Gladstone Trains

Gladstone’s heritage is closely linked to the railways.

Gladstone developed rapidly with the arrival of the railway in 1877.   When Port Pirie became the main Spencer Gulf Port, the railway was built to transport grain from the fast expanding agricultural areas to the east.  Subsequently the narrow gauge (3’6″) was extended through Jamestown to Peterborough, and north from Gladstone to Wilmington.  The last narrow gauge to be closed was this line to Wilmington in 1982.

Broad gauge (5’3″) was laid from Hamley Bridge to Gladstone in 1927 to allow goods to be transported from Adelaide.  Transhipping then became necessary to shift goods from the broad gauge to the narrow gauge wagons.

1969 saw the standard gauge (4’81/2″) completed.  Gladstone, Port Pirie & Peterborough all had the three (3) gauges, but Gladstone was unique in that no other railway satation yard had the three (3) gauges interlaid together within the one area (siding).  Train spotters come to Gladstone to see one of the wonders of the railway world.

Progressively facilities were withdrawn, buildings dismantled and rail lines removed, with the railway station being officially closed in 1991.

Today trains still use the standard gauge line, but the largest use is for the transportation of lead and zinc from Broken Hill to Port Pirie.  At least 15 freight trains pass through daily.

These days the world famous  ‘Indian Pacific’ train  passes through 4 times per week.  Passengers are able to step on or off the ‘Indian Pacific’ at Gladstone providing arrangements have been made when booking their trip.