This year, Bathurst celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the arrival of the Main Western Line, bringing rail to the town.

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At Bathurst railway station on Tuesday 4 April 1876, “the gathering … was immense. Fully six thousand people were congregated here. At fifteen minutes past one a powerful engine, gaily decorated with evergreens, and drawing seven carriages, glided up to the Bathurst station amidst tremendous cheers.”

The completion of the railway between Sydney and Bathurst in 1876 was instrumental to the development of the colony of New South Wales. The Main Western Line was celebrated as a marvel of engineering that opened up trade, transport and communication opportunities for people living inland.

The railway also marked a new social and cultural era for communities in inland NSW. Besides giving working class people access to stable jobs and vocational education, the Railway Institute in Bathurst offered support and leisure activities for railway workers and their families.

THE STEAM SOCIAL

6-9pm, Saturday 6 June, Bathurst Rail Museum, $25-$30
Dress in your best swing dance outfit, put on your dancing shoes and party like it’s 1946 with the Mitchell Conservatorium’s CONnections Big Band in the Railway Institute! 

STEAM TRAIN RIDES

Saturday, Sunday & Monday 6-8 June
Hop on steam locomotive 3526 thanks to Transport Heritage NSW

BATHURST STATION OPENING RE-ENACTMENT

Saturday 6 June, 9.30am
Dress up in your best from 1876 and witness a re-enactment of the opening of the Bathurst Railway Station 

STEAM WEEKEND MARKETS

Sunday 7 June, 9am-2pm
Stock up on all the market goodies available. Bathurst Rail Museum