All aboard for a day of history, music, and celebration! On Sunday 2 November from 10am to 3pm, Gunning Railway Station will come alive as Southern Tablelands Arts joins with the local community to throw a free festival to mark two incredible milestones: the 150th anniversary of the station and the second birthday of Connect@Gunning Station.
This will be no ordinary Sunday; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime party where history meets fun! The station grounds will be buzzing with a stellar lineup of performers, with live performances from favourites Michael Simic, Joel Bulger, Jerikye Williams, Eduardo Ruiz, and Henry Lawson (as portrayed by Max Cullen).
Take a fascinating journey through time with a Historic Exhibition presented by the Gunning & District Historical Society. This exhibition is packed with stories, photographs, and memorabilia from the last century and a half. Train lovers can explore the Gunning Station N Scale model display, showcasing a detailed miniature version of the iconic station. The Connect Markets will be filled with stalls featuring handmade crafts, art, vintage finds, local treasures and delicious food, while the classic car show will add even more shine to the day, with beautiful vehicles lined up to admire. Kids (and kids at heart) can enjoy fun family activities, a free party hat workshop, party food, and, of course, a birthday cake. There’s even a FREE town shuttle with trips to Gunning’s main street, where you can enjoy the cafes, galleries and more, so it’s easy for everyone to join the festivities. Whether you’re a history buff, train enthusiast, music lover, or simply looking for a fantastic family outing, the Gunning Railway Station 150th Anniversary Festival promises something for everyone.
Gunning Railway Station has stood as a proud landmark of heritage and community since its official opening on 3 November 1875. The first train rolled into town a few days later, on 9 November, marking the beginning of a new era in transport and connection for the small rural community. For its first year, Gunning was the terminus of the line, before the tracks pushed further south, eventually linking Sydney to Melbourne.
Architecturally, the station holds particular importance. It is one of the best-preserved Victorian country station complexes in New South Wales. The station was the first to showcase a distinctive design introduced by John Whitton, the “father of NSW railways.” His decision to construct a rare two-storey detached Station Master’s Residence set Gunning apart from other rural stops, where simpler combined office-homes were the norm.
Gunning Station remains an operational stop on the NSW TrainLink XPT service while also taking on a new life as a cultural hub. Thanks to Transport for NSW, Southern Tablelands Arts, and the local community, disused heritage buildings have been carefully restored and repurposed as Connect@Gunning Station.
Connect@Gunning Station is a vibrant cultural and community hub run by Southern Tablelands Arts, providing a creative platform where local artists are celebrated, artistic practice is nurtured, and community members of all ages are invited to engage with the arts in meaningful ways.
It’s not every day a station turns 150, so come along, bring your friends and family, and help us celebrate as we honour Gunning’s rich railway heritage.
