A new lease has been signed for the historic Wallangarra station in Queensland, with plans to make the heritage buildings a “must-stop” food and beverage destination.
The Wallangarra railway closed in 1997, and the station has been closed to the public since 2023.
The buildings, which contain a function venue, café and restaurant, will undergo extensive renovations to restore them to their former glory.
The old train crew quarters onsite will also be renovated by the tenants in the future, to be used as an accommodation facility.
The new lease has been signed with local business Wallangarra Railway Café as part of Queensland Rail’s commitment to preserving railway heritage.
The Wallangarra Railway Café is expected to welcome customers later this year.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said the renovations will make the much-loved landmark a major tourist attraction in the region.
“At Queensland Rail we are all about connecting communities and we continue to work collaboratively with the local businesses to preserve and showcase important historical rail assets wherever possible,” he said.
“We’re thrilled that the new tenants will breathe new life into the site with the plan to undertake restoration works and renovations.
“The station was [originally] built with a sizable refreshment room which operated for more than 80 years.
“It’s exciting that today’s travellers will be able to dine in the same location as travellers of the past.”
Wallangarra Railway Café owners Lee-Anne Nichols and Greg Kentish added that they believe the Wallangarra Railway Café can become one of the region’s most iconic “must- stop” tourism destinations.
“The historic railway station offers an ideal canvas to create a unique and engaging hospitality experience for both the local community and travellers to enjoy and celebrate,” they said.
“The venue design will be reminiscent of the iconic Refreshment Rooms of years past, paying homage to the building’s original purpose.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with Queensland Rail to ensure we help protect and maintain the integrity of the building’s heritage-listing status for current and future generations to enjoy.
“We are very excited to welcome customers to this brand-new and stunningly unique dining experience in early 2025.”
First opening in 1887, Wallangarra station serviced travellers who had to change trains from the standard gauge of New South Wales to Queensland’s narrow gauge.
When passengers are on the platform at Wallangarra, they can stand with one foot in Queensland and one in New South Wales.