The development of the Caboolture railway marked a turning point in transportation, communication and commerce for the region. What began as a single-track railway has grown into a vital piece of infrastructure, reflecting the evolution of Queensland’s transportation network over the years.
The original Caboolture Railway Station, now preserved at a historical village, once stood at the site of the current station. This small wooden building was accompanied by a goods shed, used to store freight awaiting transportation. Missing from this tableau is the water tank, an essential fixture for refilling the steam trains that dominated the early railway era.
The railway first connected Brisbane to Northgate on 1 March 1888, and the line extended from Petrie to Caboolture on 11 June of that year. This modest beginning laid the foundation for further expansion, with the line reaching Landsborough by 1 February 1890. Steam engines required frequent water stops every 50 to 80 kilometres, depending on the track gradient and train size. Caboolture became a critical water stop, with supplies pumped from Lagoon Creek to holding tanks, remnants of which can still be seen today.
Caboolture’s Railway Legacy and Lasting Impact
The arrival of the railway not only revolutionised passenger and goods transport but also transformed the postal system. Before the railway, Cobb & Co coaches carried mail from Brisbane to Gympie and beyond. However, just days after the railway extension to Caboolture opened on 14 June 1888, mail began its journey by rail from Brisbane to Caboolture, continuing to Gympie by coach. This change brought efficiency and reliability to regional communication.
The Caboolture-Woodford branch line, which opened on 16 December 1909, was later extended to Kilcoy, further cementing Caboolture’s role as a transportation hub. In 1984, the historic station buildings were relocated to the village and lovingly restored. Today, visitors can experience the charm of a historic era, complete with a miniature steam train offering rides around the village grounds, a tribute to Caboolture’s rich railway heritage.
From its early days as a critical water stop to its modern role as a piece of living history, the Caboolture railway exemplifies the transformative power of transportation in shaping communities.
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Feature Image courtesy of City of Moreton Bay, Reference number CLPC-P1301
