Another piece of history restored in Millthorpe

Over the past two years, the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) has worked in conjunction with Sydney Trains and Blayney Shire Council to restore the Millthorpe Station Crane, a heritage asset dating back to the 1880s.

The crane played a vital role loading and unloading rail freight in Millthorpe until the 1960s. Sadly, the crane had lain disassembled and decaying outside the Millthorpe Station for decades and when the station was reopened to passengers in 2019, the crane’s future became of increasing interest to the local community.

Detailed works led by TAHE and undertaken in partnership with Sydney Trains included sourcing missing parts from local residents, creating new replica parts and preparation of a new crane base at Millthorpe Station. The crane was originally positioned in Millthorpe’s former railway goods yard – in the rail corridor at the Sydney end of the current station. It has now been reinstated closer to the station so it can be appreciated through public access.

The TAHE Community Heritage Program has a strong reputation in the Central West and beyond for restoring and celebrating our heritage railway assets.

This project was one of the goals of the Millthorpe Village Sub Committee 'Millthorpe on Track.' The sub-committee was instrumental in getting the station reopened in 2019 following the closure of the station in 1982. With the reopening, Millthorpe Station is now included as a 'stop on demand' on the daily Western XPT service. The XPT arrives in Millthorpe in the morning and departs in the afternoon on its return journey from Dubbo, providing the perfect day trip or drive-free overnight adventure. You can book your ticket in advance online with NSW Trainlink or by phone, on 132 232.

Rail Preservation Society, Lachlan Valley Rail also runs regular steam train rides from Orange, occasionally stopping in Millthorpe otherwise just passing through providing the perfect photo opportunity.

Photos: Completion of the Millthorpe Heritage Crane and Lachlan Valley Rail visit to Millthorpe