Stations of the North Coast Line

Type : Station/Loop
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 627.960km
Location : -30.225423, 153.019222
Opened : 17 July 1922
Closed : Before 1987 (station), passenger service discontinued prior
Status : Open (station closed) - loop still in use
Name meaning : Contraction of Corambara, the Aboriginal name for the district
Notes : The Up timber platform was 76.2 metres in length, later reduced to 66.14 metres by 1961. The platform building contained an out-of room, SM's office, general and ladies waiting rooms. A goods shed was provided in the yard - **75 feet × 25 feet** (22.9m × 7.6m) — W.N. 43–1923. 15/8/1923 - 5 ton yard crane provided. November 1987 - station closed. 763 metre crossing loop and also a dead end 150 metre siding. The station building was demolished sometime prior to 1990 with the platform remaining and the old signal box converted for a waiting room. The platform and signal box were removed around 1995. **Sunday, 13 December 1987** — loop extended **386 metres toward Sydney** giving approximately **770 metres** standing room. Livestock races deleted — W.N. 47–1970. CTC 6 June 1983; Staff Withdrawn 14 August 1983; Local Control Panel.

Coramba, 1982 (Greg Lee)

Coramba, September 1982 (Greg Lee)

Coramba, 1982 (Greg Lee)

Logs at Coramba, undated

Construction of Coramba railway yards around 1920 (or earlier). The station opened in 1922. (SLNSW)

Location of the one-time Coramba Station, opened 1922, closed 1974. (Google Maps)

Coramba, 1970 (Sharon Rewell)

Coramba in 1987 (Peter Burr)

Coramba Jan 1985

4453 departing with NL27 Daylight Express
Pic shared with kind permission of owner Ian Dunn

Coramaba, 1920s

Coramba NSW Pre 1970 (Sharon Rewell)

Coramba
10th July 1982
One of the best overviews of a station and yard that I've seen
Permission to share kindly given by the owner Philip Vergison

Shane Williams
51 points 1987 loop extention

Generation Gap Coramba 2012 (Scott Sashmo)

Coramba, 1950 (from Old Dorrigo)

Coramba NSW Pre 1970 (Sharon Rewell)

Coramba (1964, Colin Sutton)

Private crossing at Coramba (undated) (State Archives)

5910 at Coramba (Grace Bartram on 26 May 1995)

Henry Foster:

These photos are from the last days at Coramba in June 1983. The semaphore signals are gone and I think that this was the period when the electric staff was still in use. You can see that the down exchanger is sticking up out of its box so must have been cleaned up by a train and we're waiting for Norm Russell to come and straighten it up.

Garry Hayes
Henry Foster yeah the old place looks to be in serious decline there, unfortunately

Greg Lee
Garry Hayes I guess Ron didn't have too much motivation at that stage, knowing that he would soon be out of a job, and the station would be demolished.

Garry Hayes
Greg Lee actually Ron transferred into Coffs after Coramba closed, for a few years before he retired

Henry Foster
Greg Lee There's a bit more to the story. Ron always kept the place looking good and did a lot of work on the gardens; if my memory is any good Mrs Phillips (Shirley?) might have helped out too. I can't remember the year now but some ambitious young bloke, best left nameless, came up from the big smoke to make a name for himself at South Grafton. Breezed in to do a station inspection and discovered that the mud wasps had been busily building nests amongst the safeworking forms in the signal box. This was enough for him to produce a scathing report about the obvious negligence and incompetence he had discovered. Ron didn't say much but I thought from then on that he didn't have the same interest.

Greg Lee
Henry Foster What year was that? Ron was a dedicated railway man, I picked that up the first time I met him. He was also a very nice bloke who had an interest in the history.

Henry Foster
Greg Lee Mate, can't remember but he did make a name for himself around the traps.

Greg Lee
Henry Foster TI, I presume. There was a bloke from Taree who was pretty keen, but I can't remember his name. It doesn't sound like Barry Lamont.

Henry Foster
No, not the Traffic Inspector. I think Maurie Cassidy had retired by then and Peter Wicks was the TI at Taree. I found both of them to be pretty fair. I think Coramba was not in Barry's area.

Greg Lee
Henry Foster Yes, Peter Wicks was the bloke from Taree. I met him a couple of times. If not the TI, then it would have to be the DS. Doesn't sound like Tom Cuthbert to me.

Henry Foster
Greg Lee Might have had the title assistant to the DS?

Greg Lee
Henry Foster OK, I had forgotten there was an assistant DS. There was a bloke in the Traffic Office with the initials AS, not sure what his position was.

Garry Hayes
Greg Lee if it's the AS I'm thinking of he was the ADS under TC, and I seriously doubt he'd do something like that, nor do I reckon he'd be interested in such things.



Henry Foster
As I said, best left nameless but not anyone you have mentioned.

Greg Lee
Henry Foster I only met Tom once, and I found him to be a very fair and decent bloke. He was also very much a railway bloke. He was absolutely outraged when the BLE and GCM were abolished in 1990 (I think it was), and I think he left the job about then.

Henry Foster
Greg Lee I think I only saw Tom once. He jumped out of the up BLE at Landrigans to authorise a proceed order at Landrigans after the staff had disappeared down the bank in the dark.

Colin Sutton
I worked there as RASM R/T from 63 to 66 working. Raleigh at and. Coramba
I remember vividly the run away quad approaching riderless from the South,finally overheating at the. Eastbank gates.
The XPT was held at. Glenreagh and sleepers placed on the line to catch the runaway.

Down goods at Coramba, 2/6/1983 (Neil Munro)

N202 express goods at Coramba, unknown date (Neil Munro)

Plans for the SM's cottage at Coramba

Down freight leaving Coramba, 2/6/1983 (uncredited)

Coramaba signal box interior, prior to 1984 (R T Taaffe)

Coramba, 1/7/1982 (State Archives)

Coramba waiting room sign

NL26 up daylight out of Coramba, 4424 note no HFH/HFZ or PFH has DE dinner & PHS November 1985.
Photo Late Rodney James
Greg Riddel.

Greg Lee :

NR121 shut down in Coramba siding 10/6/24, testing track circuits after weekend shutdown.

Coramba on 17 February 1987 when it was unattended and no longer in use after CTC came through in 1983. No trace of the station is left now. Note the road/rail vehicle in the loop. (Peter Burr)

N202 express goods at Coramba, unknown date, but priot to 1979 (Bob Taafe)

Rainforest Rattler in the loop at Coramab 3/1/2026 (Lance Lyon)

Coramba could be a hot and humid location and the provision of opening windows was important. There were occasions when the front window was opened on Type K signal boxes; one was here. RT Taaffe

# Coramba (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1922–1987

---

**Type:** Station (Closed) / Crossing Loop (in use — extended 1987) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Coffs Harbour–Glenreagh section; Karangi–Coramba / Coramba–Nana Glen sections) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 627.960 km (Mileage approximately **391m 74c** — per 1961 staff exchanger table; section Coramba–Nana Glen from 391m 74c to 392m 7c) 
**Location:** -30.225423, 153.019222 
**Between:** Karangi (south) and Nana Glen (north) 
**Opened:** **17 July 1922** — with opening of Coffs Harbour–Glenreagh line; Karangi–Coramba and Coramba–Nana Glen sections 
**Station closed:** **November 1987** (per your notes; W.N. 32–1983 confirms staff withdrawn from Coramba **14 August 1983**; station formally closed November 1987) 
**Status:** Station closed; loop in use 
**Name meaning:** Contraction of Corambara — Aboriginal name for the district 
**Platform:** 76.2-metre Up side timber at opening; reduced to **66.14 metres by 1961** (per your notes) 
**Platform building:** Out-of-room, SM's office, general and ladies waiting rooms 
**Goods shed:** **75 feet × 25 feet** (22.9m × 7.6m) — provided W.N. 43–1923 (ref. V.23–1,876) 
**5-tonne yard crane:** Provided **15 August 1923** (per your notes) 
**Frames at opening:** Frame A — all signals worked from Frame A; Frames B and D — No. 1 Lever unlocked by either key from **Duplex Lock on No. 3 Lever in Frame A**; Regulation G (W.N. 37 of 1920) 
**Loop formalised:** **4 June 1935** (W.N. 23–1935) — Down and Up Home signals (Nos. 7 and 3) replaced by new signals with half-bracket posts carrying future Main to Loop signals (cross-boarded, not in use until further notice); Frames B and D releasing altered to Annett locks on Nos. 10 and 11 levers; Circular No. 215 of 1925 amended (S.&T.E. G.33–349; G.34–1,076) 
**Loop signals commissioned:** **11 June 1935** (W.N. 24–1935) — Down and Up Home, Main to Loop, and Down and Up Starting signals, Main and Loop brought into use; loop points connected to signal-box; indicators on Main line Starting signals (unattended working); ground frames moved to new positions; Circular issued prior (S.&T.E. G.33–349) 
**Sections (at 1935 loop):** Landrigans–Coramba (Type C); Coramba–Nana Glen 
**Motor-operated points:** **Monday, 22 November 1982** — route control relay interlocking panel; mechanical interlocking machine placed out of use; ground frames renamed with electrical releasing switches; single light colour light signals; low speed indication at Down Home and Up Home; point levers Nos. 51 and 52 on control panel; emergency release key causes all Coramba signals to show stop; track lights; call indicators at Down and Up Starting signals; ETS Landrigans–Coramba and Coramba–Nana Glen retained; automatic staff exchangers remain; diagram page 18 (W.N. 46 and 47–1982; S&C 126170) 
**CTC — Coffs Harbour to Grafton City:** **6 June 1983** — all ETS sections cancelled; Broadmeadow CTC; local control panel retained at Coramba (W.N. — 1983) 
**Staff withdrawn:** **14 August 1983** (W.N. 32–1983); controlling station Coffs Harbour; insert "G" and "\*" before Coramba; insert "(P)" after Coramba 
**Loop extended:** **Sunday, 13 December 1987** — extended **386 metres toward Sydney** giving approximately **770 metres** standing room; Down Distant relocated approximately 893 metres toward Sydney; Down Home No. 3 relocated approximately 658 metres toward Sydney; Up Starting Nos. 12M and 12L relocated approximately 370 metres toward Sydney; Main line to Loop connection (No. 51 points) relocated 386 metres toward Sydney; No. 51 points converted to clamplock mechanism (W.N. 50–1987; published twice in same volume) 
**Station building demolished:** Prior to 1990; old signal-box converted to waiting room 
**Platform and signal-box removed:** Approximately 1995 
**Current loop:** 763 metres crossing loop (per your notes); 150-metre dead-end siding 
**Loop at extension:** Approximately 770 metres (per 1987 WN) 
**Circular:** No. 215 of 1925 (base diagram — amended June 1935) 

---

> **Notes:** Coramba opened 17 July 1922. Frame A worked all signals; Frames B and D released by Duplex Lock on No. 3 Lever in Frame A (Regulation G) — a compact arrangement for a station with two goods sidings. Goods Shed 75 ft × 25 ft provided W.N. 43–1923; 5-tonne crane 15 August 1923. Loop formalised in two stages — preliminary works 4 June 1935 (W.N. 23–1935; new bracket-post signals cross-boarded); loop commissioned 11 June 1935 (W.N. 24–1935). Coramba was an E.S. (Electric Staff Crossing Station) by 1961 (Sog. Rlf. h.s. vacancy advertisements in 1961 WN). Platform reduced from 76.2m to 66.14m at some point. Sheep races deleted from livestock column 1970 (W.N. 47–1970).
>
> Motor-operated points 22 November 1982 — point levers Nos. 51 and 52 on control panel; emergency release key causes all signals at Coramba to show "stop" (a safety feature documented more explicitly at Coramba than at any other North Coast loop in this series). CTC 6 June 1983. Staff withdrawn 14 August 1983; controlling station Coffs Harbour. Loop extended 386 metres toward Sydney on 13 December 1987 — Down Distant, Down Home No. 3, Up Startings Nos. 12M and 12L and No. 51 Loop points all relocated; No. 51 points converted to clamplock mechanism. Station formally closed November 1987; building demolished prior to 1990; signal-box converted to waiting room; platform and signal-box removed approximately 1995.

---

## 1922 — Opened 17 July 1922; Frame A; Frames B and D; Duplex Lock No. 3; Regulation G

### Opening — 17 July 1922
> **Coffs Harbour–Glenreagh line opened 17 July 1922** — Karangi–Coramba and Coramba–Nana Glen sections. *(Source: 1922 Weekly Notices)*

### Coramba Signals and Frames — 1922
> **CORAMBA** —
>
> **Frame "A"** — All the signals will be worked from Frame "A."
>
> **Frames "B" and "D"** — No. 1 Lever in Frames "B" and "D" will be unlocked by either key from the **Duplex Lock on No. 3 Lever in Frame "A"**, and must be operated in accordance with **Regulation G** of Weekly Notice No. 37 of 1920. *(Source: 1922 Weekly Notices — Coffs Harbour–Glenreagh opening circular)*

### Running Times — 1922
> **Coffs Harbour–Coramba:** 24 minutes; **Coramba–Glenreagh:** 20 minutes; **Glenreagh–Lanitza:** 34 minutes; **Lanitza–South Grafton:** [listed]. *(Source: 1922 Weekly Notices — running times table)*

---

## 1923 — Goods Shed Provided — W.N. 43–1923; 5-Tonne Crane — 15 August 1923

### Goods Shed — W.N. 43–1923
> **Page 49 — Coramba (Grafton–Tweed Line)** — A Goods Shed, **75 feet by 25 feet**, has been provided. (V.23–1,876.) *(W.N. 43–1923)*

### 5-Tonne Crane — 15 August 1923
> **5-tonne yard crane provided at Coramba — 15 August 1923.** *(Source: your notes)*

---

## 1935 — Loop Formalised in Two Stages — 4 June and 11 June 1935; Circular No. 215 of 1925 Amended

### Preliminary Works — W.N. 23–1935
> **Coramba (North Coast) — Alterations in Connection with Central Operation of Crossing Loop** — On **Tuesday, 4th June, 1935**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.0 p.m., the following alterations will be carried out:
>
> 1. The Down and Up Home signals (**Nos. 7 and 3**) will be replaced by new signals, fitted with **half-bracket posts**, to carry the future Home signals, Main to Loop, which will be fitted with **cross-boards**, and not brought into use until further notice.
> 2. The Down Home and Distant signals (**Nos. 7 and 8**) will be re-numbered **19 and 20** respectively.
> 3. The releasing of Frames **"B" and "D"** will be altered. These frames will then be unlocked by keys from the **Annett locks on Nos. 10 and 11 levers**, respectively.
>
> **Circular No. 215 of 1925** with diagram attached thereto is to be amended accordingly. (S.&T.E., G.34–1,076.) *(W.N. 23–1935)*

### Loop Commissioned — W.N. 24–1935
> **Coramba (North Coast) — Bringing Home and Starting Signals Into Use, and Controlling Loop Points from Signal-box** — On **Tuesday, 11th June, 1935**, between 7.30 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the Down and Up Home signals, Main to Loop, and Down and Up Starting signals, Main and Loop, will be brought into use.
>
> The main alterations to be carried out in connection with the work will be as follows:
> 1. Connecting points at each end of loop to Signal-box.
> 2. Provision of indicators on Main line Starting signals, to show when Signal-box is unattended.
> 3. Moving ground frames to new positions.
>
> The arrangements will be in accordance with a Circular, with diagram attached thereto, to be issued prior to the work being carried out. (S.&T.E., G.33–349.) *(W.N. 24–1935)*

---

## 1961 — E.S. Signalman Relief Vacancies; Section Running Times

### Signalman Relief Vacancy — 1961
> **Sog. Rlf. h.s. Coramba — E.S.** — Applications invited from wages employees in the Traffic Branch. *(Source: 1961 Weekly Notices — staff vacancies; appears twice)*

### Section Running Times — 1961
> - Landrigans–Coramba: **9 minutes**
> - Coramba–Nana Glen: **12 minutes**
> - Nana Glen–Glenreagh: **13 minutes**
> - Glenreagh–Kungala: **12 minutes**
>
> *(Source: 1961 Weekly Notices — running times table)*

---

## 1970 — Sheep Races Deleted from Livestock Column — W.N. 47–1970

### Livestock Races Deleted — W.N. 47–1970
> **Page 153 — List of Stations, etc. — Coramba** — Delete S.C. from sheep, pig and cattle races column. (L.S.–70.–G.S.) *(W.N. 47–1970)*

---

## 1982 — Motor-Operated Points — 22 November 1982; Point Levers 51 and 52; Diagram Page 18

### Motor-Operated Points — W.N. 46 and 47–1982
> **Coramba (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Monday, 22nd November, 1982**, commencing 7.00 a.m. and continuing until completion, as a preliminary to the introduction of CTC signalling on the North Coast line, the Main line to loop points at each end of Coramba crossing loop will be converted to motor operation and the mechanical Main line and loop signals will be replaced by colour light signals.
>
> The foregoing points and signals will be worked from a **route control relay interlocking control panel** located in the signal-box. The existing mechanical interlocking machine will be placed out of use. The local ground frames will be renamed and electrical releasing switches provided.
>
> **Colour light signals** — single light type; low speed indication (small green light) and shunting signal (yellow light) with route indicator beneath Down Home and Up Home signals; entry to loop on authority of low speed signal (running) or yellow shunting signal.
>
> **Route Control Relay Interlocking Unit** — combined control panel and indicator diagram; **point levers Nos. 51 and 52** on control panel.
>
> **Emergency release key** — if releasing switch fails, key obtained from releasing lock and used to unlock No. 1 lever in ground frame. **The taking of the key from a releasing lock will cause all signals at Coramba to show the "stop" indication.** When shunting is completed the emergency release key is restored to and turned in the releasing lock.
>
> **Track lights** — red when track occupied; yellow when points set; yellow flashes when points moving to set position, then becomes steady.
>
> **Call indicators** — near Down and Up Starting signals; flashing blue light and hooter; when signalman requires to speak to train crew, he activates the indicator; any employee observing the light or hearing the hooter must promptly communicate.
>
> ETS Landrigans–Coramba and Coramba–Nana Glen retained; automatic staff exchangers remain.
>
> Diagram on **page 18** of W.N. 46–1982. (S&C 126170.) *(W.N. 46 and 47–1982)*

---

## 1983 — CTC 6 June 1983; Staff Withdrawn 14 August 1983; Local Control Panel; Controlling Station Coffs Harbour

### CTC and Staff Withdrawal — W.N. 32–1983
> **Staff will be withdrawn from Blackalls Park, Ben Lomond, Coramba, Eungai, Glenreagh, Gurley, Kentucky, Kotara, Lochinvar and Woolbrook as from 14th August, 1983.**
>
> **Coramba:** Insert "G" (goods and livestock freight prepaid) and "\*" before Coramba; insert "(P)" after Coramba; after Coramba insert **Coffs Harbour** as controlling station. (W.N. 32–1983.) *(W.N. 32–1983)*

### Local Control Panel — 1983
> **Local control panels** in accordance with Regulation 24 of Circular No. 101 are provided at Landrigans, **Coramba**, Nana Glen, Glenreagh, Kungala, Braunstone [and Grafton City]. The local control panels are located in the Traffic Room attached to the C.T.C. Relay room at the above crossing loops [or in the Station Master's office as the case may be]. *(Source: 1983 Weekly Notices)*

### CTC Sections — 1983
> **C.T.C. sections:** Coffs Harbour–Landrigans, Landrigans–**Coramba**, **Coramba**–Nana Glen, Nana Glen–Glenreagh, Glenreagh–Kungala, Kungala–Braunstone, Braunstone–Grafton City. *(Source: 1983 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1987 — Loop Extended 386 Metres — 13 December 1987; Down Distant, Down Home, Up Startings Relocated; Clamplock

### Loop Extended — W.N. 50–1987
> **Coramba (North Coast) — Extension of Crossing Loop** — On **Sunday, 13th December, 1987**, between 6.00 a.m. and 12 midnight, the crossing loop will be extended **386 metres toward Sydney** to provide standing room of approximately **770 metres**.
>
> As a consequence, the following alterations to signalling will be carried out:
> - The **Down Distant signal** will be relocated approximately **893 metres** nearer to Sydney.
> - **No. 3 Down Home signal** will be relocated approximately **658 metres** nearer to Sydney.
> - **Nos. 12M and 12L Up Starting signals** will be relocated approximately **370 metres** nearer to Sydney. The adjacent telephone cabin will be similarly relocated.
> - The existing connection, Main line to Loop, worked by **No. 51 points**, will be relocated **386 metres** nearer to Sydney. The operation of the loop points will be converted to operation by **clamplock mechanism**.
>
> *Emergency Working of No. 51 points: Pump handle has special key attached with chain.*
>
> (W.N. 50–1987) *(Published twice in the 1987 volume)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **17 July 1922** | **Opened** — Coffs Harbour–Glenreagh line; 76.2-metre Up timber platform; Frame A (all signals); Frames B and D (Duplex Lock on No. 3 Lever in Frame A; Regulation G); Karangi–Coramba and Coramba–Nana Glen sections |
| **W.N. 43–1923** | **Goods Shed** — 75 ft × 25 ft provided (ref. V.23–1,876) |
| **15 August 1923** | **5-tonne yard crane** provided |
| **4 June 1935** | Preliminary loop works — bracket-post Home signals, cross-boarded; Down Home/Distant renumbered 19/20; Frames B and D releasing altered to Annett locks Nos. 10 and 11; Circular No. 215 of 1925 amended (W.N. 23–1935) |
| **11 June 1935** | **Loop commissioned** — Home, Main to Loop, Down and Up Starting signals; loop points connected to signal-box; unattended indicators; ground frames repositioned (W.N. 24–1935) |
| By 1961 | Platform reduced from 76.2 metres to **66.14 metres**; E.S. signalman relief vacancies |
| W.N. 47–1970 | Sheep races deleted from livestock column |
| **22 November 1982** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — route control relay interlocking; point levers Nos. 51 and 52; emergency key causes all signals to show stop; track lights; call indicators; ETS Landrigans–Coramba and Coramba–Nana Glen retained; automatic exchangers remain; diagram page 18 (W.N. 46 and 47–1982; S&C 126170) |
| **6 June 1983** | **CTC Coffs Harbour to Grafton City** — all ETS sections cancelled; Broadmeadow CTC; local control panel retained at Coramba |
| **14 August 1983** | **Staff withdrawn** — controlling station Coffs Harbour; "G," "\*" and "(P)" inserted (W.N. 32–1983) |
| **November 1987** | **Station formally closed** |
| **13 December 1987** | **Loop extended 386 metres toward Sydney** — approximately 770 metres total; Down Distant, Down Home No. 3, Up Startings Nos. 12M/12L, No. 51 points all relocated; No. 51 converted to clamplock (W.N. 50–1987) |
| Prior to 1990 | Station building demolished; signal-box converted to waiting room |
| Approximately 1995 | Platform and signal-box removed |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1922–1987.* 
*Note: The two-stage loop commissioning at Coramba (4 June → 11 June 1935, one week apart) is one of the most precisely documented loop openings in the collection. The preliminary works notice (W.N. 23–1935) installed the new bracket-post signals with cross-boards and changed the ground frame releasing arrangements before the loop was commissioned, ensuring all mechanical changes were in place before trains were required to use the loop. The 1987 loop extension is the only documented post-CTC loop extension on the Coffs Harbour–Grafton section, and the clamplock conversion of No. 51 points is consistent with the transition from motor-operated to maintenance-free remote-controlled loop points in the late 1980s. The emergency key/stop signal provision at Coramba (1982) is the most explicitly documented safety override in the North Coast CTC series.*