History of Cooma Monaro Railway
The Cooma Monaro Railway traces its origins to the late 19th century, when the Queanbeyan to Bombala railway line was constructed to serve the agricultural and freight needs of southern New South Wales. Construction began in 1884, with Cooma station officially opening in May 1889. The line was gradually extended southward, reaching Nimmitabel in 1912 and Bombala in 1921, despite delays caused by World War I.
For decades, the railway played a vital role in transporting goods and passengers across the Monaro region. However, the rise of road transport led to a steady decline in rail patronage. By 1986, services between Cooma and Bombala were withdrawn, and in 1989, flood damage to bridges at Chakola led to the suspension of remaining services. A brief revival occurred in 1989 for a centenary steam train tour, though structural concerns limited its reach.
In 1992, the Cooma Monaro Railway Inc. was formed with the goal of preserving and revitalizing the railway as a heritage attraction. The group acquired historic CPH railmotors and began restoration work at Cooma station. By 1998, tourist services resumed between Cooma and Snowy Junction, and in 1999, the line reopened to Chakola. These heritage rides became a popular draw for visitors until operations were suspended in 2014 due to infrastructure deterioration.
Following a period of internal restructuring, CMR focused on strengthening its governance and planning for sustainable operations. In December 2022, the museum reopened with new exhibits, and by May 2024, maintenance vehicles resumed travel to Snowy Junction, signaling a potential return of passenger services. The railway precinct now serves as a hub for heritage preservation and community engagement.
Today, Cooma Monaro Railway stands as a testament to regional rail history, showcasing restored rolling stock and hosting monthly markets and events. Its continued efforts reflect a commitment to preserving the legacy of rail transport in the Snowy Mountains region.
This historical summary was generated using AI, based on publicly available sources including Cooma Monaro Railway – Wikipedia and the official CMR history page.
