Wolgan Valley Railway

Mining Operation and Railway Construction at Newnes

NSW, Australia

The Township of Newnes was named after Sir George Newnes, Director of Commonwealth Oil Corporation Ltd.

Mr Henry Dean was employed to take charge of the survey and construction of the railway with the help of approx 600 men working on the line from both ends. Work commenced October 1906, and the permanent way was completed one year later. By this time, the kerosene shale works at Newnes was completed, both enterprises being remarkable feats of engineering. The employment of four three-truck Shay locomotives added credibility to the venture.

Operations went well at the start with output along the line averaging 400 tons per day, comprising mainly coke and export shale. The distillation of shale didn't go so well with numerous explosions and deaths associated with the cracking plant. Eventually only low grade shale was distilled and even then the finished product wasn't always stable!

By now working conditions were bad and industrial disputes rose closing the works operations for longer periods than they were open.

Living conditions in Newnes township were poor for the average worker with no sanitation or running water. The township never developed due to lack of help from the Government and Blaxland Shire as well as the Commonwealth Oil Corporation.

John Fell took over operations in an attempt to get operations on track, only partly succeeding. In 1925, parts of the plant were sent to Duck Creek at Rosehill (near Parramatta) where a cracking plant was built.

Newnes works closed in 1937 with most usable materials being trucked to new venture at Glen Davis. Newnes Township reverted to a ghost town.

Meanwhile, John Fells' operation at Duck Creek was in under way. The arrival of his son from overseas was to help in the redesign of equipment but unfortunately he was killed in a retort explosion. John Fell then sold out to the Shell Oil Company in 1928.

Glen Davis Closed in 1953.

There is still plenty to see between Newnes Junction and Newnes township. Information can be obtained from National Parks & Wildlife Service, who provide a small booklet for a few cents (and free camping). You may also like to consult Info Blue Mountains' page on the Wolgan Valley Railway.


Pictures of the Wolgan Valley Railway


Click on a thumbnail to load the full image.

 
Painting by Phil Belbin 		 
Bolster Wagon 		 
Double Headed Rail 		 
Glow Worm Tunnel 		 
Lump of Shale
 
Mine Entrance 		 
Newnes Jcn Box 		 
Newnes Jcn Layout 		 
Shay Water Tank 		 
Wax Works
 
Painting by Phil Belbin 		 
Reversing triangle - New		  
Buffer stop - New		    


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