“Only accessible by train or boat?” That’s the question many ask about Wondabyne. It’s a unique place. Wondabyne railway station is the only one in Australia without road access.
Wondabyne sits in the Central Coast region of New South Wales. It is part of the Central Coast Council. The river surrounding Wondabyne is Mullet Creek.
The Wondabyne railway station opened on May 1, 1889. Originally, it was named Mullet Creek Junction. This was due to its proximity to the creek. In 1890, it was renamed Hawkesbury Cabin. Finally, in 1891, it became Wondabyne. The name came from Mt. Wondabyne near the station.
The station played a vital role during the construction of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge. Before the bridge opened in 1897, a ferry service operated. It transported railway traffic from a temporary dead end at Mullet Creek. This was 400 meters north of Wondabyne station.
Wondabyne also had a maritime transport industry. Fishermen lived along the creek in squatter houses. Recreational fishing is still popular here. Once, Wondabyne was a bustling area. It even had a pub called The Centennial. However, it closed in 1891 after the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge opened. Steamboat services transported passengers from Wondabyne station. They traveled along the Hawkesbury River to Brooklyn.
In April 1939, Wondabyne station was moved to its current location.
Today, Wondabyne station has two side platforms. Though short, it has modern amenities. These include an Opal card reader, train announcements, and security cameras. The platforms are designated SP1r. This means passengers alight from the rear door of the last carriage. Wondabyne uses selective door operation. Trains only stop here upon request. Passengers must notify the guard if they want to get off. They must wave at the driver if they want to board.
Wondabyne is serviced by the Central Coast & Newcastle Line. It runs from Sydney Central to Newcastle Interchange.
Near Wondabyne station is a sandstone quarry. Gosford Quarries owns this 70-acre site. Stone from this quarry has been used for restoration work on Sydney buildings. In 2000, the quarry reopened. It supplied stone for the spires of St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.
Wondabyne and Mullet Creek have appeared on screen. They starred in the film “Oyster Farmer”.
With a population of just three people, Wondabyne offers a unique escape. It is a place where the train is your only connection to the outside world. It is a testament to a simpler time. Wondabyne offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking something different.