General News
9 May, 2026
Plans underway for Avoca Railway’s 150th celebrations
PLANNING is underway to mark a major milestone for the Avoca community, with the Avoca Railway set to celebrate 150 years. Avoca Arts and Gardens is leading preparations for the occasion, which will coincide with the town’s annual art show and feature a special rail theme.
Events are planned for Tuesday, October 20 and Friday, October 23, with organisers encouraging community involvement as planning continues.
“If anyone has got any rail memorabilia or history. There must be people who can remember the 100th,” committee member Margaret Pilgrim said.
Ms Pilgrim said the celebrations would be a chance to show off the rich history of the station.
“If there was anyone from 1976 who can remember the hundredth, I would love to hear from them,” she said.
The group previously marked the 140th anniversary in 2016 with a community fun day, featuring cardboard box trains, Queen Victoria and a small reenactment.
Planning for the 150th is still in its early stages and it was decided to incorporate the annual art show with the celebration.
The October 20th event is expected to include the installation and unveiling of primary school artworks at the railway station, along with a small ceremony to mark the anniversary.
“We thought we could display that at the station for that day and then shift it to the hall for Friday. There might be dignitaries that might actually put their hand up and say they’ll come along on the Tuesday.” Ms Pilgrim said.
The official art show opening will take place on October 23 at the town hall, a venue with historical significance.
“It’s actually the venue where the original opening took place,” Ms Pilgrim said.
Historical records show the original railway opening was followed by a grand ball at the town hall that continued into the early hours of the morning.
“When we did the 140th it was all at the station, this time we are doing it at the hall. That’s where it was officially celebrated,” she said.
Ms Pilgrim also hopes to unveil two signs to complete the Pyrenees Rail Trail, marking both Avoca and Homebush as endpoints.
With planning still evolving, organisers are hopeful of support from government representatives and railway associations to help mark the historic occasion.
Ms Pilgrim said the group was currently focused on spreading the word and inviting ideas.
“At the moment it’s letting people know we are going to celebrate it together, if anyone has suggestions or ideas or wants to be involved, get in touch with us,” she said.
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