Blacktown City has celebrated a fantastic new, family attraction with the grand opening of the Nurragingy Miniature Railway in Doonside.
The railway is nestled in the bushland of Nurragingy Reserve, between Currawong and Cockatoo Picnic Areas. It is open to the public on the third Sunday of each month, from 10am to 3pm.
Saturday's grand opening marked the completion of the project's second stage, following the unveiling of stage 1 in 2019.
Blacktown City Council has worked in partnership with the North Western Model Engineers Inc. to design and construct the railway since 2016.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the project wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated efforts of many volunteers.
"The Nurragingy Miniature Railway has been a labour of love for many volunteers over the past 7 years," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"Since the soft opening in 2019, the team at North Western Model Engineers battled a bushfire-ridden summer, COVID shutdowns and persistent wet weather to complete the second stage of this marvellous project.
"This railway has been built thanks to the incredible talents and knowledge of the North Western Model Engineers, many of whom have backgrounds as engineers, diesel mechanics, station masters and train drivers.
"Together, they have built a fabulous new attraction for people of all ages in Blacktown City and beyond.
"Council has been very proud to partner with North Western Model Engineers to create this fun and educational attraction for everyone in the community to enjoy."
The railway's latest additions include a 300-metre track extension and supporting structures and buildings, which include a train station,
ticket booth, signal box, carriage storage shed and steaming bays
Picture: Families are all smiles as they depart from the new platform at the Nurragingy Miniature Railway.
