History of the line
The line connecting Queanbeyan to Sydney was completed in September 1887 after more than four years work just on the section from Goulburn, which needed significant work in the construction of Brooks Bank and Pine Range tunnels, and the Burbong and Queanbeyan bridges.
During this time, work was also progressing on the line as far south as Michelago, the latter opening only a few months later in December 1887.
For a short time from 1887, Michelago was the terminus for the line that was eventually extended to Cooma (May 1889) and on to Bombala (1921).
Michelago was a sizable town in its heyday and the start of the trip by stage coach to Cooma.
The railway goods yard is a typical layout for a terminus, complete with a turntable and goods sidings.
Some of the short lengths of rail in the goods yard were made in England in 1882 and transported to Australia as ship ballast.
The old railway station building contains some 80,000 bricks; coincidentally, there are also this number of sleepers in the section of line from Queanbeyan.
The line to Michelago has some steep grades (long sections of 1-in-40 or 2.5% are common in both directions) and tight curves, and provides commanding views across the Tuggeranong Valley to the Brindabella mountain range.
After reaching the top of the long 1-in-40 grade at the old Tuggeranong siding, the line sweeps around the beautiful Melrose Valley where kangaroos are often seen.
Until the opening of a loop at Royalla in 1955-56, Michelago was the first crossing loop for trains from Queanbeyan.
