Railway station at Grandchester, Queensland

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[040]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 150 x 200 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

railroad stations

DescriptionA black and white photograph showing the railway station at Grandchester, Queensland.History"Established in 1865, Grandchester Railway Station was originally known as Bigge’s Camp. The name was allegedly changed to avoid the title being slurred into ‘Big Scamp’. The rural township of Grandchester is located 76 kilometres south-west of central Brisbane. Being only an hour’s drive from the capital presents a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists alike to pack the family into the car and head off for an educational adventure—to discover a part of Australia that is often overlooked. Grandchester Railway Station provides a glimpse into the construction and operation of Queensland’s first rail line, which ran initially from Ipswich to Grandchester, before being extended to the Darling Downs. The once-essential equipment and machinery on display will fascinate young and old alike. Guided tours of the station allow visitors to connect with a place that ranks high as one of the state’s most significant railway heritage places. In addition to being the terminus for the first section of railway line laid in Queensland, the Grandchester Railway Station building was the first in the state to be constructed using local materials. The Station complex includes the station building and a signal cabin with a 22 lever T-bar machine that was decommissioned with the introduction of centralised traffic control. At its peak, Grandchester Railway Station also featured a number of smaller buildings, such as a cream shed and a trolley shed, as well as a fork line and cattle yards." - The National Trust, Australia. SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.