Type : Station
Line : Murwillumbah Branch
Distance from Sydney : 836.026km
Location : -28.810174, 153.269128
Opened : 15 May 1894
Closed : 16 May 2004
Status : Re-used/Open
Name meaning : Named after the Isle of Lismore in Argyleshire, Hebrides
Notes : Original Down side platform was 124.6 metres long, later increased to 190 metres. Site contained extensive infrastructure with loco and carriage sheds, turntable, watering facilities, multiple sidings (including Caltex and two for Norco). The station is the current stop for NSW TrainLink coach services to Casino and Tweed Heads. The former station complex consists of a third-class timber station building of a type 4 standard roadside design with a brick platform; a 2-road carriage shed with a sawtooth roof, originally 15 bays and later extended to 21 bays and a 2-road, corrugated iron locomotive shed in a straight shed design, all dating from 1894. The former station residence is located at 18 Malendy Drive. The station is now part of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Lismore Railway Wharf Postcard
Lismore Railway Station Postcard
7th Jan 1893 Lismore Railway Bridge over Leycester Creek
1891 Lismore Railway – band and procession after the turning of the first sod (Richmond Valley Historical Society)
Lismore station (John Houldsworth)
Lismore frame 1989 (Graeme Skeet)
Lismore (Cheech Cat)
Lismore butter factory and sidiing (1905, SLNSW)
Lismore station on opening day
Wirth's Brothers Circus elephant detraining in Lismore, NSW, c1925
Location of Lismore station (Six Maps)
Lismore Station in April 1996 Dept Environment & Heritage
Lismore Station, 1906, (Richmond Valley Historical Society)
Lismore station, taken around the time it opened. The low level platform is very noticeable, a hallmark of the cheaply constructed pioneer lines. (SRA Archives)
Caption for this photo on p31 of Ian Dunn's "Byways of Steam 18":
'A greater crowd had gathered for the departure of the official train, headed again by C124. The weather, it would seem, was not clement, judging by the turn-out of umbrellas. After the gentry departed, a second train was provided for the populace at large hauled, of necessity, by an A class.'
C class 4-4-0 C124 (Beyer Peacock builder's number 1772 of 1878 and later renumbered 1213 of the Z12 class in 1924), which hauled the opening train from Mullumbimby to Lismore and the return shown in the above photo, was the only "passenger" locomotive allocated to the original line. 1213 was withdrawn in 1930 and cut up in 1937. The three other locomotives initially allocated to the line were all A class 0-6-0 (later Z19 class) and included A97 which was renumbered as 1905 and was preserved as the first locomotive to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Lismore station. 17/Sept/2021 (John Wotherspoon)
Lismore railway land leases
Lismore Station August 2022 (Geoff Bensley)
Lismore Station August 2022 (Geoff Bensley)
Lismore, April 1969 (John Shields)
Lismore 17/Sept/2021 (John Wotherspoon)
Caption from Ian Dunn's "Byways of Steam 18":
A Belpaire-boilered 19 class waits on the western outskirts of Lismore with a substantial train of logs from the Kyogle line Apart from the leading four-plank D wagon and a covered van, the entire load is bogie F wagons, all but one loaded with six large sawn lengths of log. A lone bogie F conveys sawn timber, and the ensemble is trailed by an HG brake van. The variety in the height of the side rails on the F wagons is interesting, some having been built as such, others having been cut down from bogie G wagons.
Lismore yards, 2019 (uncredited)
Lismore NSW Railway Wharves
Lismore, undated but likely near the time it opened.
Two shots of the Railway Wharf - Lismore, and a third showing the North Coast Mail approaching Lismore.
Lismore railway land leases
Union Street level crossing, Lismore (undated, State Archives)
Lismore, 13/08/1906 - visit of the Governor of NSW
3362 on the No. 11 North Coast Mail at Lismore, 17/9/1936 (State Archives)
Lismore, 1905, postcard
The fernhouse and dining room at Lismore Loco, 1926
Lismore, 1929
Railway & Tramway Institute Lismore Branch - Billiard Room under construction and completed in 1919
Lismore 24/2/2023 (Tony Egan)
Unloading the first railway cars for Tweed railway (as it was called then) at Lismore in 1894.
Evan Rees states :
This car would be one of the six which previously formed Set 8, which was broken up and converted to loose cars for working the Lismore line in early 1894, being delivered there in March 1894.
The car numbers concerned were FA246, FA247, FA248, BB249, BB250 and BB251.
FA246 and BB249-251 were fitted with a partition dividing the car into two saloons and were recoded as CA composite cars. CA246 and 251 retained their guard's compartments, and so sat a total of 52, instead of the 60 seated in the other four cars.
Lismore, undated
Loco depot at Lismore
Lismore, undated (State Archives)
15/5/1894 - opening day at Lismore (State Archives)
Lismore -photo taken prior to opening (State Archives)
Lismore, undated (State Archives)
Vintage train at Lismore, 24/9/1970 (State Archives)
Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser NSW , Saturday 3 July 1897, page 19. Lismore Railway station.
Lismore engine shed
Layout of Lismore
Loco & carriage sheds at Lismore (undated, SRA Archives, Records NSW)
Gents toilets at Lismore, July 1997 (SRA)
10.03.1995: Lismore - XP 2000 at the Murwillumbah end. (Anthony McIlwain)
10.03.1995: Lismore - SJ 2520 at Sydney end. The train straddles the points to the loop for clearance. (Anthony McIlwain)
The western end of Lismore railway station today looking towards Union St. crossing. (Ian Kilmartin)
Lismore, 1906 (postcard)
4413 Lismore 01/10/1982
(Brad Coulter)
Norco factory at Lismore, early 1900s.
Left: Lismore signal box. The levers were originally uncovered and late in life received this basic covering without a front wall.
RT Taaffe
Right: Lismore signal box replaced the previous building. Why the new signal box was constructed and by whom is not known.
It was rather over-designed. RT Taaffe
Lismore station in February 2025 (Tony Rees)
# Lismore (Murwillumbah Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1894–1989
---
**Type:** Station (Closed 16 May 2004; site re-used)
**Line:** Murwillumbah Branch (Casino–Murwillumbah; Grafton-Tweed / Lismore-Tweed Line)
**Distance from Sydney:** 836.026 km (Mileage approximately **521m–522m**)
**Location:** -28.810174, 153.269128
**Between:** Tuncester (south/west) and North Lismore / Woodlawn (north/east); junction for Byron Bay–Murwillumbah
**Opened:** **Tuesday, 15 May 1894** — Lismore to Mullumbimby; Circular No. 95 of 1894 (OCR reads "Tuesday May 15th 1894")
**Closed:** **16 May 2004** (per your notes; outside WN collection)
**Status:** Re-used — Northern Rivers Rail Trail; NSW TrainLink coach services to Casino and Tweed Heads
**Name meaning:** Named after the Isle of Lismore in Argylleshire, Hebrides, Scotland
### Heritage Buildings (all dating from 1894)
- **Station building:** Third-class timber station building — Type 4 standard roadside design; brick platform
- **Carriage shed:** 2-road sawtooth roof — originally 15 bays; extended to **21 bays**
- **Locomotive shed:** 2-road corrugated iron — straight shed design
- **Station residence:** 18 Malendy Drive
### Platform
**Original:** **124.6 metres (409 feet)** — Down side
**Extended to:** **190 metres** (per your notes)
### Water Supply (1948)
**Main line and Loop — at Murwillumbah end of platform:**
- One **9-inch column**
- One **12-inch parachute tank**
**Main line and Loop — at Sydney end of platform:**
- One **9-inch column**
- One **12-inch parachute tank**
---
## Key Signalling and Infrastructure History
### 1894 — Opening
**Tuesday, 15 May 1894** — "Opening of Lismore-Tweed Line — Tuesday May 15th, 1894, the last station of this line will be opened for traffic from Lismore to Mullumbimby, as per **Circular No. 95**." *(W.N. — 1894)*
### 1926 — Interlocking of Yard — W.N. 32–1926 (11–12 August 1926); Circular No. 419 of 1926
**Wednesday, 11 August 1926:**
- Points in Sydney end of Main and Loop lines leading to **Carriage, Loco., and Up Sidings** connected to **Frame D**
- Points in Main line leading to **Goods Siding at Byron Bay end** of platform connected to and worked from **Frame E**
- Frames D and E released by key from **Frame A**
**Thursday, 12 August 1926:**
- Points in Main and Loop lines leading to Byron Bay end of **Goods and Up Sidings** connected to **Frame F**
- Points in Main line leading to **Wharf Siding** connected to **Frame G**
- **Electric Releasing Switch** on Down side of Goods Sidings at Byron Bay end — electrically released by No. 1 Lever in Frame A; releases key for unlocking Frames F and G
Complete arrangements — **Circular No. 419 of 1926** and diagram
### 1935 — Alterations — Circular No. 507–57 of 1935 (Base Diagram)
**W.N. — 1935:** Major signal alterations at Lismore (flagmen required during works); **Circular No. 507–57 of 1935** established as the base yard and signalling diagram for Lismore, remaining authoritative throughout the remainder of the WN collection period (amended many times through 1989)
### 1943 — Abolition of Nos. 1, 2 and 5 Wharf Sidings — W.N. 4–1943
**W.N. 4–1943:** "Lismore (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Abolition of Nos. 1, 2 and 5 Wharf Sidings — Delete **123** under heading 'Standing Room,' and insert **93** (standing room in No. 3 Siding 79, and No. 4 Siding 14). Circular No. 507–57 of 1935 and diagram to be amended accordingly." (41–74,560.)
### 1948 — Water Columns (Two Locations)
Main line and Loop at Murwillumbah end of platform: **One 9-inch column** and **one 12-inch parachute tank**
Main line and Loop at Sydney end of platform: **One 9-inch column** and **one 12-inch parachute tank**
### 1975 — Distant Signals Replaced by Reflectorized Landmarks — W.N. 36–1975
**W.N. 36–1975:** Down and Up Distant signals replaced by reflectorized landmarks. Circular No. 507–57 of 1935 amended. (S&C 74/779610 W&M.)
### 1978 — Loop Points Relocated to Clear Union Street Level Crossing — W.N. 22–1978
**Wednesday, 7 June 1978:** "LISMORE (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Relocation of Loop Points, Sydney End" — existing points No. 4A (Main to Loop line, Sydney end) relocated approximately **25 metres towards Murwillumbah** clear of the **Union Street Level Crossing**; new points operated from No. 2 lever in new **three-lever Ground Frame J** on Down side of Main line adjacent to the points; No. 15 FPL lever for No. 25 points unlocked by either key from No. 2 lever in Frame A; points and catchpoints Loop to No. 1 Storage siding (formerly No. 6A) placed out of use until further notice. (S&C 146063.)
### 1979 — Frame D Renewed; Unattended Working with "U" Indicator; Union Street Type F Signals
**W.N. 9–1979 — Frame D Renewed (Circular No. 507–57 amended):**
New Frame D — lever functions:
- No. 1: FPL for Nos. 2 and 3 points
- No. 2: Points, Main line to Car Sidings
- No. 3: Points, Main line to Loco Siding
No. 1 FPL lever unlocked by key from No. 2 lever in Frame A; Circular No. 507–57 of 1935 amended (S&C 129913.)
**W.N. 17–1979 — Unattended Working Instructions; "U" Indicator:**
Illuminated **"U" indicator** on Up Starting signal No. 3 — indicates station is unattended; Driver may pass Starting signal at Stop in accordance with Rule 64(c). Indicator controlled from **releasing lock adjacent to Frame A** — operated by key on **Miniature ETS for section Lismore–Old Casino**. When Up train ready to depart: Guard inserts ETS key in releasing lock, turns, holds for 2 seconds, withdraws → "U" displayed on Starting signal → "U" extinguished automatically when train passes Starting signal. **Down Home signal No. 1** — will not clear while train at platform; when unattended, No. 1 lever must be reversed to clear for subsequent Down train. Circular No. 507–57, Lismore, of 1935 amended (S&C 129913.)
**W.N. 17–1979 — Type F Highway Signals at Union Street Level Crossing (833.913 km):**
Type F flashing light highway signals and warning bell at Union Street level crossing **(833.913 km)** at Sydney end of Loop line. Automatically controlled by track circuits for Down and Up trains subject to clearing of Down Home or Up Starting signal. May also be controlled manually during shunting from shunter's switch units on Down side of Main line on each side of crossing. Testing/emergency: Station Master, Lismore. Additional emergency keys kept by [Station Master]. (S&C 129913.)
### 1985 — Keen Street Garage Relocated; Level Crossing — W.N. — 1985
Fundamental Food Store relocated from 75 Conway Street, Lismore 2480, to 140 Keen Street, Lismore 2480. Station Master responsibility for various level crossings confirmed.
### 1989 — Norco Sidings Deleted — W.N. 28–1989
**W.N. 28–1989:** "Casino–Murwillumbah Branch, Lismore — Delete Norco Siding No. 2 and relevant particulars. Delete Norco Siding No. 1 and relevant particulars." (WKS.86.28.GB.CW)
"Page 400 — Lismore — Delete all particulars under heading 'Norco Sidings.'" (WKS.86.28.GB.CW; A1.89.Misc.)
### ETS Sections
- **Old Casino–Bungabbee** / **Bungabbee–Lismore** — pre-July 1973
- **Old Casino–Lismore** (29.210 km, 18m 12c) — from 31 July 1973 (Bungabbee closed)
- **Lismore–Bangalow** — casino to Murwillumbah direction (southward from Lismore toward Bangalow)
- **Lismore–Murwillumbah** — Lismore northward; Bangalow–Lismore / Lismore–Casino sections through 1989
### Casino–Murwillumbah Section Notes (1977)
**W.N. — 1977:** "Old Casino–Lismore and all entry. Section Lismore–Murwillumbah — Delete Lismore; Insert [Mead Street / Keen Street], Lismore." — confirming the ETS section boundary notation at Lismore was amended to reference specific street-level instrument locations within the Lismore complex
---
## 1894 — Opening — 15 May 1894; Circular No. 95
### Opening — W.N. — 1894
> **Opening of Lismore-Tweed Line** — On **Tuesday, May 15th, 1894**, the last station of this line will be opened for traffic from Lismore to Mullumbimby, as per **Circular No. 95**. *(W.N. — 1894)*
*Facilities at opening (1894): third-class timber station building (Type 4 standard roadside design); brick platform 124.6 metres Down side; 2-road 15-bay sawtooth carriage shed; 2-road straight corrugated iron locomotive shed; station residence.*
---
## 1926 — Interlocking of Yard — W.N. 32–1926; Circular No. 419 of 1926
### Yard Interlocked — W.N. 32–1926
> **Pages 305–306 — Lismore (North Coast Line) — Interlocking of Yard** — On **Wednesday, 11th August, 1926**, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. — The points in the Sydney end of the Main and Loop lines leading to the Carriage, Loco., and Up Sidings will be connected to **Frame "D."** The points in the Main line leading to the Goods Siding at the Byron Bay end of the Platform will be connected to and worked from **Frame "E."** Frames "D" and "E" will be released by Key from **Frame "A."**
>
> On **Thursday, 12th August, 1926**, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. — The points in the Main and Loop lines leading to the Byron Bay end of the Goods and Up Sidings will be connected to **Frame "F."** The points in the Main line leading to the **Wharf Siding** will be connected to **Frame "G."** An **Electric Releasing Switch** fixed on the Down side of the Goods Sidings at the Byron Bay end of the Yard will be brought into use and will be electrically released by No. 1 Lever in Frame "A," and will release a Key for unlocking Frames "F" and "G."
>
> The complete Signalling and Interlocking arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 419 of 1926**, and diagram attached thereto. *(W.N. 32–1926)*
---
## 1943 — Wharf Sidings Nos. 1, 2 and 5 Abolished — W.N. 4–1943
### Wharf Sidings Abolished — W.N. 4–1943
> **Page 63 — Lismore (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Abolition of Nos. 1, 2 and 5 Wharf Sidings** — Delete **123** under heading "Standing Room," and insert **93** (standing room in No. 3 Siding 79, and No. 4 Siding 14).
>
> **Circular No. 507–57 of 1935** and diagram attached thereto to be amended accordingly. (41–74,560.) *(W.N. 4–1943)*
---
## 1975 — Distant Signals Replaced — W.N. 36–1975
### Distant Signals — W.N. 36–1975
> **Lismore (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Replacement of Down and Up Distant Signals by Reflectorized Landmarks** — On Tuesday, 9th September, 1975, between 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. the Down and Up Distant signals will be replaced by **reflectorized landmarks** at the same location. Diagram attached to **Circular No. 507–57, of 1935, Lismore**, to be amended accordingly. (S&C 74/779610 W&M.) *(W.N. 36–1975)*
---
## 1978 — Loop Points Relocated Clear of Union Street — W.N. 22–1978
### Loop Points Relocated — W.N. 22–1978
> **Lismore (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Relocation of Loop Points, Sydney End** — On **Wednesday, 7th June, 1978**, between 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., the existing points No. 4A, Main to Loop line, Sydney end, will be relocated approximately **25 metres towards Murwillumbah** clear of the **Union Street Level Crossing**. The new points will be operated from No. 2 lever in a new three-lever **Ground Frame "J,"** on the Down side of the Main line adjacent to the points.
>
> No. 15, FPL lever for No. 25 points, is unlocked by either key from No. 2 lever in Frame "A."
>
> The points and catchpoints Loop to No. 1 Storage siding (formerly No. 6A) will be **out of use until further notice**. (S&C 146063.) *(W.N. 22–1978)*
---
## 1979 — Frame D Renewed; "U" Indicator; Union Street Type F Signals — W.N. 9 and 17–1979
### Frame D Renewed — W.N. 9–1979
> **Lismore — Frame D Renewed (Circular No. 507–57 of 1935 amended):**
> New Frame D functions: No. 1 — F.P.L. for Nos. 2 and 3 points; No. 2 — Points, Main line to Car Sidings; No. 3 — Points, Main line to Loco Siding. No. 1 F.P.L. lever unlocked by key from No. 2 lever in Frame A. (S&C 129913.) *(W.N. 9–1979)*
### Unattended Working — "U" Indicator — W.N. 17–1979
> **Working When Station is Unattended** — An illuminated **"U" indicator** is provided on the Up Starting signal No. 3 to indicate to drivers that the station is unattended and that a departing train may pass the Starting signal when in the "Stop" position in accordance with Rule 64(c).
>
> The indicator is controlled from a **releasing lock located adjacent to Frame A.** The releasing lock is operated by key on **Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section Lismore–Old Casino.**
>
> When an Up train is ready to depart from the Main line during the time Lismore is unattended, the Guard must insert the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section in advance in the releasing lock, turn, hold over for two seconds and then withdraw it. This will cause the illuminated letter "U" to be displayed in the indicator on the Up Starting signal and the train may then be despatched in accordance with Rule 64(c). The "U" indicator will be extinguished automatically when the train passes the Starting signal.
>
> **NOTE:** The Down Home signal No. 1 will not clear while a train is at the platform. If it is required to have this signal clear for the arrival of a subsequent Down train when the station is unattended, No. 1 lever must be reversed and the signal will then clear when the controlling track circuits are unoccupied.
>
> Circular and diagram No. **507–57, Lismore, of 1935**, to be amended accordingly. (S&C 129913.) *(W.N. 17–1979)*
### Union Street Type F Signals — W.N. 17–1979
> **Lismore (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Provision of Type "F" Highway Signals at Union Street Level Crossing** — On a date to be advised by circular, Type "F" flashing light highway signals and a warning bell will be brought into use at the **Union Street Level Crossing (833.913 km)** at the Sydney end of the Loop line.
>
> The highway signals are automatically controlled by track circuits for Down and Up trains, subject to clearing of the Down Home or Up Starting signal. Equipment may also be controlled manually during shunting from shunter's switch units on the Down side of the Main line on each side of the level crossing. Testing and emergency supervision: responsibility of **Station Master, Lismore**. (S&C 129913.) *(W.N. 17–1979)*
---
## 1989 — Norco Sidings Deleted — W.N. 28–1989
### Norco Sidings Deleted — W.N. 28–1989
> **Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch, Lismore:**
> Delete — **Norco Siding No. 2** and relevant particulars. (WKS.86.28.GB.CW)
> Delete — **Norco Siding No. 1** and relevant particulars. (WKS.86.28.GB.CW)
>
> **Page 400 — Lismore** — Delete all particulars under heading "**Norco Sidings**." (WKS.86.28.GB.CW; A1.89.Misc.) *(W.N. 28–1989)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **15 May 1894** | **Opened** — Lismore to Mullumbimby; Circular No. 95; 124.6-metre Down platform; Type 4 timber station building; 15-bay carriage shed; straight locomotive shed; station residence |
| **11–12 August 1926** | **Yard interlocked** — Frames D, E, F, G; Electric Releasing Switch; Wharf Siding (Frame G); Circular No. 419 of 1926 (W.N. 32–1926) |
| W.N. — 1935 | **Circular No. 507–57 of 1935** established as base Lismore signalling diagram — amended extensively through 1989 |
| **W.N. 4–1943** | **Wharf Sidings Nos. 1, 2 and 5 abolished** — standing room reduced from 123 to 93 vehicles (No. 3: 79, No. 4: 14); Circular No. 507–57 amended (ref. 41–74,560) |
| 1948 | Water columns — two 9-inch and two 12-inch parachute tanks at each end of platform |
| Carriage shed extended | From **15 bays** to **21 bays** (date not confirmed in WN OCR) |
| Platform extended | From 124.6 metres to **190 metres** (date not confirmed in WN OCR) |
| **W.N. 36–1975** | Distant signals replaced by reflectorized landmarks; Circular No. 507–57 amended |
| **7 June 1978** | Loop points (No. 4A) relocated **25 metres toward Murwillumbah** — clear of Union Street Level Crossing; new **3-lever Frame J** on Down side; No. 1 Storage Siding out of use (W.N. 22–1978; S&C 146063) |
| **W.N. 9–1979** | **Frame D renewed** — No. 1 (FPL for Nos. 2 and 3 points); No. 2 (Car Sidings); No. 3 (Loco Siding); Frame A No. 2 lever release; Circular No. 507–57 amended (S&C 129913) |
| **W.N. 17–1979** | **"U" indicator** on Up Starting No. 3 — ETS Lismore–Old Casino releasing lock adjacent Frame A; Guard holds key 2 seconds; Down Home No. 1 lever reverse for unattended arrival; Circular No. 507–57 amended |
| **W.N. 17–1979** | **Union Street Level Crossing (833.913 km)** — Type F highway signals and warning bell; track circuit control; shunter's switch units; Station Master responsibility |
| **W.N. 28–1989** | **Norco Sidings Nos. 1 and 2 deleted** from accommodation table; all Norco Sidings particulars deleted from page 400 (WKS.86.28.GB.CW; A1.89.Misc.) |
| **16 May 2004** | **Station closed** (per your notes; outside WN collection) |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1894–1989.*
*Note: Circular No. 507–57 of 1935 is the most extensively amended single circular in the Murwillumbah branch collection — referenced in the WN for 54 years (1935–1989) across at least nine separate amendment notices for yard and signalling changes at Lismore. The 1943 abolition of Wharf Sidings Nos. 1, 2 and 5 (reducing total standing room from 123 to 93 wagons) reflects the wartime rationalisation of the Lismore wharf connection as freight patterns changed. The 1978 loop points relocation (clearing the Union Street level crossing) and the 1979 "U" indicator provision for unattended working are the two most significant post-1970 operational changes at the station. The Norco Siding deletions in W.N. 28–1989 (under WKS.86.28 works reference) mark the final documented infrastructure change at Lismore within the WN collection period.*