Grafton to Brisbane National Railway Link

The railway from South Grafton to Brisbane was the first standard gauge railway link between Australia's state capital cities; it heralded the first significant cooperation between the States and the Commonwealth in working towards a national railway network. It was the first interstate railway built to "standard" gauge (4’8½” or 1,435 mm), and was completed in 1930. Trains crossed the Clarence River in Grafton by ferry until the opening in July 1932 of the road-rail bascule bridge. The double deck rail/road bridge is significant at a national and world level for its technical achievement in the design of the opening span. The mountainous railway route posed many construction challenges including the Cougal Spiral (The Loop) and the 1,150 metre Border Tunnel under Richmond Gap. Initially the railway line terminated at South Brisbane but was connected to the CDB over the Merivale Bridge in 1986. The railway’s contribution to national defence between 1941 and 1945 was of high significance.

An XPT passenger train traverses the spiral at Cougal.

The line is characterised by winding track and high bridges.

A northbound freight train approaching the spiral. After travelling through a tunnel and around the hill, it will traverse the so-called 'land bridge' seen above the locomotive.

A bridge on the ascent of Gradys Creek.

The border between New South Wales and Queensland is within the Border Tunnel. The exact location is marked on the wall..

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Grafton

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Brisbane

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage National Landmark (EHNL)
Award Date	Grafton June 2009 Brisbane 2011
Heritage Significance	The railway from South Grafton to Brisbane was the first standard gauge railway link between Australia's state capital cities; it heralded the first significant cooperation between the States and the Commonwealth in working towards a national railway network.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Not Available
Plaque/Interpretation Panel Image	Grafton Panel available here. Brisbane Panel available here.

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