Destination Board 1962

This photo shows a crowded Sydney Central Station in 1962. In the background is the famous destination or indicator board which was a feature of the station from when it was opened in 1906 to when it was replaced by a bank of (unromantic) computer monitors in 1982.

In 1962 rail travel was cheaper and more accessible than flying and was the primary means by which passengers travelled to the country. The station here is crowded with people setting off for destinations such as Brisbane, Murwillumbah, Glenn Innes, Newcastle, Hawkesbury River, Wollongong and Nowra. The more formal nature of the times is demonstrated by the number of men in suits and ties and the women in dresses and coats with permed hair. Train travel required your good clothes! Also of note is the prominent advertisement for cigarettes.

In 1982, with considerable reluctance, the State Rail Authority of NSW replaced the indicator board, which had been a landmark at Central Station for 76 years. It was of particular sentimental value to thousands of New South Wales residents and visitors and was a popular meeting spot. The indicator board is now on display in the Museums Transport Exhibition.

Post by Lynne McNairn

Photographer unknown.
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Tags: 1960s, Central Railway Station, destination board, Indicator board, Rail history, Rail travel, railways, Sydney, Train travel