- A new lease for the historic Wallangarra station has just been signed.
- New tenants plan to make Wallangarra station a "foodie" destination with a café, restaurant and function venue.
- The station will undergo restoration works to keep it looking its best for future generations.
Travellers will once again be welcomed back to Wallangarra station for refreshments, with a new plan to make the beautiful heritage buildings a 'must stop' food and beverage destination.
A new lease has been signed with local business, Wallangarra Railway Café, as part of Queensland Rail's commitment to preserving railway heritage.
The historic buildings which contain a function venue, café and restaurant will undergo extensive renovations to return the historic station to her former glory.
The old train crew quarters onsite will also be renovated in future by the tenants, as an accommodation facility.
The Wallangarra railway closed in 1997, and the station has been closed to the public since 2023.
The Wallangarra Railway Café is expected to welcome customers later this year.
As stated by Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:
"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.
"We're thrilled that the new tenants will breathe new life into the site with the plan to undertake restoration works and renovations.
"These renovations will serve to make the historic station and much-loved landmark a significant tourist attraction for the region.
"Wallangarra station has an interesting history, opening in 1887, it serviced travellers who had to change trains from the standard gauge of New South Wales to Queensland's narrow gauge.
"In fact, when you stand on the platform at Wallangarra you can stand with one foot in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
"The station was also built with a sizable refreshment room which operated for more than 80 years. So, it's exciting that today's travellers will be able to dine in the same location as travellers of the past."
As stated by Wallangarra Railway Café owners Lee-Anne Nichols and Greg Kentish:
"We 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.
"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."
