Stations of the North Coast Line

Derailment at Bangalow

Type : Station
Line : Murwillumbah Branch
Distance from Sydney : 869.727km
Location : -28.685969, 153.523304
Opened : 1 May 1894 as Granuaile, changed to Bangalow 24 July 1894.
Closed : 4 March 1986 (crossing loop), 1990 for passengers.
Status : Closed
Name meaning : Aboriginal word (possibly "Bangalla") meaning either "low hill" or a kind of palm tree
Notes : Up platform was 72.5 metres long. 1899 - porter's cottage built, 1907 - goods shed built. 4/9/1909 platform and buildings relocated 45 metres on the Up side of the line and 290.7 metre crossing siding added with trucking yards. 6/12/1924 crossing siding changed to crossing loop. 22/2/1927 station interlocked.

Bangalow's 1986 closure as a crossing loop (rather than as a station) is unusual — the station building and passenger facilities remained in use until 1990, with the line reverting to a single-staff section Lismore–Byron Bay. The four simultaneous circular amendments on 4 March 1986 (507–57 Lismore, 576–56 Lismore–Byron Bay, 500–50 Bangalow, and 548–31 Byron Bay) parallel the four circular amendments at Booyong's 1957 closure — the Murwillumbah branch's characteristic pattern of cascading circular amendments when a crossing station closes. The Loop line renamed "Goods Siding" with new catchpoints but no staff key release (Frames B and E remain with receptacle key access) represents a transitional status — Bangalow was effectively demoted from a crossing station to an intermediate siding while still remaining an attended station. The Heart-shaped Green staff for the new Lismore–Byron Bay section is the same staff type used for the Lismore–Bangalow section created after the 1973 Bexhill closure.

"Reso" train at Bangalow, 1929 (State Archives)


The Natural Resources (or Reso train) toured the Hunter Valley and North Coast for 12 days in April 1929. This photo was taken on 16 April 1929. The train, hauled by engines 3144 and 3122, is running empty cars from Lismore to Byron Bay while the 60 Victorian "Resonians" (as the passengers were known) toured the lower Richmond Valley.

Greg Mashiah:


Caption to this photo on p51 of Ian Dunn's "Byways of Steam 18":
The goods yard at Bangalow was a busy place when this photo was taken in 1908. A team of bullocks has brought in a large log for loading on the F wagon, under the overhead gantry crane, which already has one log aboard. A man stands in a pony trap, while another bullock team waits patiently in the background. Directly behind the man atop the log is the station master's house and behind that is the overhead rail bridge provided in 1906. Of Hanley's Hotel and the other commercial buildings visible there is now no trace, the area being entirely given over to residential buildings.

Bangalow in 1900 - the clear evidence of the pioneer type of line used on this branch is evident.

Bangalow, 2010 (uncredited)

Location of Bangalow station (Murwillumbah branch) (Six Maps)

Bangalow 2001 (Nathan Johnston)

Bangalow, 1910 (copyright expired)

Bangalow, 1950s (Walkabout Magazine)

Bangalow, 1982

Bangalow (Geoff Bensley 1/8/22)

Motorail at Bangalow (undated, Warren ?) - probably netween 82 and 86

Bangalow - 7 July 1992.

View across the yards to the hotel at Bangalow

Undated image of Bangalow yards.

Derailment at Bangalow, Easter 1933 (Northern Star)

Bangalow, November 2022 (Peter Zipkis)

Bangalow, 1905 (State Archives)

Bangalow, 1930s (State Archives)

NL4 at Bangalow, 11/11/1984

Station Master's cottage at Bangalow

No 17 Down passenger crossing fruit express at Bangalow, 1966

25/4/1969 - a busy moment at Bangalow

Bangalow in 1997

Bangalow, 1926

Bangalow, 1920

5914 leads a goods train at Bangalow, 7/6/1947 (Murphy Collection)

Down Gold Coast Motorail at Bangalow, October 1985, Winney Collection

Bangalow, line in the foreground

Bangalow 4/8/2023 (Brian Nash)

4814 at the head of 56 Up Passenger at Bangalow on 14th November 1970

Bangalow 1985, the northbound goods passes through, station at rear of train. (Chris Sim)

Bangalow, undated postcard

# Bangalow (formerly Granuaile) (Murwillumbah Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1894–1986

---

**Type:** Station / Crossing Loop (Closed as Crossing Loop 4 March 1986; station closed 1990) 
**Line:** Murwillumbah Branch (Casino–Murwillumbah; ETS/OTS sections: Booyong–Bangalow then Bexhill–Bangalow, then Lismore–Bangalow and Bangalow–Byron Bay; finally Lismore–Byron Bay from 4 March 1986) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 869.727 km (per 1978 accommodation amendment — confirmed mileage **869.727 km**) 
**Location:** -28.685969, 153.523304 
**Between:** Binna Burra (south/west) and Byron Bay / Talofa / St Helena (north/east) 
**Opened as GRANUAILE:** **1 May 1894** (per your notes) 
**Renamed BANGALOW:** **24 July 1894** (per your notes) 
**Crossing Loop closed:** **Tuesday, 4 March 1986** — W.N. 9–1986 (S&C) 
**Station closed for passengers:** **1990** (per your notes; outside WN collection) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Aboriginal word (origin of name Bangalow) 

### Base Circular
**Circular No. 500–50 of 1936 (Bangalow)** — base signalling diagram; amended W.N. 36–1975 (distant signals → reflectorized landmarks), W.N. 40–1975 (Down Home Signal No. 4 relocated 18 metres toward Sydney), W.N. 41–1975, W.N. 9–1986 (loop closure)

### ETS/OTS Sections History
| Period | Sections | Staff |
|--------|---------|-------|
| 1894–1913 | Boogong–Bangalow (OTS) | — |
| 1913– | Booyong–Bangalow; Bangalow–Murwillumbah (Miniature ETS) | — |
| **1957** | Bexhill–Bangalow (Type C Staff 1–20, Key Staffs 1–6); Bangalow–[Murwillumbah] | — |
| Post-1957 | Bexhill–Bangalow and Bangalow–Byron Bay; also Lismore–Bangalow | — |
| **4 March 1986** | Lismore–Bangalow and Bangalow–Byron Bay **cancelled**; **Lismore–Byron Bay** (**46.631 km**; Heart-shaped; Green; 2 ticket receptacle keys) created | Heart/Green |

### 1957 — Frame/Signalling Context (W.N. 29 and 40–1957)
Following Booyong closure (24 July 1957), Bexhill–Bangalow section created — Type C Staff Nos. 1–20, Key Staffs Nos. 1–6; **Circular No. 4010–50 of 1936** (Bangalow) amended. W.N. 40–1957: "Nos. 1B and 3C [points at Bangalow] at the Murwillumbah end are worked from No. 2 lever. No. 1 lever, F.P.L. for No. 2 points in Frames B and C is unlocked by key on ETS for the section **Bexhill–Bangalow**. Circular No. 512–52 of 1936 amended." (ref. S.&T.E. 57–512,701)

### 1960 — Level Crossing Amended — W.N. 56–1960
**W.N. 56–1960:** Level crossings — delete Bangalow–Byron Bay Road 541m 46c; insert Public level crossing 541m 53c "C." — level crossing mileage correction

### 1974 — Bangalow Holds Train Staff; North Lismore Shunting Procedure
**W.N. 21–1974:** Bangalow is the holder of the Train Staff for the section **Lismore–Bangalow** when trains are at the Bangalow end. Full 3-form telegram procedure for North Lismore Stockyard shunting requires Station Master Bangalow to secure the Train Staff in the office safe and authorise on Form No. 2. On receipt of Form No. 3, releases Train Staff for ordinary working. (W.N. 21–1974)

### 1975 — Distant Signals Replaced; Down Home Signal Relocated; Steep Grade Insertion

**W.N. 26–1975:** Steep Grades — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch — DOWN JOURNEY: delete St Helena, insert **Bangalow** — confirming Bangalow was inserted as the Down journey steep grade reference point from 1975

**W.N. 36–1975:** Down and Up Distant signals replaced by **reflectorized landmarks** (Tuesday 9 September 1975); Circular No. 500–50 of 1936 (Bangalow) amended (S&C 74/779610)

**W.N. 40–1975:** Down Home Signal No. 4 relocated approximately **18 metres towards Sydney** (Tuesday 14 October 1975); Circular No. 500–50 of 1936 (Bangalow) amended (S&C 74/502003)

**W.N. 41–1975:** Further amendment to Circular No. 500–50 (Bangalow)

### 1978 — Freight Shed Dimensions Deleted — W.N. 38–1978
**W.N. 38–1978:** "Bangalow **869.727 km** — In the column headed 'Freight Shed Dimensions' delete '12 × 5.'" (A1 78) — confirms the precise 869.727 km mileage in the WN collection

### 1986 — Crossing Loop Closed — 4 March 1986 — W.N. 9–1986

**Lismore–Bangalow** and **Bangalow–Byron Bay** OTS sections cancelled; new section **Lismore–Byron Bay** (46.631 km; OTS Heart-shaped; Green; 2 ticket receptacle keys) created

**Track and Signalling Alterations at Bangalow (W.N. 9–1986):**
- Down and Up **Home signals** and Down and Up **landmarks removed**; **Frame A** placed out of use
- **Frame C** and associated equipment dispensed with; Loop line points **spiked** in normal position; clips and XL lock; pending removal of Goods Siding
- Points Loop line to Goods Siding (No. 3 lever, **Frame E**) spiked in normal position; clips and XL lock; pending further advice
- Loop line **renamed Goods Siding**; catchpoints provided adjacent to clearance points at either end; "Catchpoint" notice boards provided on Down side
- No. 1 lever in Frames **B and E** unlocked by key on OTS or receptacle key for section **Lismore–Byron Bay**
- Clearance posts removed
- Driver notices: 3 days
- Circulars **507–57** (1935) Lismore, **576–56** (1936) Lismore–Byron Bay, **500–50** (1936) Bangalow and **548–31** (1934) Byron Bay all amended

**W.N. 11–1986:** "Since **4th March, 1986**, the points worked by No. 3 lever in Frame E have been removed. [Amendment to W.N. 9–1986.]" — No. 3E points physically removed

**W.N. 17–1986:** Staff and Ticket Sections — delete Lismore–Bangalow and Bangalow–Byron Bay; insert Lismore–Byron Bay (46.631 km); also load tables, running times and speed boards amended throughout (ref. COM M8 861–)

**1986 Accommodation Table (post-closure):** "869.727 Bangalow Down ... No ... Staff Key ... Loop ... No ... Staff Key" — Bangalow retained in accommodation table as a siding (Down side; No signals; Staff Key access only)

---

## 1894 — Opened as Granuaile 1 May 1894; Renamed Bangalow 24 July 1894

### Opening — W.N. — 1894
> Opened as **GRANUAILE** on **1 May 1894**; renamed **BANGALOW** on **24 July 1894** (per your notes; no WN opening or renaming notice found in the OCR collection)

---

## 1913 — Booyong–Bangalow OTS; Buckley's Siding Closure Context

### OTS Section — W.N. — 1913
> **Booyong–Bangalow** OTS section confirmed — key on Ordinary Train Staff for the section Boogong–Bangalow used to unlock Ground Frame point locks at Nashua (W.N. — 1913) *(W.N. — 1913)*

---

## 1957 — Frames B and C; Bexhill–Bangalow ETS — W.N. 29 and 40–1957

### ETS Section Amended — W.N. 29–1957
> Bexhill–Booyong and Booyong–Bangalow sections cancelled; **Bexhill–Bangalow** (Type C, Nos. 1–20, Key Staffs 1–6) created. **Circular No. 4010–50 of 1936** (Bangalow) amended. (S.&T.E. 57–512,701.) *(W.N. 29–1957)*

### Frames B and C — W.N. 40–1957
> **Bangalow** — Nos. 1B and 3C points at the Murwillumbah end worked from No. 2 lever. No. 1 lever, F.P.L. for No. 2 points in Frames "B" and "C," is unlocked by key on **Electric Train Staff for the section Bexhill–Bangalow**. **Circular No. 512–52 of 1936** amended. (S.&T.E. 57–512,701.) *(W.N. 40–1957)*

---

## 1960 — Level Crossing — W.N. 56–1960

### Level Crossing — W.N. 56–1960
> **Level Crossings** — Delete Bangalow–Byron Bay Road **541m 46c** "C." Insert Public level crossing **541m 53c** "C." *(W.N. 56–1960)*

---

## 1975 — Steep Grade; Distant Signals; Down Home Signal Relocated — W.N. 26, 36, 40 and 41–1975

### Steep Grade — W.N. 26–1975
> **Steep Grades — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch — DOWN JOURNEY** — Delete St Helena, insert **Bangalow**. (A1 73 77203.) *(W.N. 26–1975)*

### Distant Signals Replaced — W.N. 36–1975
> **Bangalow (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Replacement of Down and Up Distant Signals by Reflectorized Landmarks** — On **Tuesday, 9th September, 1975**, the Down and Up Distant signals will be replaced by reflectorized landmarks. Diagram attached to **Circular No. 500–50, of 1936, Bangalow**, to be amended accordingly. (S&C 74/779610 W&M.) *(W.N. 36–1975)*

### Down Home Signal Relocated — W.N. 40–1975
> **Bangalow — Relocation of Down Home Signal No. 4** — On **Tuesday, 14th October, 1975**, the Down Home Signal No. 4 will be relocated approximately **18 metres towards Sydney**. Diagram attached to **Circular No. 500–50, Bangalow, of 1936**, to be amended accordingly. (S&C 74/502003 W&M.) *(W.N. 40–1975)*

---

## 1978 — Freight Shed Dimensions Deleted — W.N. 38–1978

### Accommodation Amended — W.N. 38–1978
> **Page 80 — Stations, Sidings and Platforms — Accommodation Provided — Bangalow 869.727 km** — In the column headed "Freight Shed Dimensions" delete "**12 × 5**." (A1 78.) *(W.N. 38–1978)*

---

## 1986 — Crossing Loop Closed — 4 March 1986 — W.N. 9–1986; Lismore–Byron Bay Created

### Crossing Loop Closed — W.N. 9–1986
> **Bangalow (North Coast) — Closing as a Crossing Loop** — On **Tuesday, 4th March, 1986**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., Bangalow will close as a Crossing Loop. The Ordinary Train Staff sections, **Lismore–Bangalow** and **Bangalow–Byron Bay**, will be cancelled and the new section will be **Lismore–Byron Bay**.
>
> **New Section — Lismore–Byron Bay:**
> - Type: Ordinary Train Staff
> - Length: **46.631 km**
> - From: Lismore → To: Byron Bay
> - Shape: **Heart**; Colour: **Green**
> - **Two (2) ticket receptacle keys** provided
>
> **Track and Signalling Alterations at Bangalow:**
>
> **North Lismore:** Frames A and B unlocked by key on OTS or receptacle key — section **Lismore–Byron Bay**.
>
> **Bangalow:** Down and Up Home signals and Down and Up landmarks **removed**; Frame A placed **out of use**. Frame C and associated equipment **dispensed with**; Loop line points spiked in normal position with clips and XL lock. Points Loop line to Goods Siding (No. 3 lever, Frame E) spiked — pending further advice. Loop line **renamed Goods Siding**; catchpoints provided at each end; "Catchpoint" notice boards on Down side. No. 1 lever in **Frames B and E** unlocked by key on OTS or receptacle key — section **Lismore–Byron Bay**. Clearance posts removed.
>
> Driver notices: **3 days**.
>
> Circulars **507–57** (1935, Lismore), **576–56** (1936, Lismore–Byron Bay), **500–50** (1936, Bangalow) and **548–31** (1934, Byron Bay) and diagrams attached to be amended accordingly. (S&C.) *(W.N. 9–1986)*

### No. 3E Points Removed — W.N. 11–1986
> **Bangalow (North Coast) — Removal of No. 3E Points** — Since **4th March, 1986**, the points worked by No. 3 lever in Frame E have been removed. [Amendment to W.N. 9–1986.] (S&C.) *(W.N. 11–1986)*

### Publications Amended — W.N. 17–1986
> **Staff and Ticket Sections — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch** — Delete **Lismore–Bangalow** and **Bangalow–Byron Bay** sections and all particulars. Insert **Lismore–Byron Bay** (46.631 km). (COM M8 861–) *(W.N. 17–1986)*

> **Load Tables — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch** — Delete all reference to Lismore–Bangalow and Bangalow–Byron Bay. Insert: Down 46.631 km Lismore–Byron Bay 77a 58a 55a 84a 65a 56; Up 46.631 km Byron Bay–Lismore 80a 63a 57a 88a 74a 57a 77. *(W.N. 17 and 23–1986)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **1 May 1894** | **Opened as GRANUAILE** (per your notes; no WN opening notice in OCR) |
| **24 July 1894** | **Renamed BANGALOW** (per your notes) |
| By 1913 | Booyong–Bangalow OTS section; Bangalow junction point for Murwillumbah direction |
| **W.N. 29–1957** | Bexhill–Bangalow (Type C, 1–20, Key Staffs 1–6) created; **Circular No. 4010–50 of 1936** amended |
| **W.N. 40–1957** | Frames B and C — Nos. 1B and 3C (Murwillumbah end); **Circular No. 512–52 of 1936** amended |
| **W.N. 56–1960** | Level crossing 541m 46c → 541m 53c |
| **W.N. 26–1975** | Steep Grades DOWN JOURNEY — insert **Bangalow** (replacing St Helena) |
| **9 September 1975** | Distant signals → reflectorized landmarks; **Circular No. 500–50 (1936)** amended (W.N. 36–1975) |
| **14 October 1975** | Down Home Signal No. 4 relocated **18 metres toward Sydney**; Circular 500–50 amended (W.N. 40–1975) |
| **W.N. 38–1978** | Freight Shed Dimensions (12 × 5) deleted; Bangalow confirmed at **869.727 km** |
| **4 March 1986** | **Crossing Loop closed** — Lismore–Bangalow and Bangalow–Byron Bay cancelled; **Lismore–Byron Bay** (46.631 km; Heart; Green; 2 receptacle keys) created; Home signals removed; Frame A out of use; Frame C dispensed with; Loop renamed Goods Siding; Frames B and E remain with OTS receptacle key; **Circulars 507–57 (Lismore), 576–56 (Lismore–Byron Bay), 500–50 (Bangalow), 548–31 (Byron Bay)** all amended (W.N. 9–1986; S&C) |
| **W.N. 11–1986** | No. 3E points removed (since 4 March 1986) |
| **W.N. 17 and 23–1986** | All OTS section, load, speed board and timetable references updated to Lismore–Byron Bay |
| **1990** | **Station closed for passengers** (per your notes; outside WN collection) |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1894–1986.* 
*Note: Bangalow's 1986 closure as a crossing loop (rather than as a station) is unusual — the station building and passenger facilities remained in use until 1990, with the line reverting to a single-staff section Lismore–Byron Bay. The four simultaneous circular amendments on 4 March 1986 (507–57 Lismore, 576–56 Lismore–Byron Bay, 500–50 Bangalow, and 548–31 Byron Bay) parallel the four circular amendments at Booyong's 1957 closure — the Murwillumbah branch's characteristic pattern of cascading circular amendments when a crossing station closes. The Loop line renamed "Goods Siding" with new catchpoints but no staff key release (Frames B and E remain with receptacle key access) represents a transitional status — Bangalow was effectively demoted from a crossing station to an intermediate siding while still remaining an attended station. The Heart-shaped Green staff for the new Lismore–Byron Bay section is the same staff type used for the Lismore–Bangalow section created after the 1973 Bexhill closure.*