Railways and Tramways of Australia
National
Rail motors CPH7 and CPH1 at Olympic Park on an Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division, Sydney suburban tour, 12 September 2015.
Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia (ATHRA)
The Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia was incorporated in 2004 as a national organisation to represent the interests of tourist and heritage railway organisations throughout Australia. ATHRA’s website provides links to many tourist and heritage railways.
Australian Railway Historical Society (ARHS)
The Australian Railway Historical Society was formed in Sydney in 1933 as the Australasian Railway and Locomotive Historical Society. From its New South Wales beginnings, divisions began in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. The Western Australia Division is now known as Rail Heritage WA. State divisions of the ARHS are involved in different activities, including railway museums, tourist railways, special trains and tours, the publication of books and magazines, research archives and meetings. Listings for each division are included underneath state headings.
Australian Timetable Association (ATA)
The Australian Timetable Association (ATA) aims to promote interest in transport timetables around the world. It publishes two magazines: The Times, which includes articles regarding historical timetables and current transport scheduling trends, and Table Talk, which includes recent news regarding timetables and transport, mostly within Australia, but also overseas. Other activities of ATA include a timetable distribution service, timetable auctions, and local meetings in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
Council of Tramway Museums of Australasia (COTMA)
The Council of Tramway Museums of Australasia (COTMA) was established in 1975 to represent the interests of heritage tramway museums and operators throughout Australasia. Its overall goal is to promote heritage tramways and foster excellence in tramway museum practice and presentation.
Light Railway Research Society of Australia (LRRSA)
The Light Railway Research Society of Australia (LRRSA) aims to encourage interest in specialised railways, both past and present, and the industries they have serviced. These railways include those involved with industries such as sugar production, timber milling, construction, mining, electricity generation, tourism, water supply, gas production and explosives manufacture. Activities include tours, meetings, the publication of books, and the production of a magazine, Light Railways, published six times a year.
Rail Trails Australia
Rail trails are pathways along railway corridors that are no longer used by trains. Trails are available for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. In most cases the railway infrastructure has been removed, but remnants can be seen in some locations. Rail trails provide interesting insights into rail heritage. There is an extensive network of rail trails in Victoria and a smaller number of trails in other states and territories. The Rail Trails Australia website has descriptions, maps and photos of rail trails, as well as news and downloadable magazines.