The line that started it all
Ipswich to Bigges Camp
Queensland’s first ever train journey from Ipswich to Bigges Camp (now Grandchester) took place on 31 July 1865, following more than one year of hard labour.
Constructing of the line
Construction of the section from Ipswich to Bigges Camp began in February 1864, after the world-wide railway construction company Peto, Brassey and Betts was awarded the contract for just 86,900 pounds.
The company in the 1840s had built most of the railway network in Britain and subsequently brought in labourers from Europe to build the first line in Queensland. Labourers worked a ten hour day in a much harsher Queensland climate for approximately 35 shillings a week.
Politically, the 1863 Railway Bill was one of the most fiercely debated bills at the time. The debate was centred mostly on the gauge of the main line, which subsequently resulted in a narrower gauge of 1067mm being chosen to help manage costs. When the 38.5 kilometre stretch was completed in 1865 it was the first of its type in the world and was quickly adopted by many international railways.
The first sod of the Queensland Railway was turned by the then Governor’s wife, Lady Bowen at a special ceremony on 25 February 1864, at North Ipswich. The section to Bigges Camp was chosen as the first part for completion as it did not involve major engineering difficulties over the Toowoomba range. From Bigges Camp, passengers were also able to transfer to Cobb and Co. coaches to complete their journey to Toowoomba.
Two stations were constructed between Ipswich and Bigges Camp, named Walloon and a smaller station called Moruya. On opening day both of thesewere described as being completed and in ‘neat trim’. This was in contrast to the Ipswich and Bigges Camp stations, both of which were only half finished on opening day.
The first locomotives
The first locomotives to run on the line were also imported from England, costing just 1260 pounds for four. They were assembled from kit-form at North Ipswich,near the present day Hotel Cecil.
Each locomotive was appropriately named; the first engine was christened ‘Premier’, the second ‘Faugh-a-Ballagh’, meaning ‘clear the way’, the third ‘Lady Bowen’ and fourth ‘Pioneer’.
Opening of the line
The opening of the line on 31 July 1865 was a grand occasion, with a public holiday even declared. Hundreds of people lined the railway line and attended the inaugural service, enjoying a luncheon and the drinking of many toasts before they celebrated at a glittering railway ball in Ipswich.
Four services operated that day and the first train arrived in Bigges Camp at 11.06am, just over an hour for the 21 mile trip.
From the following day the railway got down to the business of taking passengers and goods to their destinations on a regular timetable and work continued on building the line to the Darling Downs by 1867.