon that was currently in use. As such the plans were altered and construction began with the added inclusion of a new bridge over the River. As well as this bridge three smaller river crossings were also constructed during this section of the line. In the beginning materials used to construct the line were sent from England to Ipswich where they were manufactured into parts for the line and then were shipped up the river on a barge or pulled up the already completed line by horse-drawn tram.

The first buildings at the Ipswich Railway Workshops, undated – Image courtesy of the State Library of Queensland

In April 1865, the first unofficial railway trip travelled along a portion of the newly erected track. This trip ran from the beginning of the line at the North Ipswich Workshops and stopped at Guilfoyle’s Gully, near Walloon. Altogether, it was a distance of approximately 12km. Finally, on Monday the 31st of July, 1865 the official opening of the first section of the proposed line took place. Much fanfare was had with dignitaries, political figures, numerous speeches, music and a luncheon being held in honour of this most important occasion is Queensland’s history. The train journey itself, rather than leaving from North Ipswich, this time travelled from the new and partly constructed Ipswich Station and made its way through to Grandchester where the festivities were held for those travelling aboard. The journey took 66 minutes and was celebrated with approximately 500 guests from around Queensland as well as the Governor and Lady Bowen. After the line was declared open by the Governor, normal services resumed for the public the very next day, with two trains travelling each way daily, excluding Sunday’s, from Ipswich at 7.00am, Walloon at 7.40am and arriving at Grandchester at 8.30am. The train made only one return journey, which left from Grandchester at 1.00pm and arrived in Ipswich at 2.20pm.

In celebration of 150 years of railways in Queensland various events will be held throughout the year, including re-enactments, steam train journey’s, exhibitions and much more. One such event is the Grandchester Steamfest which is a free event that will be held on Sunday the 26th of July from 9.00am and will include displays, rides, vintage cars and various other family activities. The Workshops Rail Museum will also be hosting a number of interesting events for both families and train enthusiasts including:

The Railways Exhibition: running from the 15th of June to the 6th of December

Steam Train Sunday: held on the 5th of July and the 23rd of August at 10.15am and 11.40am

Railway Heritage Conference: held from the 25th to the 28th of July

Information taken from: “Triumph of the Narrow Gauge” by John Kerr; “Behind the tin fence” edited by Veronica Macno, Geraldine Mate and David Mewes and “Final Gauge” by Robyn Buchanan.