The Toronto Branch Railway Line is a closed railway line in New South Wales, Australia. The line opened in 1891,[1] and branched off the Main Northern line at Fassifern station, crossing over a single lane tunnel on Fassifern Road, and following the shore of Fennell Bay to Blackalls Park. The Toronto end of the line is located close to the shore of Toronto Bay.
Horse-drawn carriages were first to run along the branch line. A variety of steam engines also ran along the line during its operation, including a Coffee Pot engine, and the Prince of Wales travelled to Toronto by train on 24 June 1920.
Passenger services operated over the line, generally as a shuttle service between Fassifern and Toronto, but through services to Newcastle also operated. Services in 1989 were operated by 620/720 class diesel railcars and operated as frequently as every 20 minutes.[2] The line was not included in the Wyong–Newcastle electrification project, completed in 1984, which probably sealed its fate.[citation needed] It was controversially closed in 1990 despite local opposition, with a privately operated bus service replacing the train.[citation needed] Following the closure, a cycleway called the Toronto Greenway was constructed along the line. Most of the cycleway was constructed alongside the railway line in case the line is ever reopened. The replacement bus service runs from Fassifern Station to Toronto Station and includes a stop at Blackalls Park.
Looking north along line with cycleway in background. Near the end of Narara Street, Fassifern
Looking east across the intersection of the cycleway near the end of Narara Street, Fassifern. The overgrown railway line and Fennell Bay are in background
Beginning of the cycleway at Fassifern railway station
Looking north along line with cycleway in background. Near the end of Narara Street, Fassifern
Looking east across the intersection of the cycleway near the end of Narara Street, Fassifern. The overgrown railway line and Fennell Bay are in background
Toronto Station
Toronto branch platform at Fassifern railway station
