Wollongong Station

Wollongong Station is a railway station on the South Coast Line of the NSW TrainLink Intercity network, serving the central business district of the Illawarra region's major centre of Wollongong.

The station consists of two side platforms for through trains with two non-electrified dock platforms for terminating services from the south. It receives, on average, one off-peak service per hour travelling to/from Sydney on weekdays (with more services during peak hours) and one per hour on weekends. The station has two car parks and is situated just south of Jubilee Bridge on Crown Street. Wollongong is a NSW TrainLink 'Easy Access' station, as it has a ramp and lift to all platforms, and has street access to ensure it is wheelchair accessible.

History

The original Wollongong railway station was constructed in 1887. The Platform 2 refreshment room, which is still in use today, was constructed in 1890. The Platform 1 station and refreshment room were constructed in 1923 and 1926 respectively. These buildings, as well as the 1950s train crew building and 1928 Crown Street overbridge are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

In 2005, the station's Easy Access upgrade was completed. On 14 August 2010, in addition to its original car park, a new commuter car park which provides 365 free car spaces including disabled and motorcycle parking, as well as bicycle storage, was opened.

Platforms and service

Wollongong is the starting point of a branch service to Port Kembla, serving the Illawarra's main industrial district, although the line does not actually branch until the next station south, Coniston. The branch is served by roughly one off-peak train per hour between Wollongong and Port Kembla on weekdays, and an hourly service on weekends. A few additional services run during peak hours, including a couple of services running directly to and from Central, some continuing along the suburban Eastern Suburbs Line.