Conquering the Blue Mountains

The first railway in New South Wales was opened in September 1855 between Sydney and Parramatta with the intention that it would be extended to Goulburn in the south and across the Blue Mountains to Bathurst in the west.

The mountains had seemed an impenetrable barrier and initial reactions were that the building of a line was impracticable. Surveys however identified a suitable route and in 1863 work commenced.

The author documents the planning and construction, the many difficulties encountered and the innovative solutions effected.

The book includes many photographs of trains, locations and the personalities involved.