170 years of the NSW railways
- THNSW
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
On Friday 26 September, Transport Heritage NSW joined with Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink to mark a remarkable milestone — 170 years since the very first passenger train ran from Sydney to Parramatta in 1855.
To honour the occasion, three trains representing different eras of NSW’s railway history departed Central Station side-by-side: THNSW’s century-old steam locomotive 3526, Historic Electric Traction’s iconic suburban set F1, and the state’s newest Mariyung intercity train. Together, they captured the imagination of media and onlookers as they ran in parallel through Sydney’s inner west.
Speaking ahead of the commemorative journey, THNSW CEO Andrew Moritz said:
“THNSW is the State’s peak organisation in preserving, commemorating and celebrating our wonderful transport heritage, so it’s only fitting that we are here today with some of the gems from our fleet to share this moment.”
Passengers gathered ahead of the trains departure also heard reflections from Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins OBE, Sydney Trains CEO Matthew Longland, and NSW TrainLink CEO Roger Weeks — each acknowledging the significance of the railways’ past while celebrating the people who keep them running today.
Passengers then retraced the original journey from Central to Parramatta, echoing the historic trip 170 years ago that helped transform life in the colony. Then, as now, it was a day that symbolised progress, connection and the enduring importance of rail to New South Wales.
All images courtesy Mark Coleman