Type : Station
Line : Dorrigo Branch
Distance from Sydney : 721.700km
Location : -30.331511, 152.706477
Opened : 23 December 1924
Closed : 20 September 1975 (no trains since 1972)
Status : Closed
Name meaning : Aboriginal word "dondorrigo" meaning "stringy bark"
Notes : Platform is on the Down side. Watering facilities removed in 1935 and re-added 1937, removed 1967. Loop conveted to storage siding in 1936. 20 ton weighbridge install in 1947. Departmental Rest House sold in 1960. 5 ton crane decommissioned 1963. Opening of the Extension from Glenreagh to Dorrigo — On Tuesday, 23rd December, 1924, the extension of the line from Glenreagh to Dorrigo will be opened for traffic, in accordance with the instructions contained in Circular No. 584 of 1924 and diagrams attached thereto. (W.N. 52–1924)
Pages 19, 49 and 301 — Opening of the Extension from Glenreagh to Dorrigo (North Coast) — Since Tuesday, 23rd December, 1924, the Extension of the line from Glenreagh to Dorrigo has been open for traffic.
The line is unfenced, therefore Drivers must keep a sharp look-out for livestock that may be straying, so as to be prepared to reduce speed or stop, if necessary.
The following are the names of the stations, with their mileages from Sydney: [Glenreagh, Timber Top, Moleton, Lowanna, Ulong, Brooklana, Mulhearn's Siding, Briggsvale, Megan, Leigh, Dorrigo†††] (W.N. 53–1924)
Dorrigo††† — Station Distinguishing Number WGD 10; Mileage 449m 12c from Sydney; Weighbridge provided; Goods Shed provided; 1 Crane (jib); Livestock without engine: 5 trucks.
Station Master: 9.30 a.m.–1.0 p.m.; 2.0–5.0 p.m.; 7.0–8.30 p.m.
Porter: 5.0–6.0 a.m.; 7.0 a.m.–12 noon; 1.0–3.0 p.m. (W.N. 53–1924)
Insert — Potatoes ex Dorrigo: 15 bags to the ton. Delete — Potatoes ex Dorrigo to South Brisbane. (G.C. 3–42–85,801.) (W.N. 10–1943)
Megan–Dorrigo section closed; Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch sections table updated. Last trains to Dorrigo — 1972. (Source: 1972 Weekly Notices — sections table deletions)
Facilities at Opening
**Classification:** ††† (ETS station)
**Station Distinguishing Number:** WGD 10
**Weighbridge:** Provided
**Goods Shed:** Provided
**Crane:** 1 jib crane
**Livestock without engine:** 5 trucks
**Staff Receptacle:** Provided at Dorrigo (also at Glenreagh and Lowanna)
Peter Neve:
Only two enthusiasts' special trains were operated on the Glenreagh to Dorrigo branch before the line was closed and sold off to two Museum groups.
The first of these was on Saturday, 30/08/1964, was part of a Vintage Train operation to Murwillumbah. 5088 did the honours on this occasion while 5261 hauled a subsequent tour for the NSW Rail Transport Museum.
Here's two scanned slides of mine showing 5088 on the 1964 tour. One shows the small group of locals on the platform to witness the arrival of what I understand was the first steam-hauled train since dieselisation of the branch line in 1957, while the other shows the train waiting the departure time for the return to Glenreagh.
Fading memories brought back to life by these scanned slides!
Dorrigo station (recent photo) (uncredited)
31st August 1964, tour to Dorrigo (Doug Byron)
3028 and 5069 near Dorrigo 1986 (Chris Sim)
Greg Lee writes: 5069 being turned at Dorrigo after the reopening train arrived, 1986. I think that was the last time that 5069 steamed, almost 36 years ago now. 3028 steamed a couple of times afterwards for the filming of two movies.
Dorrigo Railway Station (circa 1970) (M. Fisher)
Dorrigo station in 2019 (uncredited)
4434 stands at Dorrigo on 28/3/63 (SRA Archives)
Dorrigo Station in 1972 - Just prior to closure of the line (SRA Archives)
4816 leads the last goods train out of Dorrigo in 1972 across the Bielsdown Bridge. The engine stayed in operation until 2016 and is currently stored at Junee. (Peter Holdom)
First train arrives at Dorrigo 27/9/24 (NSWGR
Construction of Dorrigo station (Destination Dorrigo)
A train approaches Dorrigo station on 30/08/1964 (Lindsay Bridge)
Dorrigo station in 1984 (Flickr)
DORRIGO STATION SRA PIC MALCOLM PAULL BOOK
Bullock team at Dorrigo Station in 1928 (SLNSW)
5088 at Dorrigo, 1964 (Lindsay Bridge)
Dorrigo Station looking towards Megan (1963 NSW State Archive collection)
Dorrigo Station, undated (uncredited)
Bielsdown River bridge under construction. (ND NSW State Archives collection)
Dorrigo station in 1985 (Philip Vergison)
Dorrigo, 1994 (uncredited)
Sydney Mail, 27/8/1924
5069 in the 1980s Dorrigo (Nick Pellier)
Dorrigo station, 1986 (Chris Sim)
The last steam train to operate on the Dorrigo line before closure. Photo taken near the Bielsdown River 1969 by Reg Maher
Dorrigo (undated, probaly 60s or 60s) - view is across the Bielsdown River to the mill next to the station - the station is top left.
5261 approaches Dorrigo mid 1960s on a tour train (uncredited)
Location of Dorrigo station (Six Maps)
Dorrigo, 1946, roads construction camp in front of the station.
Chris Harrison:
A chance search for something else turned up a very convenient image in relation to the beautiful work of archivist John Forsyth, recently posted in stages by Greg Lee. The first image and close up is from the colour book COUNTRY RAILWAY STATIONS NSW Vol 4, and is taken by Michael Schrader. It shows the 1964 tour to Dorrigo with 5088 having arrived in Dorrigo.
We are fortunate that Michael took this image as it reveals a good deal of the activity which took place after the train arrived. 5088 has moved to the coal stage and would most likely be proceeding to the turntable. This raises a number of questions. The John Forsyth image clearly shows that 5088 was being rewatered with one of the open end carriages attached. The elephant trunk gib is only located on the "main line" side of the tank. This could only mean that the first two carriages were shunted off, and then 5088 coupled up to the open end cars and then proceeded to take water. But then the whole train would seem to be remarshalled back the same way before 5088 was turned. What movements were carried out that day and why is a bit of a mystery so far. Anyone know what occurred? My only thought was that the open end cars were intended to be on the tail end of the train to give excellent viewing scenes from the back, but for some reason it did not end up being so for the return run.
Other interesting features are potentially a healthy number of wagons in the goods yard, and quite a number of spectators around, particularly the passengers watching 5088. There also would appear to be some youngsters standing at a safe distance at right of the yard.
Dorrigo station (recent photo - 2021 ) (uncredited)
Dorrigo branch, 11 years after closure 1st photo at Dorrigo station ..the second picture is a bit further down, at the road crossing at Arthur Billings farm, a couple of hundred metres before the Bielsdown bridge. You can see the big landslip in the background,,,the one that caused the trains to be terminated at Megan for some months.
Dorrigo station and Taylor's Mill (1960s)
Dorrigo station, 1990
Dorrigo station. From a set marked "Dorrigo Timber Series, March 1946". (SLNSW)
Dorrigo, March 1983 (Greg Lee)
Dorrigo goods shed
Dorrigo
Tour train at Dorrigo, 30/08/1964
Dorrigo, between 1972 when the line fell into disuse and 1975 when the line closed.
Dorrigo, 19/10/1953
Chris Harrison :
A recently posted image of a 44 in Dorrigo yard would seem to have surprised a number of people by the presence of large Alco power on the line once. One source of history notes that the 44's were a drivers favourite on the line. For all diesel operations on the line during regular service, it would appear that 44's and 48's were the mainstay (according to one source). But apparently the working timetable of 1979 listed the following classes as also permitted for use on the line: 422, 43, 421, 45, 49, and 47, and also 70 and 73. Interesting to consider that timing as no loco would have been allowed to operate on the line considering that it had been disused for 7 years. Also interesting to consider is that the one class missing off the list is the 42, and this was the first diesel (4206) type back on the line in the 1980's. In these images from the NSW State Archives, we see 4434 in Dorrigo yard, 28 March, 1963. There was until tonight (thank you Greg Lee!) only one other image I had ever seen of a 44 on the line, at Timber Top. Might we be lucky in future for more?
Greg Lee :
Here's one for youse... This photo is from Marie Howlett, daughter of Vince Shipman who is the driver, on the left. I believe the fireman is Ron Kane. The lady in the cab is Lena Waugh nee Gill.
Peter Lee:
Another photo from Marie Howlett's collection, this time 4816 on the turntable at Dorrigo. The driver is Vince Shipman, the fireman (in the cab) is Ron Kane and the Guard (squatting) is Lindsay Walters. The Station Master has not been identified.
A black and white version of this photo appears in Malcolm Paull's book, "The Glenreagh to Dorrigo Branch Railway", and is credited to Peter Holdom. According to Malcolm Paull this was the last train to Dorrigo, in October 1972 and if that is the case then it was fortunate that Peter chose to travel on and record this train. There are two other photos of this train in Malcolm Paull's book, and two to come from Marie Howlett's collection. Thanks to Beth Scaysbrook.
The building crew of the Dorrigo Railway Station. Grandfather of the original poster (in our sister group "Old Dorrigo") Norman Graham is sitting on the pile of gravel/sand. (Lynda Sheen)
Dorrigo station, September 1978 (State Archives)
Dorrigo station, undated, likely a tour train (State Archives)
Dorrigo home signal (Allan Black)
Approach to Dorrigo station as viewed from the home signal, 1981 (not credited)
Dorrigo (31/8/2024 Lance Lyon)
Dorrigo Station, sorry no trains today.
Circa 1990's
Photo late Ray Price
Ready to depart ? No there will be some delay.
Circa 1996 (Greg Riddel)
7008
Circa 1996 (Greg Riddel)
Grasslands
Circa 1996 (Greg Riddel)
6039
Circa 1996 (Greg Riddel)
Weigh bridge
Circa 1990's
Photo late Ray Price
Dorrigo signal box was the most common Type K1 signal box. Like Brogans Creek the windows had the glazing incorporated into
the slabs. The roof was a steeper pitch that normal. RT Taaffe
# Dorrigo (Dorrigo Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1924–1975
---
**Type:** Station (Closed)
**Line:** Dorrigo Branch (terminus of Glenreagh–Dorrigo line)
**Distance from Sydney:** 721.700 km (Mileage **449m 12c** — per 1924 opening accommodation table)
**Location:** -30.331511, 152.706477
**Opened:** **Tuesday, 23 December 1924** — terminus of Glenreagh–Dorrigo extension; Circular No. 584 of 1924 (W.N. 52–1924); confirmed W.N. 53–1924
**Closed:** **20 September 1975** (per your notes; no trains since 1972)
**Status:** Closed
### Signalling at Opening (1924)
**Signal-box A:** Down Home signal worked from Signal-box A; **Landmark** in lieu of Distant signal
**Frame B:** Staff Drawer Lock released by Miniature ETS direct for section **Lowanna–Dorrigo**; Regulation (e)
**Frames C and D** and **Lever E:** No. 1 Lever in Frames C and D and Lever E unlocked by key from lock on **No. 3 Lever in Signal-box A**; Regulation (g)
### Facilities at Opening
**Classification:** ††† (ETS station)
**Station Distinguishing Number:** WGD 10
**Weighbridge:** Provided
**Goods Shed:** Provided
**Crane:** 1 jib crane
**Livestock without engine:** 5 trucks
**Staff Receptacle:** Provided at Dorrigo (also at Glenreagh and Lowanna)
**Station Master hours:** 9.30 a.m.–1.0 p.m.; 2.0–5.0 p.m.; 7.0–8.30 p.m.
**Porter hours:** 5.0–6.0 a.m.; 7.0 a.m.–12 noon; 1.0–3.0 p.m.
### ETS Sections
| Period | Sections |
|--------|---------|
| **23 December 1924** | Glenreagh–Lowanna (Type A, 1–20); Lowanna–Dorrigo (Type A, 1–20) |
| **25 November 1925** | Lowanna–Megan (Type B); **Megan–Dorrigo** (Type B) — Circular No. 589 of 1925 |
| **1950 (washaway)** | Megan–Dorrigo **suspended** from 6 November 1950 |
| **1972** | Final train; Dorrigo–Megan suspended |
### Telephone
**No. 71 North Circuit** at opening: Glenreagh – Timber Top – Moleton – Lowanna – Ulong – Megan – **Dorrigo**
### Load Sections (1940)
- Dorrigo→Briggsvale: **230 tons** (Down)
- Briggsvale→Dorrigo: **230 tons** (Up)
- Maximum load two 19-class engines Moleton→Glenreagh (1950): **500 tons**
### Engine Classes
- **1940**: 50-class engines permitted on Glenreagh–Dorrigo section; maximum speed 20 mph; sectional running times as for 19-class (W.N. 48–1940)
- **1950 (washaway period)**: 19-class engines with bogie tenders only, Glenreagh–Megan; tender first on Down journey
- **1961**: 48-class engines added to Dorrigo–Glenreagh running times table (W.N. — 1961)
### Key Events
**1950 Washaway — Megan–Dorrigo closed:** Since 6 November 1950 — Glenreagh–Dorrigo line re-opened for goods traffic only between Glenreagh and Megan; Megan–Dorrigo ETS suspended; Megan became temporary terminal station; 19-class engines only (W.N. 46–1950)
**Station closed:** **20 September 1975** — all references deleted W.N. 38–1975 alongside other Dorrigo Branch stations (ref. C1 75 2414)
**Horses and vehicles loading:** Dorrigo Line — delete all reference W.N. 38–1975 (ref. C1 75 2414)
**Unfenced line:** At opening, all Drivers instructed to keep sharp look-out for livestock straying on unfenced line
**Potatoes ex Dorrigo:** Deleted from rates book W.N. 10–1943 (ref. G.C. 3–42–85,801)
**50-class engines on Glenreagh–Dorrigo:** Permitted from W.N. 1–1940/W.N. 48–1940 — maximum speed 20 mph; running times same as 19-class
---
> **Notes:** Dorrigo opened as the terminus of the Glenreagh–Dorrigo extension on 23 December 1924. Signal-box A; Landmark in lieu of Distant; Frame B (Staff Drawer Lock; Lowanna–Dorrigo ETS; Regulation e); Frames C and D and Lever E (lock on No. 3 Lever Signal-box A; Regulation g). Facilities: weighbridge, goods shed, jib crane, staff receptacle. Station Master and Porter with specified hours. Livestock capacity 5 trucks without engine. The unfenced line required Drivers to watch for straying livestock.
>
> The Megan–Dorrigo section was suspended from 6 November 1950 (washaway) — for an extended period Megan served as the terminus and Dorrigo was cut off. The upper branch above Megan was not re-opened for regular traffic after the washaway. No trains reached Dorrigo after 1972; the station was formally closed 20 September 1975. All references deleted W.N. 38–1975.
---
## 1924 — Opened 23 December 1924; Signal-box A; Frames B, C, D and Lever E; Circular No. 584
### Opening — W.N. 52 and 53–1924; Circular No. 584 of 1924
> **Page 301 — Opening of the Extension from Glenreagh to Dorrigo** — On **Tuesday, 23rd December, 1924**, the extension of the line from Glenreagh to Dorrigo will be opened for traffic, in accordance with the instructions contained in **Circular No. 584 of 1924** and diagrams attached thereto. *(W.N. 52–1924)*
> **Pages 19, 49 and 301 — Opening of the Extension from Glenreagh to Dorrigo (North Coast)** — Since Tuesday, 23rd December, 1924, the Extension of the line from Glenreagh to Dorrigo has been open for traffic.
>
> The line is **unfenced**, therefore Drivers must keep a sharp look-out for livestock that may be straying, so as to be prepared to reduce speed or stop, if necessary.
>
> The following are the names of the stations, with their mileages from Sydney: [Glenreagh, Timber Top, Moleton, Lowanna, Ulong, Brooklana, Mulhearn's Siding, Briggsvale, Megan, Leigh, **Dorrigo†††**] *(W.N. 53–1924)*
### Dorrigo Signalling — 1924
> **DORRIGO** —
>
> **Signal-box "A"** — The Down Home signal is worked from Signal-box "A." A **Landmark** is provided in lieu of a Distant signal.
>
> **Frame "B"** — Frame "B" is fitted with a **Staff Drawer Lock**, released by Miniature Electric Train Staff direct for the section **Lowanna–Dorrigo**, and must be operated in accordance with **Regulation (e)** of Weekly Notice No. 34 of 1921.
>
> **Frames "C" and "D"** and **Lever "E"** — No. 1 Lever in Frames "C" and "D" and Lever "E" are unlocked by key from the lock on **No. 3 Lever in Signal-box "A"**, and must be operated in accordance with **Regulation (g)** of Weekly Notice No. 37 of 1920. *(W.N. 53–1924; Circular No. 584 of 1924)*
### Accommodation Table — 1924
> **Dorrigo†††** — Station Distinguishing Number **WGD 10**; Mileage **449m 12c** from Sydney; **Weighbridge** provided; **Goods Shed** provided; **1 Crane** (jib); Livestock without engine: **5 trucks**.
>
> **Station Master:** 9.30 a.m.–1.0 p.m.; 2.0–5.0 p.m.; 7.0–8.30 p.m.
> **Porter:** 5.0–6.0 a.m.; 7.0 a.m.–12 noon; 1.0–3.0 p.m. *(W.N. 53–1924)*
### Staff Receptacle — 1924
> **Staff Receptacles** are provided at Glenreagh, **Lowanna** and **Dorrigo**, and the method of working is in accordance with the instructions contained in Weekly Notice No. 3 of 1924. *(W.N. 53–1924)*
### Telephone Circuit — 1924
> **No. 71 North Circuit**: Glenreagh — Timber Top — Moleton — Lowanna — Ulong — Megan — **Dorrigo**. *(W.N. 53–1924)*
### ETS Sections at Opening — 1924
> - **Glenreagh–Lowanna**: Type A; Staffs Nos. 1–20
> - **Lowanna–Dorrigo**: Type A; Staffs Nos. 1–20
>
> *(Source: 1924 Weekly Notices — accommodation table)*
---
## 1940 — 50-Class Engines Permitted on Glenreagh–Dorrigo; Load Tables
### 50-Class Engines — W.N. 48–1940
> **Lines over which Various Classes of Engines may Run — Glenreagh–Dorrigo Section** — Commencing at once, engines of the **50 class** may be permitted to run singly on the section Glenreagh–Dorrigo, subject to a maximum speed of **20 miles per hour** and strict observance of permanent speed restrictions. The sectional running times at present prescribed for 19-class engines will apply to 50-class engines. (C.T.M. 40–51,070.) *(W.N. 48–1940)*
### Load Sections — 1940
> **Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch — Down:**
> - Glenreagh–Lowanna: 230 tons; Lowanna–Ulong: 330 tons; Ulong–Brooklana: 450 tons; Brooklana–Dorrigo [Briggsvale]: 330 tons; Briggsvale–Megan: 230 tons; Megan–Dorrigo: 230 tons
>
> *(Source: 1940 Weekly Notices — engine load table)*
---
## 1943 — Potatoes ex Dorrigo Rate Deleted
### Potatoes Rate Deleted — W.N. 10–1943
> **Insert** — Potatoes ex Dorrigo: 15 bags to the ton. **Delete** — Potatoes ex Dorrigo to South Brisbane. (G.C. 3–42–85,801.) *(W.N. 10–1943)*
---
## 1950 — Megan–Dorrigo Section Suspended; 19-Class Engines Only; Temporary Terminal at Megan
### Megan–Dorrigo Suspended — W.N. 46–1950
> **The Electric Train Staff Section, Megan–Dorrigo, is suspended until further notice.**
>
> 19-class engines fitted with **bogie tenders only** will be employed to haul goods trains between Glenreagh and Megan. Three engines of this type are being made available at Glenreagh for the working. It will be necessary for **tender first working** to be performed in one direction — to be carried out on the Down journey.
>
> The maximum load for two 19-class engines from Moleton to Glenreagh will be **500 tons**. *(W.N. 46–1950)*
---
## 1972 — Final Trains; Section References Updated
### Glenreagh–Dorrigo Section Closure — 1972
> Megan–Dorrigo section closed; Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch sections table updated. **Last trains to Dorrigo — 1972.** *(Source: 1972 Weekly Notices — sections table deletions)*
---
## 1975 — All Local Appendix References Deleted — W.N. 38–1975
### All References Deleted — W.N. 38–1975
> **Page 174 — Stations and Platforms, etc. — Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch** — Delete Timber Top, Lowanna, Ulong, Brooklana, Lloyd, Cascade, Briggsvale, Megan, Leigh and relevant distances. *(Note: Dorrigo itself deleted from Passenger Fares and Coaching Rates Book and Horses/Vehicles loading pages)* (C1 75 2414.) *(W.N. 38–1975)*
> **Page 186 — Stations at Which Horses and Vehicles may be Loaded and Unloaded — Dorrigo Line** — Delete all reference. (C1 75 2414.) *(W.N. 38–1975)*
> **Page 68** — Delete Dorrigo and relevant particulars. *(W.N. 38–1975)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **23 December 1924** | **Opened** as terminus of Glenreagh–Dorrigo extension; Signal-box A; Frames B (Staff Drawer Lock; Regulation e), C, D and Lever E (No. 3 Lever lock; Regulation g); Landmark; Weighbridge; Goods Shed; Jib crane; 5-truck livestock capacity; Staff Receptacle; Telephone Circuit No. 71; WGD 10; Mileage 449m 12c; **Circular No. 584 of 1924** |
| **25 November 1925** | Megan–Dorrigo section (Type B) — section split; Circular No. 589 of 1925 |
| **W.N. 48–1940** | 50-class engines permitted — max 20 mph; running times as 19-class |
| **6 November 1950** | **Megan–Dorrigo ETS suspended** — washaway; Megan became temporary terminal; 19-class engines only (W.N. 46–1950) |
| **1972** | **Last trains to Dorrigo** |
| **20 September 1975** | **Station formally closed** |
| **W.N. 38–1975** | All references deleted — Passenger Fares, Horses/Vehicles loading, stations table (ref. C1 75 2414) |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1924–1975.*
*Note: Dorrigo's signalling at opening was the most complex on the Dorrigo Branch — Signal-box A with four frames and a lever (B, C, D and Lever E), compared to Lowanna's two frames with Duplex Lock and the simple Staff Drawer Lock arrangements at all other intermediate stations. The three Lever/Frame groups (Signal-box A controlling Down Home signal; Frame B — Staff Drawer Lock for section staff; Frames C and D and Lever E — goods sidings and other movements) reflect the terminus functions at Dorrigo. The unfenced line warning at opening is unique — while the main North Coast line had been operating for years, the Dorrigo Branch opened into more remote pastoral country where livestock straying was a genuine operational hazard from the first day.*