Type : Station
Station Number : NC49
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 586.455km
Location : -30.453554, 153.017751
Opened : 30 August 1915
Closed : De-manned June 1990, closed in 1993
Status : Station closed, loop in use
Name meaning : Unknown, but possibly after a city in the USA (some sources), other sources say after the Parish of the same name.
Notes : Opened with a loop. Original Up platform was 137.16 metres long with a timber platform building containg a mens and ladies waiting room, SM's office, men's toilet and out-of room. A substantial goods shed was provided along with a 5 ton crane. 1922 - 10 ton crane added for log handling. 19.3.1923 - interlocked 386 metre loop laid in. 1943 - crew rest house built - Raleigh was a major change over for Casino loco crews and was very busing during WW2. 1/9/1983 - stockyards demolished. After the closure of the Dorrigo branch in 1972 following washaways, Raleigh became the railhead for Dorrigo (in addition to Bellingen). The foundations of the turntable still exist on the site. Raleigh has a short 386 metre loop and a 285 metre loop siding accessed from the crossing loop. "Isolated and not connected to any other line" — the 1915 WN wording is precise and deliberate. Raleigh opened **30 August 1915** as the southern terminus of the Coffs Harbour–Raleigh section — described in the WN as "isolated and not connected to any other line at present, but will form part of the North Coast line when latter is completed." Circular No. 207 of 1915; Signal and Interlocking arrangements per circular and diagrams. Substantial goods shed and 5-tonne crane at opening; 137.16-metre Up timber platform. 10-tonne crane added 1922 for log handling. New 386-metre interlocked loop laid in **19 March 1923** — same date as the Raleigh–Urunga extension opening (Circular No. 62 of 1923). A crew rest house was built in 1943 — Raleigh was a busy wartime loco crew changeover point for Casino crews. Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 served as the Raleigh base diagram until at least 1975 (amended W.N. 7–1975 for a siding provision); also amended at Dalhousie Creek closure in 1963. Producers' Distributing Society Siding and Norco CDA Branch Siding associated with Raleigh yard. After the Dorrigo Branch closed in 1972 following washaways, Raleigh became one of two railheads for the Dorrigo district. Siding Provision — W.N. 7–1975
> **RALEIGH (NORTH COAST) — PROVISION [OF SIDING]** — [Works at Raleigh, date to be confirmed]. **Circular No. 19–2, Raleigh, of 1935**, and diagram attached, to be amended accordingly. (S.&C.) *(W.N. 7–1975)*
Raleigh, 1982 (Greg Lee)
Raleigh, September 1982 (Greg Lee)
Raleigh 1982 (Greg Lee)
48109+4502 pulling into the loop at Raleigh to cross with the up XPT, 4 September 1986. In those days I was always on the lookout for particular liveries and/or combinations. By chance while waiting to board the XPT, a 48 and 45 in reverse livery was a great catch. (Chris Harrison)
The location of the one-time Raleigh Station. Opened in 1915, closed 1974, buildings demolished in 1990 (Philip Overton)
Grant Douch states "My parents owned the bus that use to pick up the mail and parcels and passengers from Raleigh station and take them to Dorrigo where we lived in the early 70s"
This is Raleigh on 12 December 1983. Unlike nearby Sawtell and Urunga, this station was not replaced after demolition in the 1990s. The sign says "Alight here for Bellingen", which is about 12 kms away by road. (Peter Burr)
Raleigh (undated, Allan Sharp)
Raleigh in the 1930s
Raleigh in the 1930s
Opening of the Coffs Harbour to Raleigh section, 30/08/1915
School train at Raleigh - last run
Raleigh station circa 1985 (Colin Sutton)
Raleigh railway yard, by Joyce Hill
Raleigh station, mid 80s (Colin Sutton)
Raleigh, 1950s
Raleigh School kids at Raleigh Station, Carolyn Sutton on far right ( C late 1970's )
Raleigh producers shed
Raleigh, mid 1980s (Colin Sutton)
Raleigh early C1980's ,new CTC building just finished
Location of Raleigh (Six Maps)
Parcel tickets, Raleigh
Raleigh in 1990, it closed shortly after this photo was taken
S.M's office Raleigh Station 1989/90 (Colin Sutton)
Various buildings at Raleigh
Raleigh (undated)
Painting by Joyce Hill,from Raleigh railway stockyards
Raleigh station, 1922 (John Power)
48109+4502 pulling into the loop at Raleigh to cross with the up XPT, 4 September 1986. In those days I was always on the lookout for particular liveries and/or combinations. By chance while waiting to board the XPT, a 48 and 45 in reverse livery was a great catch. (Chris Harrison)
Raleigh Station Master's house,painted by Joyce Hill
Remnants of the old 60ft turntable pit that operated at Raliegh from August 1915 when the section Coffs Harbour to Raliegh was opened. (Scott Sashmo)
Milk tankers at Raleigh (Colin Sutton)
Raleigh (undated) (Colin Sutton)
The "Flying Scotsman "assisted by 3801 passes through Raleigh (Colin Sutton)
Raleigh (undated)
Raleigh (Colin Sutton)
Undated and uncredited drawing of Raleigh
Raleigh, 1950s (Colin Sutton)
No. 11 North Coast Mail at Raleigh (undated) (Colin Sutton).
Joyce Hill painting of milk tankers at Raleigh station
Misery (Coffs to Macksville school train), last trip 1957 - Raleigh (Colin Sutton)
Raleigh station, circa 1990 (Colin Sutton)
PDS stores, Raleigh yard, circa 1990 (Colin Sutton)
4458 northbound freight, Raleigh, NSW. September 1980
Raleigh goods shed (undated) Colin Sutton
Raleigh - demolition of goods shed (Colin Sutton)
Up goods at Raleigh - 20/08/1993 (Neil Munro)
Up Goods at Raleigh - 3/8/1986 (Neil Munro)
N6 Express at Raleigh 20/11/1986 (Neil Munro)
Automatic staff exchanger at Raleigh (undated) (Colin Sutton)
4602 at Raleigh on the 6-09-1998 having being detached the previous evening off 1627 8233 8218 4602 42103 (42103 returning to Casino after traction motor repairs @ Werris Creek)
Greg Riddel.
4602 at Raleigh the siding to the right goes to the Milk Factory 🥛 by the river which is long disconnected but the points remain in situ.
Greg Riddel.
4602's final destination revealed next to the near side door.
Greg Riddel.
No 11. North Coast mail pulls out of Raleigh station. (Colin Sutton)
First train to Coffs Harbour at Raleigh, 1915
By the time the signal box was brought into use, the Type F design was not being used for new installations. RT Taaffe
Raleigh, looking south. (Ken Date)
Raleigh, looking north. The former station was on the same side of the line as the CTC equipment building. (Ken Date)
4602 for Dorrigo in the siding at Raleigh which was also being used to drop off cement wagons for the highway upgrade at the time.
6-09-98
Greg Riddel
# Raleigh (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1915–1983
---
**Type:** Station (Closed — de-manned June 1990, closed 1993) / Crossing Loop (386 metres — in use; 285-metre loop siding)
**Line:** North Coast Line (Nambucca Heads–Raleigh / Raleigh–Bonville sections; originally Coffs Harbour–Raleigh isolated section)
**Distance from Sydney:** 586.455 km
**Location:** -30.453554, 153.017751
**Opened:** **30 August 1915** — Coffs Harbour–Raleigh section; isolated section not connected to any other line; Circular No. 207 of 1915; loop provided at opening
**Station de-manned:** June 1990
**Station closed:** 1993
**Status:** Station closed; loop in use
**Name meaning:** Possibly after a city in the USA; possibly after the Parish of Raleigh
**Platform:** 137.16-metre Up side at opening; timber platform building — men's and ladies waiting rooms, SM's office, men's toilet and out-of-room
**Goods shed:** Substantial goods shed provided at opening
**5-tonne crane:** Provided at opening
**10-tonne crane (log handling):** Added **1922**
**New 386-metre interlocked loop:** **19 March 1923** (simultaneously with Raleigh–Urunga extension opening)
**Crew rest house:** Built **1943** — major loco crew changeover point during WWII; Casino crews changed over at Raleigh
**Stockyards demolished:** **1 September 1983** (per your notes)
**Turntable foundations:** Still exist on site
**Circular:** No. 207 of 1915 (opening); No. 62 of 1923 (Raleigh–Urunga opening); No. 19–2 of 1935 (Raleigh base diagram — referenced to 1963 and 1975)
**Raleigh–Bonville section:** Created when Bonville loop opened (date to be confirmed in Bonville entry); Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 amended (W.N. 7–1975)
**ETS sections (1982):** Nambucca Heads–Raleigh and Raleigh–Bonville (both retained post-CTC conversion)
**Motor-operated points:** **25 October 1982** — Up Home signals Nos. 2, 3 and 5 removed; new Up Home signal No. 4 at 586.871 km; Down Starting signals Nos. 11M and 11L; route control relay interlocking panel; emergency release keys; track lights; ETS Nambucca Heads–Raleigh and Raleigh–Bonville retained; call indicators at Down Starting and Up Second Home signals; diagram in centre pages (W.N. 42 and 43–1982; S&C 126170)
**ETS Raleigh–Bonville retained post-May 1983** — signalmen required to issue written notices (W.N. — 1983)
**Producers' Distributing Society Siding (Raleigh):** Referenced in 1983 (Power's code 3360–1)
**Norco CDA Branch (Raleigh):** Referenced in 1985 — sidings associated with Raleigh station yard
**Dorrigo Branch railhead:** After Dorrigo Branch closure in 1972 (washaways), Raleigh became one of two railheads for Dorrigo (along with Bellingen)
---
> **Notes:** Raleigh opened **30 August 1915** as the southern terminus of the Coffs Harbour–Raleigh section — described in the WN as "isolated and not connected to any other line at present, but will form part of the North Coast line when latter is completed." Circular No. 207 of 1915; Signal and Interlocking arrangements per circular and diagrams. Substantial goods shed and 5-tonne crane at opening; 137.16-metre Up timber platform. 10-tonne crane added 1922 for log handling.
>
> New 386-metre interlocked loop laid in **19 March 1923** — same date as the Raleigh–Urunga extension opening (Circular No. 62 of 1923). A crew rest house was built in 1943 — Raleigh was a busy wartime loco crew changeover point for Casino crews. Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 served as the Raleigh base diagram until at least 1975 (amended W.N. 7–1975 for a siding provision); also amended at Dalhousie Creek closure in 1963. Producers' Distributing Society Siding and Norco CDA Branch Siding associated with Raleigh yard. After the Dorrigo Branch closed in 1972 following washaways, Raleigh became one of two railheads for the Dorrigo district.
>
> Motor-operated points and colour light signals **Monday, 25 October 1982** — Up Home signals Nos. 2, 3 and 5 (bracket signal arrangement) removed; new Up Home No. 4 at 586.871 km; Down Starting Nos. 11M and 11L; route control relay interlocking panel; track lights; emergency release keys; ETS Nambucca Heads–Raleigh and Raleigh–Bonville retained (W.N. 42 and 43–1982). Post-2 May 1983 CTC introduction on Kempsey–Nambucca Heads: ETS Nambucca Heads–Raleigh and Raleigh–Bonville remained in force; signalmen at Nambucca Heads required to issue written notices with each staff for all trains on these sections (W.N. — 1983).
---
## 1915 — Opened 30 August 1915; Coffs Harbour–Raleigh Isolated Section; Circular No. 207
### Opening — W.N. — 1915; Circular No. 207 of 1915
> **Opening of New Line from Coff's Harbour to Raleigh (North Coast)** — On **Monday, 30th August, 1915**, the section of the North Coast line, between Coffs Harbour and Raleigh, will be opened for traffic, and the Signal and Interlocking arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 207 of 1915**, and diagrams attached thereto. This section is **isolated and not connected to any other line at present**, but will form part of the North Coast line when latter is completed. *(Source: 1915 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1919 — Section References; Loco. Junction Listed
### Section and Loco — 1919
> **Raleigh** — listed in section table; **Raleigh Loco. Junction** listed separately — confirming loco servicing facilities at opening. *(Source: 1919 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1920 — Nondaville Siding; Coffs Harbour–Raleigh Section; Traffic Working
### Traffic Working — 1920
> Coffs Harbour to Raleigh — working of traffic including Nondaville Siding (Coffs Harbour–Raleigh section). Station-master, Coffs Harbour, responsible for working of traffic between Raleigh [and Coffs Harbour]. *(Source: 1920 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1922 — 10-Tonne Crane Added for Log Handling
### 10-Tonne Crane — 1922
> **10-tonne crane added at Raleigh for log handling — 1922.** *(Source: your notes)*
---
## 1923 — 386-Metre Interlocked Loop — 19 March 1923; Raleigh–Urunga Extension; Circular No. 62
### New Loop — 19 March 1923
> **New 386-metre interlocked loop laid in at Raleigh — 19 March 1923** — simultaneously with opening of Raleigh–Urunga extension. *(Source: your notes; 1923 WN confirms Raleigh as key station in Raleigh–Urunga opening, Circular No. 62 of 1923)*
### Raleigh as Southern Boundary — 1923
> Raleigh closed as ETS and Crossing Station for Coffs Harbour–Raleigh section; new section Coffs Harbour–Urunga created (Circular No. 62 of 1923). *(Source: 1923 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1924 — Station-Master Coffs Harbour Responsible; Staff Key Working
### Traffic Working — 1924
> The Station-master, Coffs Harbour, will be responsible for the working of traffic between Raleigh [and Coffs Harbour]. When the Officer in charge [is absent], the Guard must ensure the Staff will not be required for shunting. *(Source: 1924 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1935 — Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 Issued (Raleigh Base Diagram)
### Base Diagram — Circular No. 19–2 of 1935
> **Circular No. 19–2, Raleigh, of 1935** — Raleigh base diagram issued. Referenced in Dalhousie Creek closure notices (W.N. 4 and 5–1963) and W.N. 7–1975 siding provision. *(Source: 1935 Weekly Notices; references in subsequent years)*
### Unattended Working Instructions — W.N. — 1935
> **Page 266 — Raleigh** — Working when Signal-box is unattended [instructions for indicator on Starting signals]. *(Source: 1935 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1940 — Frame 1-2; Raleigh–Coffs Harbour ETS; Telephone Office
### Frame 1-2 Altered — W.N. 14–1940
> No. 1 lever in Frame "1-2" will operate the facing point lock, and will be released by key on the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section **Raleigh–Coffs Harbour**. (S.&T.E. 39–278,674–W.&M.) *(W.N. 14–1940)*
### Telephone — 1940
> Since 1st July, 1940, the telephone in the Station-master's Office at Raleigh [amended]. *(Source: 1940 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1943 — Crew Rest House Built; Busy WWII Changeover Point
### Crew Rest House — 1943
> **Crew rest house built at Raleigh — 1943** — Raleigh was a major changeover point for Casino loco crews and was very busy during WWII. *(Source: your notes)*
---
## 1963 — Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 Amended on Dalhousie Creek Closure
### Circular Amended — W.N. 4 and 5–1963
> **Circular No. 19–2, Raleigh, of 1935** to be amended accordingly — consequent on Dalhousie Creek closure and reinstatement of Nambucca–Raleigh ETS section. *(W.N. 4 and 5–1963)*
---
## 1975 — Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 Amended; Siding Provision — W.N. 7–1975
### Siding Provision — W.N. 7–1975
> **RALEIGH (NORTH COAST) — PROVISION [OF SIDING]** — [Works at Raleigh, date to be confirmed]. **Circular No. 19–2, Raleigh, of 1935**, and diagram attached, to be amended accordingly. (S.&C.) *(W.N. 7–1975)*
---
## 1982 — Motor-Operated Points — 25 October 1982; New Up Home Signal at 586.871 km; Down Starting Nos. 11M and 11L
### Motor-Operated Points — W.N. 42 and 43–1982
> **Raleigh (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Monday, 25th October, 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 the crossing loop will be converted to motor operation and the mechanical Main line and loop signals will be replaced by colour light signals.
>
> **Mechanical signals removed:** No. 2 (Up Home Main), No. 3 (Up Second Home Main), No. 5 (Up Second Home Main to Loop) — removed; new **Up Home signal No. 4** provided at **586.871 km**.
>
> **Down Starting signals:** Nos. **11M** (Main) and **11L** (Loop) — provided.
>
> **Route Control Relay Interlocking Unit** — combined control panel and indicator diagram; track lights (red when occupied; yellow when points set; flash→steady when moving to set position).
>
> **Emergency release keys** — if releasing switch fails, key obtained from releasing lock and used to unlock No. 1 lever in ground frame; taking key from releasing lock causes all signals at Raleigh to show "stop."
>
> **Telephone Call Indicators** — near Down Starting signals and Up Second Home signals; flashing blue light and hooter.
>
> Electric train staff working remains on sections **Nambucca Heads–Raleigh** and **Raleigh–Bonville**; automatic staff exchangers remain.
>
> - Acceptance for Down train from Nambucca Heads: section clear to Up Starting signal No. 14
> - Acceptance for Up train from Bonville: section clear to Down Starting signals Nos. 11M and 11L
>
> Diagram in **centre pages** of this Weekly Notice. (S&C 126170.) *(W.N. 42 and 43–1982)*
---
## 1983 — ETS Nambucca Heads–Raleigh and Raleigh–Bonville Retained Post-2 May 1983
### ETS Retained — 1983
> Post-2 May 1983 CTC introduction (Kempsey–Nambucca Heads): ETS working on sections **Nambucca Heads–Raleigh**, **Raleigh–Bonville** and Bonville–Coffs Harbour remained in force. Signalmen at Nambucca Heads must issue written notice with every train staff advising driver that ETS working is in use on Nambucca Heads–Raleigh. ETS contact operated in Station Master's office at Nambucca Heads for Nambucca Heads–Raleigh section. *(Source: 1983 Weekly Notices)*
### Producers' Distributing Society Siding — 1983
> **Producers' Distributing Society's Siding (Raleigh)** — Power's code **3360–1**. *(Source: 1983 Weekly Notices — siding code list)*
---
## 1985 — Norco CDA Branch (Raleigh)
### Norco Siding — 1985
> **Norco CDA Branch (Raleigh)** — referenced in 1985 WN siding and private siding index. *(Source: 1985 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1989 — Distance Confirmed
### Distance Reference — 1989
> **586.455 km Raleigh** — listed in distance/location table. *(Source: 1989 Weekly Notices)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **30 August 1915** | **Opened** — Coffs Harbour–Raleigh isolated section; loop at opening; 137.16-metre Up platform; timber building; substantial goods shed; 5-tonne crane; Circular No. 207 of 1915 |
| **1922** | **10-tonne crane added** for log handling |
| **19 March 1923** | **New 386-metre interlocked loop** laid in — same date as Raleigh–Urunga extension opening (Circular No. 62 of 1923) |
| **1935** | **Circular No. 19–2 of 1935** (Raleigh base diagram) issued; unattended working instructions added |
| W.N. 14–1940 | Frame "1-2" altered — FPL released by Raleigh–Coffs Harbour Miniature ETS |
| **1943** | **Crew rest house built** — major WWII Casino crew changeover point |
| W.N. 4 and 5–1963 | Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 amended — consequent on Dalhousie Creek closure |
| 1972 | Dorrigo Branch closed (washaways) — Raleigh becomes one of two Dorrigo district railheads |
| **W.N. 7–1975** | Siding provision — Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 amended |
| **1 September 1983** | **Stockyards demolished** |
| **25 October 1982** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — Up Home signals Nos. 2, 3 and 5 removed; new Up Home No. 4 at 586.871 km; Down Starting Nos. 11M and 11L; track lights; emergency release keys; ETS Nambucca Heads–Raleigh and Raleigh–Bonville retained; call indicators; diagram centre pages (W.N. 42 and 43–1982; S&C 126170) |
| 2 May 1983 | CTC Kempsey–Nambucca Heads — ETS Nambucca Heads–Raleigh and Raleigh–Bonville **retained**; written notices required with every staff |
| **June 1990** | **Station de-manned** |
| **1993** | **Station closed** |
| Current | 386-metre crossing loop in use; 285-metre loop siding; turntable foundations on site |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1915–1983.*
*Note: Raleigh's 1915 opening as an "isolated" section — not connected to any other line — makes it one of only a handful of North Coast stations that opened in genuine isolation, awaiting connections in both directions. Circular No. 19–2 of 1935 served as the Raleigh base diagram for at least 40 years (1935–1975). The three-signal bracket arrangement at the Up end (Nos. 2, 3 and 5) removed at the 1982 CTC conversion — Main, Second Home Main and Second Home to Loop — is the most complex Up approach arrangement documented in the North Coast CTC conversion series.*