Random Bollocks From A Semi-Retired Foamer!: March 2024

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.

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Thanks To:

Terry Cassidy & Kevin (K-Med) Medley

BHP Rail History SIG

NSW Railways - Past & Present

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Kids With Cancer Foundation

While railfans destroyed our work, they still need your help.

1932 -Opened as Ranelagh

1948 - Renamed St Anthonys

1970 - Closed

???? - Reopened as Ranelagh House

I am unable to find any information on a subsequent closure, however, the platform looks very disused and somewhat of a safety issue.

The station is named after the nearby hotel located on the north side of the line.

The hotel, built in 1924, is currently named 'The Robertson Hotel', but has previously been known at 'Ranelagh House', and 'Fountaindale Grand Manor'.

According to the book 'How & Why Of Station Names' it was used as a RAAF training base in the 1940's. Later it was run by the Franciscan Friary as a novitiate.