MOUNT KEMBLA RAIL TRAIL - WEST

 

A short rail trail along the old BHP coal line to Nebo in Mount Kembla.

We parked in the small car park on Stones Road and first headed east down to where the line meets Cordeaux Road.

Part 1: Eastern half of the track.

In this second part we head west to the location of the former Nebo loader, looking at a few surviving items along the way.

At the start of our hike westward from the carpark, we see YouTube sensation Kevin 'K-Med' Medley.
Looking back towards Stones Road.

Photo: Brad Peadon

As above, but Mr Terence Cassidy, and looking towards the end of the line.

Photo: Brad Peadon

A wee bit of surviving infrastructure near the end of the former line.

Terry is looking very impressed.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Where the coal loader once stood. 

Very little to indicate it's existence still survives.

Photo: Brad Peadon

From the site of the loader, looking towards the very end of the line.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Very interesting interpretive signage has been placed on display near the old coal loader site.

It gives a very good overview if the history of the location.

The following shows parts of this display.

Photos: Brad Peadon

That exciting moment when you find some historic relics while bush bashing.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Another random view of the path along the former line.

The curve in the distance is thought to be the same location as in the old photo below.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Mr Steven 'KAK' Karas is seemingly excited to be exploring the remains of the Nebo line some time after closure.

The location is thought to be on the distant curve shown in the above shot, with the footpath actually being on the location of the platform KAK is standing on.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Another lesser accessible culvert.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Heading back to the Stones Road carpark..

Photos: Brad Peadon

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Further Reading:

Kemira Valley Railway Line

Mt Kembla Memorial Pathway

Nebo Colliery Illawarra Heritage Trail.

American Creek.

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Thanks To:

Terry Cassidy, Stephen Karas & Kevin (K-Med) Medley

BHP Rail History SIG

NSW Railways - Past & Present

A.I.S Australian Iron & Steel - Port Kembla Rail Dept

Semi-Retired Foamer Publishing

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MOUNT KEMBLA RAIL TRAIL - PART 1 - EAST

A short rail trail along the old BHP coal line to Nebo in Mount Kembla.

We parked in the small car park on Stones Road and first headed east down to where the line meets Cordeaux Road.

The second part will see us head westward to the location of the former loader.

Stones Road crossing looking towards the former Nebo terminus. That section will be covered in part 2.

Photo: Brad Peadon.

Signage at the Stones Road car park.

Photos: Brad Peadon.

Memorial at the Stones Road car park.

Photos: Brad Peadon.

The beginning of the walk eastwards.

The tarred path is the formation back towards the steelworks, while the gated fence is where the original connection to Kemira ran.

Photos: Brad Peadon.

How it looked way back in the 90s.

Photo: Brad Peadon.

The original connection to Kemira via Bushell's Hill Tunnel.

Photo: Brad Peadon.

Back when the aforementioned connection still had rail, and access for that matter.

This section around too the tunnel seems to be patrolled by security guards.

Photo: Brad Peadon.

A short length of sleepers was left along the formation as a reminder of the former use.

Photos: Brad Peadon.

8204 descends through Mt Kembla with a load of coal from the Dendrobium Mine.

It is worth noting that the section of line it is on was a replacement for trains to Kemira (later Dendrobium). 

Both lines never existed together, with Kemira having to be accessed via reversing at Nebo, and using a curved section that led to Bushell's Hill tunnel and the loader.

Photo: Brad Peadon.

At the far east end of the rail train is this unusual-looking railway. It is situated behind a lovely private residence as you enter Mt Kembla.

It appears to have operated in a large circuit around their yard.

I've been told the owners used to use it when they had visitors over, but that it may not have been used for a while.

Photos: Brad Peadon.

8203 climbs up towards the mine with a rake of empty coal hoppers.

Recent reports have suggested that the mine, and thus the line, may only have a few years to go 

Photo: Brad Peadon.

Bridge over American Creek.

Photos: Brad Peadon.

Partners in crime.

Terry with the old SMUT hat, and Kevin with the historic Gilligan one.

Photo: Brad Peadon.

A wagon relic on display at the Stones Road car park..

Photo: Brad Peadon.

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Further Reading:

Kemira Valley Railway Line

Mt Kembla Memorial Pathway

Nebo Colliery Illawarra Heritage Trail.

American Creek.

-------------------------------------------------------

Thanks To:

Terry Cassidy & Kevin (K-Med) Medley

BHP Rail History SIG

NSW Railways - Past & Present

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Kids With Cancer Foundation 

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