Type : Station and crossing loop
Station Number : NC3
Distance from Sydney : 203.500km
Location : -32.668310, 151.584537
Opened : Opened as Dunmore 14 August 1911, renamed Mindaribba 1st April 1912, closed prior to June 1985 and re-opened.
Closed : n/a
Status : In use
Name meaning : Aboriginal word meaning "hunter"
Notes : Originally a 76.2 metre platform with a B2 waiting shed, C1 water closet with urinal at ground level on the Down end of the yard. 27/11/1933 central interlocked crossing loop with a loading bank added. 17/6/1985 station demolished. New station is a very short platform with no facilities. 5/8/2009 loop extended to 1598 metres. At opening a platform was provided on the Down side, and a Loop Siding on the Up side of the Main Line. The Facing Points in the Main Line and the Catch Points at each end of the siding were secured by Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements. Goods siding abolished 2nd March 1942. 1985 — Station Demolished 17 June 1985. New platform is on the Up side of the line.
Mindaribba (free use image)
5910 + 5920 north of Mindaribba on the North Coast Line with a NSW Rail Transport Museum tour train to Martins Creek, 13/8/1972 ((c) highlandrob306)
From April 1912, station renaming.
Mindaribba, 1977 (copyright on photo)
The local control panel at Mindaribba. (2003)
[Copyright: David Sweeney ]
Mindaribba (undated, uncredited)
Mindaribba first aid box
Mindaribba (Feb, 1955) (Maitland Library)
6042, down, Mindaribba, 26 November 1972. Excursion to Martins Creek
Mindaribba 15/6/85 (John Parker)
Mindaribba, 1933 layout
Mindaribba signal box, undated, uncredited
Location of Mindaribba (Google Maps)
Mindaribba, 30/6/2020 (Stephen Joseph Miller)
Ken Date - Some views of Mindaribba station. The original station (long demolished) was on the opposite side of the line. I'm not sure about that satellite dish! An unimaginable item during the electric staff era.
20/01/2022
Mindaribba, undated (Stephen Joseph Miller)
Mindaribba, March 1977 (copyright on photo)
Mindaribba 30/6/2020 (Stephen Joseph Miller)
Mindaribba, 4/3/2019 (Rob Rouse)
Mindaribba, 2021 (Stephen Lyons)
A southbound freight hauled by a 44 class diesel (is it 4445?) waits in the loop to cross two-car diesel railcar set 623/723 on a northbound Newcastle to Dungog train at Mindaribba, NSW, November 1, 1984.
6042, down, Mindaribba, 26 November 1972. Excursion to Martins Creek (John Currey)
5920 NO109 goods at Mindaribba (undated)
Mindaribba, 1968
Miniature electric staff, Mindaribba
Mindaribba signal box
SPER tour train at Mindaribba, 12/10/1968
4/10/1993 - N35 crosses N36 at Mindaribba (Munro Collection)
5920 operating tender first and leading 109 Goods passes Mindaribba, 20/6/1970 (Munro)
3661 - Down light engine passing through Mindaribba, 24/9/1966 (Munro)
3046 Up special passenger and 623/723 at Mindaribba, 1968 (Munro)
Mindaribba signal box interior, undated (Booth Collection)
18/3/1983 - N10 passing Mindaribba (Munro Collection)
Mindaribba location (hi res)
Mindaribba, 1983 (dunedoo)
Down freight at Mindaribba, 1983 (dunedoo)
Up passenger at Mindaribba, 19836 (dunedoo)
5132 #111 empty ballast Mindarriba June 1972. (Dennis Mitchell)
NT32 stopped at Mindaribba 17/12/2024. Point of interest at this platform is that the angled section closest to the train is an extension of the original which ended at the short horizontal white fence. This was added when the loop was extended and the mainline was straightrailed around 2004/5.
(Steve Shotton)
View from NT-36, the Up "Grafton XPT at Mindaribba showing the new crossing loop at right and the relocated platform now serving the main line. Previously (prior to August 2009) the loop was to the left of the main line and the platform served the loop track. Monday, 1-2-2010. (Graeme Kirkby)
A view from NT-36, Up "Grafton XPT" approaching the newly (August 2009) extended North end of Mindaribba crossing loop. (1562 metres.) A Down "Hunter" rail car to Dungog waits in the loop. Monday, 1-2-2010. (Graeme Kirkby)
Signal box opened when Mindaribba was brought into use as an Electric Staff and crossing station to
divide the section Telarah to Paterson. With pre CTC phase brought into use in March 1982, the interlocking machine was replaced by an One Control Switch (OCS) type relay interlocking panel. The panel was initially located in the signal box, but when remote control (CTC) was transferred to Broadmeadow the panel was designated an emergency panel and transferred to the Traffic Room in the Relay building.
A standard Type K signal box constructed on the end of the platform as a result of which there was no nameboard applied to the building. The tripod shaped device in the front of the signal box was the wash basin stand. RT Taaffe
The unassuming entrance to Mindaribba in 2026
# Mindaribba (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1911–1989
---
**Type:** Station and Crossing Loop
**Line:** North Coast Line (Telarah–Mindaribba / Mindaribba–Paterson sections)
**Station Number:** NC3
**Distance from Sydney:** 203.500 km (203.462 km per 1985 Weekly Notices)
**Location:** -32.668310, 151.584537
**Opened:** 14 August 1911 as **Dunmore** (with opening of Maitland–Dungog line)
**Renamed:** Mindaribba — **1 April 1912** (W.N. — 1912)
**Closed:** Prior to 17 June 1985 (station demolished); re-opened; closed 15 August 2009; re-opened 25 August 2009 on opposite side
**Status:** In use
**Name meaning:** Aboriginal word meaning "hunter"
**Station Brand:** DMR (as Dunmore)
**Platform (original):** 76.2-metre Down side platform; timber B2 standard waiting shed; Cl water closet with urinal at ground level, Down end of yard
**Goods Siding:** Up side loop siding at opening (Lever and Bracket Lock); replaced by 2-lever Frames A and B (20 January 1933); abolished **2 March 1942** (Frames B and C removed)
**Loop opened:** 27 November 1933 — central interlocked crossing loop with loading bank added
**Circular:** No. 556–11 of 1933 (Mindaribba base diagram — amended at goods siding abolition 1942)
**Loop extended:** 5 August 2009 to 1,598 metres
---
> **Notes:** Mindaribba opened as Dunmore on 14 August 1911 with a Down side platform and an Up side loop siding secured by Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements (keyed to the Ordinary Train Staff for the section West Maitland–Paterson). No person was in charge. Renamed **Mindaribba** from 1 April 1912 (the station was at Mileage 27.0 from Newcastle on the West Maitland–Dungog Line).
>
> On 20 January 1933 the Lever and Bracket Locks were replaced by two new 2-lever Frames A and B. On 27 November 1933 Mindaribba was opened as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station, with the Telarah–Paterson section cancelled and replaced by Telarah–Mindaribba and Mindaribba–Paterson. A crossing loop (1,321 feet) and loading bank were added (Circular No. 556–11 of 1933).
>
> The goods siding was abolished on 2 March 1942 — Frames B and C removed. On 1 March 1982 the mechanical interlocking machine was replaced by a route control relay interlocking panel and motor-operated points as a preliminary to CTC. Electric Train Staff working on Telarah–Mindaribba and Mindaribba–Paterson remained until the introduction of Telarah–Kilbride CTC (1982). The automatic staff exchanging equipment remained available until CTC introduction.
>
> The station was demolished on 17 June 1985. The loop was extended to 1,598 metres on 5 August 2009. The station closed 15 August 2009 and re-opened on the opposite side on 25 August 2009.
---
## 1911 — Opened as Dunmore; Station Brand DMR; Lever and Bracket Locks; Green Disc Required
### Maitland–Dungog Line Opened — 14 August 1911
> **Station sequence at opening:**
> West Maitland to Marshalling Yard — 9 miles; Oakhampton — 3 miles; **Dunmore — 6 miles**; Paterson — 12 miles; Martin's Creek — 16 miles. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*
### Station Brand — DMR — 1911
> **Dunmore — DMR** (station distinguishing brand allotted at opening). *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*
### Working Instructions — Unattended; Green Disc Required — 1911
> All consignments for Oakhampton, **Dunmore**, Martin's Creek, Hilldale, Wallarobba and Wiragulla must be prepaid and consigned under **platform conditions**. Passengers must **exhibit to the Driver a green disc by day, and light the lamp at night** to be picked up. Guards must ascertain if passengers wish to alight at intermediate platforms. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*
### Lever and Bracket Lock Arrangements — 1911
> **The Facing Points in the Main Line and the Catch Points at each end of the siding are secured by Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements.**
>
> The Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements at Oakhampton and **Dunmore** must be worked in accordance with Regulation "E" on page 27 of the General Appendix, the Bracket Locks being unlocked by key on the Ordinary Train Staff for the section **West Maitland–Paterson**. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1912 — Renamed Mindaribba — 1 April 1912
### Name Altered — W.N. — 1912
> **Alteration to Name of Dunmore (Dungog Line)** — Commencing **1st April, 1912**, the name of Dunmore Railway Station, situated at Mileage **27.0 from Newcastle**, on the West Maitland–Dungog Line, will be **"Mindaribba."** *(W.N. — 1912 — published three times)*
---
## 1913 — Goods Shunting Times
### Pick-up Goods — 1913
> No. 17 Goods: **Mindaribba, 5 minutes**; Martin's Creek, 10 minutes; Wallarobba, 15 minutes. *(Source: 1913 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1920 — Pick-up Goods; Combined with Oakhampton
### Pick-up Goods — 1920
> No. 110: **Twelve minutes allowed to work Oakhampton and Mindaribba** (combined allowance). *(Source: 1920 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1924 — Goods Shunting Times; Listed as Unattended
### Pick-up Times — 1924
> - No. 141 Goods: **Mindaribba, 7 minutes**; Oakhampton, 10 minutes; Martin's Creek Metal Quarry Sidings, 15 minutes
> - No. 109 Pick-up: **Oakhampton 10 minutes, Mindaribba [5 minutes]**
> - **Mindaribba\*** — listed with asterisk (unattended) in station sequence
*(Source: 1924 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1933 — Lever and Bracket Locks Replaced by 2-lever Frames — 20 January 1933; Crossing Loop Opened 27 November 1933
### Lever and Bracket Locks Replaced by 2-Lever Frames — W.N. 3–1933
> **Mindaribba (North Coast) — Replacing Levers and Bracket Locks by Two-lever Frames** — On **Friday, 20th January, 1933**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., Levers and Bracket Locks "A" and "B," operating the connections at the Sydney and Grafton ends of the Loop Siding, will be replaced by new **2-lever Frames ("A" and "B" respectively)**, situated in the same positions.
>
> No. 1 lever in each Frame — facing point locks will be provided, and operated.
>
> The points in the Main line and Catch-points at each end of the Siding will be worked by **No. 2 lever in each** [Frame]. *(W.N. 3–1933)*
### Crossing Loop Opened — 27 November 1933; Electric Train Staff Station — W.N. 43 and 48–1933
> From Monday, **27th November, 1933**, No. 1 lever in Frames "A" and "E" will be unlocked by key on the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section **Telarah–Mindaribba**. *(W.N. 43–1933)*
>
> **Mindaribba (North Coast) — Opening as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station** — On **Monday, 27th November, 1933**, Mindaribba will be opened as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station, and the present Electric Train Staff section **Telarah–Paterson** cancelled.
>
> The new sections to be opened will be **Telarah–Mindaribba** and **Mindaribba–Paterson**. The complete arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 556–11 of 1933** and diagram attached thereto. *(W.N. 48–1933)*
### Crossing Loop Length and Loading Bank — W.N. 48–1933
> **Stations, Platforms and Sidings, North Coast Line — Mindaribba** — Add **"1321"** to column headed "Crossing Loop," and alter reference to trucks under heading "Other Sidings" to read **"36."** *(W.N. 48–1933)*
> **Note:** 1,321 feet (approx. 403 metres) was the crossing loop length at opening. The "36 trucks" under Other Sidings and a loading bank were added with the crossing loop.
---
## 1942 — Goods Siding Abolished — 2 March 1942
### Goods Siding Abolished — W.N. 10–1942
> **Mindaribba (North Coast) — Abolition of Goods Siding** — Since **2nd March, 1942**, the Goods Siding at Mindaribba was abolished. **Frames "B" and "C" and connections were removed**.
>
> Circular No. 556–11 of 1933 and diagram attached thereto to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 10–1942)*
### Station Marked as Platform Only — W.N. 10–1942
> **Pages 217 and 252 — Mindaribba (North Coast) — Abolition of Goods Siding** — Since 2nd March, 1942, the Goods Siding has been removed. Insert **(P)** alongside station name. *(W.N. 10–1942)*
---
## 1945 — Key Staffs Replaced by Ordinary Staffs — Telarah–Mindaribba
### Ordinary Staffs — 1 March 1945
> **Telarah–Mindaribba — Provision of Ordinary Train Staffs in Lieu of Key Staffs** — On 1st March, 1945, Key Staffs Nos. 1–43 inclusive were withdrawn and replaced by **Ordinary Staffs Nos. 1–8**. *(W.N. 10–1945)*
---
## 1946 — Automatic Staff Exchanger Positions
### Staff Exchanger Positions — 1946
> **Down Line — Mindaribba**: **26 feet from Sydney end of Platform**.
> **Up Line — Mindaribba**: Opposite Signal-box. *(Source: 1946 Weekly Notices — automatic staff exchanger positions)*
---
## 1950 — Additional ETS No. 52 on Telarah–Mindaribba; Power-worked Signals; Special Crossing Instructions
### Additional Miniature ETS No. 52 — 17 January 1950
> Additional Miniature Electric Train Staff No. **52** provided on section **Telarah–Mindaribba** (length 5m 34c). *(Source: 1950 Weekly Notices)*
### Power-worked Signals — 1950
> **Mindaribba** — The Up Home Signals, Nos. 3 and 6 — Electric Train Staff [released by].
>
> The existing Down Home signals, Nos. 31 and 28, and Up Starting signals, Nos. 5 and 10, will be replaced by **power-worked Upper Quadrant signals**. The Up Starting signals, Main No. 5 and Loop to Main No. 10, will be accepted [subject to staff working]. *(Source: 1950 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1982 — Conversion to Power-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — 1 March 1982
### Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — W.N. — 1982
> **Mindaribba (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Monday, 1st March, 1982**, between 7.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., as a preliminary to the introduction of centralised traffic control signalling on the North Coast line, the **Main line to loop points at each end of Mindaribba 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. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*
### Electric Train Staff Working Remains — 1982
> Electric Train Staff working will remain in use on the sections **Telarah–Mindaribba** and **Mindaribba–Paterson** and working within Mindaribba crossing station will be subject to the Electric Train Staff regulations.
>
> The **automatic staff exchanging equipment at Mindaribba will remain available** for use.
>
> A diagram showing the new signalling arrangements at Mindaribba appears in the centre pages of this Weekly Notice.
>
> **Telephones** — provided as shown on the diagram; all signal telephones ring to the signal-box.
>
> **Telephone Call Indicator** — Call indicators provided near the Starting signals at each end of the crossing loop. When activated: **flashing blue light and sounding of a hooter**. When the Signalman requires to speak to the train crew, he must activate the indicator. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*
### Simultaneous Approach Procedure — 1982
> If a Down and an Up train are closely approaching Mindaribba at the same time, the second train must be held at the Home signal until the first train has been admitted and brought to a stand close to the Starting signal. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1982 — Telarah–Kilbride CTC; Mindaribba–Paterson ETS Cancelled
### CTC Introduced — Telarah–Kilbride — 1982
> Electric train staff working on the sections **Telarah–Mindaribba, Mindaribba–Paterson** and Paterson–Kilbride cancelled. CTC working, remotely controlled from **Broadmeadow CTC Centre**, introduced in lieu. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*
### Speed Board References — Mindaribba — 1982
> **Oakhampton–Mindaribba** and **Mindaribba–Paterson** — speed board sections listed in Telarah–Kilbride CTC circular. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1985 — Station Demolished 17 June 1985; Station No. NC3; Standing Room Amended
### Station Demolished — W.N. — 1985
> **Mindaribba** — [station demolished 17 June 1985; new short platform with no facilities provided]. *(Source: 1985 Weekly Notices)*
### Standing Room Amended — 1985
> **203.462 Mindaribba** — Under column headed "Standing Room, Crossing Loop," amend **404** to read **402**. *(Source: 1985 Weekly Notices)*
> **Note:** The 1985 amendment to standing room figures (404→402) reflects adjustments to the loop capacity at the time the station was demolished and rebuilt. Distance confirmed as **203.462 km** in the 1985 Weekly Notices.
---
## 1989 — Timetable Reference — Dungog–Mindaribba
### Timetable — 1989
> 7.26 a.m. Dungog–Mindaribba to stations Maitland and beyond — listed twice in timetable adjustments. *(Source: 1989 Weekly Notices)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **14 August 1911** | **Opened as Dunmore** — Down side platform (76.2m); B2 waiting shed; Cl water closet/urinal at Down end of yard; Up side loop siding; Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements (West Maitland–Paterson staff); station brand DMR; unattended; green disc required |
| **1 April 1912** | **Renamed Mindaribba** — from Mileage 27.0 from Newcastle on West Maitland–Dungog Line (W.N. — 1912, published three times) |
| 1913 | 5 minutes allowed for goods work at Mindaribba |
| 1920 | 12 minutes combined allowance — Oakhampton and Mindaribba |
| **20 January 1933** | **Lever and Bracket Locks replaced by 2-lever Frames A and B** — No. 2 lever operates points and catch-points (W.N. 3–1933) |
| **27 November 1933** | **Opened as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station** — Telarah–Paterson cancelled; new sections Telarah–Mindaribba and Mindaribba–Paterson; crossing loop 1,321 feet; loading bank; 36 trucks standing room; Circular No. 556–11 of 1933 (W.N. 43 and 48–1933) |
| **2 March 1942** | **Goods siding abolished** — Frames B and C removed; station marked (P) — platform only; Circular No. 556–11 amended (W.N. 10–1942) |
| 1 March 1945 | Key Staffs Telarah–Mindaribba replaced by Ordinary Staffs Nos. 1–8 |
| 17 January 1950 | Additional miniature ETS No. 52 on Telarah–Mindaribba (section length 5m 34c) |
| 1950 | Down Home and Up Starting signals replaced by power-worked Upper Quadrant signals |
| 1946 | Staff exchanger positions: Down — 26 feet from Sydney end of Platform; Up — Opposite signal-box |
| **1 March 1982** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — route control relay interlocking panel; mechanical machine placed out of use; ETS working Telarah–Mindaribba and Mindaribba–Paterson retained; automatic staff exchangers remain; telephone call indicator (blue light and hooter) provided (W.N. — 1982) |
| 1982 | Telarah–Kilbride CTC introduced — Telarah–Mindaribba and Mindaribba–Paterson ETS cancelled; Broadmeadow CTC Centre |
| **17 June 1985** | **Station demolished** — new short platform with no facilities; standing room amended 404→402; Station No. NC3; distance 203.462 km |
| **5 August 2009** | Loop extended to **1,598 metres** |
| 15 August 2009 | Station closed |
| **25 August 2009** | Station re-opened on opposite side |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1911–1989.*
*Note: Mindaribba is notable for retaining the original unattended green disc pick-up arrangement from its Dunmore opening in 1911 until the provision of proper signal infrastructure with the 1933 crossing loop. Circular No. 556–11 of 1933 remained the base diagram from 1933 through to at least 1942.*