Revised 2008

• Rebuilding of the line is occurring progressively. It is being constructed to a standard appropriate for a Heritage Pioneer line (using standards developed under the guidance of RIC staff). Rolling stock for Stage 1 (Oberon to Hazelgrove - 5.4km) will be arranged in conjunction with the Office of Rail Heritage. Ultimately invitations may be extended to other heritage train operators to run locomotives & rolling stock on the line. Standards and operations will be compliant with ITSRR regulations.
• Development and reconstruction will occur in stages progressing from Oberon to Tarana (stage 2 will be the Hazelgrove Carlwood section - 9.4km; Stage 3, the Carlwood Tarana section - 9km).
• The main focus will be on the rebuilding of the line rather than the expensive acquisition and restoration of rolling stock and locomotives.
• Stage 1 is almost complete and consists of a joint development in the Oberon ~ Hazelgrove section involving a Rail/ Walking / Cycling proposal. An Australian Tourism Development Program Grant Application has been successful the rail component of Stage One ($100,000) has already been expended. This money was spent primarily on purchasing sleepers for the approximate 5km section between Oberon and Hazelgrove.
• Negotiations will continually be explored to open the possibility of timber (and other) products being conveyed as revenue freight.
• An operating Tourist railway is considered to be a major tourist potential for the towns of Oberon and Tarana and associated areas such as Jenolan Caves will be considered in conjunction with the appropriate organisations. To that end, OTHR Inc is a member of the Oberon Plateau Tourist Association.
• Additional accommodation options will be explored in conjunction with Tourist organisations and existing proprietors.
• Initial operations will probably consist of a rail motor service (or possibly a loco hauled service) between Oberon and Hazelgrove. This service will extend to Tarana as the remainder of the line is rehabilitated.
• Tourist services under investigation include:
  • Operation in the Oberon Hazelgrove section on a regular schedule (yet to be decided but possibly initially one day each weekend; plus one day midweek; plus special provisions for school and public holidays)
  • The development of Hazelgrove to include a reconstructed copy of the original station; a platform to cater for passengers (including the disabled); a toilet based on the original facility (foundations still in place); facilities for picnicking, eating and shelter.
  • Operations over the full line may include:
    • Services to allow passengers to detrain at Hazelgrove or Carlwood or Fish River for picnicking or exploring. Pick-up occurring on scheduled return trips.
    • Services to allow lunch or dinner at Tarana Hotel.
    • Special trains utilised to convey walking/ cycling / tourist groups up or down the mountain.
    • Restaurant trains running initially between Oberon and Tarana.
    • Interchange with mainline heritage rail operations to allow passengers to journey to and from Oberon.
    • Facilitating passenger connections from other rail operators in the region (eg. Zig Zag) and to and from other tourist destinations (such as Jenolan Caves).
    • Night wildlife tours using open carriages at low speed “drifting” down the gradient.
• Tourist operations will be designed to offer a worthwhile "experience" for the passenger. The process is envisaged to be a "theatre" where the railway will provide the medium for offering passengers an enjoyable experience.
• Paid management and marketing staff will ultimately be required as operations expand.

Download a Position Paper on Commercial Operation of the line (Word™ Doc 54kb)