Recent Tour Reports

TOFS Trip 870

Wednesday 25th February 2026

Beautiful Bombo

(organised by TOFS WW)

TOFS (18): JP (27), Graham L (185), Paul C (207), Ron O (231), Stuart P (264), Keith R (283), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), John O (357), Gregg B (365), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), David W (434), Kingsley G (439), David F (441), Bobby T (448), Jason F (464), David C (467).

Several green-hatted gents gathered at Central station where we were met by our intrepid leader, Rex M to embark on the 2-hour plus journey to Bombo. Unfortunately, Rex could not venture down the coast with us and had to pass on the leadership for the day due to unforeseen circumstances. More TOFS joined the train at Sutherland, and then it was the usual chatter until we arrived at ‘Beautiful Bombo’. After a quick explanation we headed off towards the Bombo headland and the site of a now disused basalt quarry. Time was against us due to the train timetable, but we were able to have a bit of a look around the area. The remaining columns of basalt can still be seen, although not as clear or dramatic as in other places such as the ‘Giants Causeway’ in Ireland.

 After basalt was located around the Bombo headland, a new quarry was opened there in 1880. Basalt was abundant and was easy to access as there was little or no overburden with other materials. The process for cutting cubes of basalt was developed at the Bombo quarry. The miners worked of teams of 3, with 1 man holding the large chisel, and the other 2 taking it in turns to strike the head. The chisel was then rotated a quarter turn after each strike. (Sounds like an awful lot of hard work). The resulting hole was then filled with ‘black powder’ as gelignite had not yet been invented. When blown, the cliff face of basalt would collapse.

The quarry operated on and off until finally closing in 1954. In about 1970 it became owned by the Water Board. A water treatment plant was discreetly built in 1984 in such a way that it cannot be seen unless you are right up against the fence, in keeping with the Permanent Conservation Order imposed on the headland.

After our quick look around, we returned to the station for the train to Kiama, just 1 station down the line. But when some members checked to see where the train was, it was discovered to be running 30 minutes late, so ‘Plan B’ came into effect and we caught the bus which dropped us off directly opposite the Kiama Leagues Club, our lunch destination. Due to travelling time, it was not possible to have our usual leisurely (long) lunch with time to solve the world’s problems, although I’m sure it was attempted by some. We then took a quick walk to Kiama station for the return trip.

It was a very long day, but a worthwhile one. Thanks, Rex, for your usual level of organisation and research.  It’s a shame you could not join us. 

Stuart P (264)

TOFS TRIP 869

Monday 23rd February 2026

Guided Tour of the Hyde Park Anzac Memorial

(Organised by TOFS SS)

TOFS (30): JP (27),  Peter M (155),  Phil G (154),  Graham L (185),  Chas H (203),  Ron O’H (231), Kenn W (243),  Bill H (278),  Peter McK (288),  Colin C (291),  Chris H (298),  Allan S (349),  Danny P (364),  Steve McK (374),  Paul E (380),  Lyle W (386),  Bill R (389),  Graeme L (392),  Don N (400),  Rob E (431),  Kingsley G (439),  David W (434), Bob S (444), Ted Bragg (451),  Jason F (464),  Les H (469),  Alistair L (471),  Ken C (474),  Frank W (475), John L (477). 

      Thirty keen TOFS members gathered outside the memorial in expectation of an interesting tour of the building.  We were met by club member Ken C (474) who had kindly organized the tour.  To begin we were treated to an aerial display on the steps leading up to the memorial by club member Graeme L (392) who performed a 1.5 with pike on the concrete steps. A little lost bark off the arm and leg but otherwise no harm done. Some necessary patch up equipment appeared and Graeme was set to go.

        On entering the building, we were introduced to our guides Conrad and Brooklyn and parted into two groups to commence the visit. The building is impressive on the inside with all the sandstone and stained-glass features. It was opened in 1934 thanks to funds raised by the people of N.S.W.  It is both a work of art and a remarkable piece of architecture but most importantly a permanent edifice and tribute to the memory of all the members of the Australian Imperial Forces who lost their lives, either directly or indirectly because of the Great War.

         The Anzac Memorial is administered by a board of trustees. They as a body are responsible for the management, maintenance and preservation of the Anzac Memorial as the state’s principal war monument.

         Following the very informative tour we gathered on the steps outside for the group photo and then headed for the Royal Exhibition Hotel near Central Station for lunch. We have dined here before on several occasions and found the service and prices excellent.  It seems member Ron O’H (231) made a big impression on the waitress. She expressed wanting to wrap him up and take him home.  Go for it Ron!!  All in all, a very successful day. Hoping to see you all at the next SS tour which is the annual St. Patrick’s Day lunch. Spots are limited by the size of the room so get in now. Until next time. 

Cheers for now. 

Kenn W (Tour Organiser).

TOFS Trip 868

Wednesday 18th February 2026

Henry Kendall Cottage and Museum, West Gosford

(Organised by CC-TOFS)

TOFS (14): Paul E (380), Peter B (32), Ron O’H (231), Frank W (475), Graham L (185), Ron C (470), Anthony T (420), Phil G (154), Bob S (444), Rob B (440), Andrew M (16),  Peter M (480) Greg O’H (200), Peter O (348).

After picking up a few TOFS at Gosford Station we were met at Henry Kendall Cottage and Museum by the rest of the members.

One of the Volunteers gave us a talk on the origins of the Cottage and the famous visitor Poet Henry Kendall and the creation of the Museum of yesteryear.

Peter Fagan an ex -convict was given 100 acres of land in Brisbane water and being successful, purchased 60 acres at West Gosford and built a cottage named Cooranbean with convict labour in 1836-1840 and lived there with his wife and 9 children in the cottage with a main bedroom and 2 small bedrooms. Peter Fagan was granted a licence for the Red Cow Inn which burnt down in 1901.

The main trade was timber, cattle and the first orange groves in Gosford. They shipped their produce to Sydney by boat, losing 2 boats shipwrecked on Long Reef.

Henry Kendall a travelling poet arrived in Gosford in very poor health and was befriended by the Fagan brothers who nursed him back to health. He stayed at the cottage from 1873-1875 helping with odd jobs and resumed writing poetry. In 1876 he moved to Camden Haven (now known as Kendall) and was employed by the Fagan brothers in their timber mill.

In 1881 he was appointed inspector of Forests, however the long journeys on horseback and coach proved too much for him. He fell ill was taken back to Redfern where he died in 1882 aged 43.

Members of the Fagan family lived in the cottage until 1920. In the late 30s it was rented then it was uninhabited for many years and in 1950s the council proclaimed it uninhabitable.

The cottage was purchased by the Brisbane Historical society and opened it and the Museum in 1963. At first it was not a success and re-named it Henry Kendall Cottage and Museum as most of the people in the district were familiar with Henry Kendall High School named after him.

It then became more successful with school excursions and tourist to the area.

Peter B (JP 32)

27th Feb 2026.

TOFS TRIP 866

Thursday 12th February 2026

Collingwood House and Liverpool Museum

(Organised by TOFS NM)

TOFS (12):  JP (27), Phil G (154), Graham L (185), Ron O (231), David  M (271), Phil B (345), Paul E (380), Bobby T (448), Jason F (464), Ron C (470), Frank W (475), Peter L (479).

After a couple of late call offs, 12 TOFs assembled at Liverpool Station for a visit to Collingwood House and Liverpool Regional Museum.

A short bus ride and we were dropped off at the door.  We were met by Anne Doran, our guide for the tour, and she did an excellent job, very informative and entertaining talk.

A few of our group had visited Collingwood in 2022, but for most it was a first-time visit.

Collingwood House was convict built in 1811, and is a mix of Colonial, Georgian and Victorian architecture, having been renovated in 1857, and restored in 1975.

We saw 6 rooms in all, 2 of them upstairs. The house still has the original floorboards, however the walls have some serious cracks, which are being carefully monitored.

There were lots of pieces of furniture, some reproduction, and an original wooden chest form 1672.

The kitchen is in a separate building, set apart from the house for safety reasons, fire risk especially.

The first owner was Captain Bunker, an American whaler, who was given land grants by Governors’ King and Macquarie.  Bunker died in 1836.  He had sailed with the Third Fleet.

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Various owners and renters over the years were George Blackett, then Thomas Holt, who introduced llamas and alpacas to the area.

Mr. Atkinson followed and built a railway siding and abattoir. 

In 1860 James Gillespie built a paper-mill there.

Mr Samuel, then the Ashcroft family lived there until the property was taken over by Liverpool Golf Club, 1930-1960s.

In 1970 most of the land was sold off for housing.  Collingwood House is now run by Liverpool Council.

We had a break for morning tea, kindly supplied by Museum staff, before venturing into the Museum for a look at their “Fit for the Purpose” exhibition, the story of building Liverpool, a vision of Macquarie beyond penal colony days.

Liverpool became an inland port using the Georges River and transporting wheat, wool and timber from the area.

It was an interesting exhibition, lots of paintings and items from past times to reminisce on.

We thanked Anne for her tour, Bobby took the group photograph outside Collingwood, and we made our way back to Club Liverpool for a hearty lunch.

The weather had changed considerably by the time we left,  from a pleasant morning to a cool windy afternoon.

Another enjoyable and interesting TOFS trip.

David M (271)

TOFS Trip 867

Thursday 5 February 2026

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

(Organised by TOFS KO)

TOFS (46): JP (27), Ken H (48), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Clynt S (69), Gary C (75), Michael F (108), James M (118), Phil K (123), Jim W (129), Terry O (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Ian F (182), Terry R (184), Graham L (185), Greg O (200), Jim M (209), Jim B (214), Richard M (219), Ron O (231), Paul T (233), Stuart P (264), Geoff R (305), Ted A (306), Phil B (345), Peter O (348), John O (357), Gregg B (365), Frank C (375), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Don N (400), Robert E (431), David W (434), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Bob L (455), Ash B (458), Jason F (464), Les H (469), Frank W (475), Peter L (479),

Visitor (1): Gino V.

The large group met at the Marian Street exit from Redfern, as per our (very clear) instructions. New member Peter L (479) was presented with his hat, and then our guide Craig Mackey was introduced. Craig led us to the Locomotive Repair bays of Eveleigh workshops and told us details of the repair labour and productivity that came from those premises. Later, New Locomotives were built in a newly built adjacent building, and work continued up until World War II. The workshops were then busied in munitions work for the war effort, and by the time they settled back into regular railway work, industrial processes had changed. Generally over time, the point was made that a good safety record was achieved.

Our tour proceeded into the bays of the site, each one with its own function in the overall process. Parts are now converted to retail, but enough of the fabric of the premises exists to provide a very good overview. We went upstairs where a full view of the bays below was available. The power and efficiency of some of these machines was described, as well as details of the boilers and their role in the functioning of the machines.

We proceeded to the museum, never before discovered by TOFS, which houses a collection of historic material pertaining to Australian railways, managed by the Society and its volunteers. Access to the collection is available to members and to the general public. It houses thousands of documents, books, periodicals and photographs acquired over many years.

BACKGROUND

On 19th May 1933, six enthusiasts met in Sydney and formed the Great Railway Circle of Australia. In May 1936 the name was changed to Australian Railway and Locomotive Historical Society and further changed to Australian Railway Historical Society in 1951.

ARHS NSW remains the oldest and largest member-based organisation of its type in the country. The Society has amassed a large library of books, magazines, drawings, photographs and other documents related to the history of railways in NSW and Australia. The NSW society publishes two magazines that may be of interest to some members – “Australian Railway History” and “Railway Digest”.

PURPOSE OF THE SOCIETY

Whilst railways are still an important part of our cities and towns, the tremendous contribution they made to the social and economic development of the nation is often unheralded. The objectives are to preserve and promote this important history through the maintenance of the archival collection; to produce magazines and books (including our monthly magazines Australian Railway History and Railway Digest); and to encourage association between those interested and with the community through special events, rail tours and excursions. The Society also operates one of the most comprehensive railway bookshops in the world.

GIANT MURAL

One of the special features of the area is the giant mural painting of talented singer The Kid Laroi, known for his original music and of course for the anchor tattoo upon his chest (sadly not visible on the giant mural). This was on our agenda but due to a closed footpath on Botany Road, this site could not be visited easily. Members who have an interest can view it online or at the corner of Botany Road and Chapel Lane.

CAULIFLOWER HOTEL

Market gardener George Rolfe opened the Cauliflower Hotel in 1862. Rolfe, who arrived from England to Sydney as a 16-year-old boy with his family, would acquire large tracts of land on the Waterloo Estate, and was said to have made enough money to build his pub from the sale of a bumper crop of cauliflower. The ‘Cauli’ was later known as the only place you couldn’t get whacked because all the heavies drank there. TOFS member the late John Mead was licensee of The Cauli from 1990 to 1995.

MUSIC

A singer represented in local artwork. "Thousand Miles" by The Kid Laroi (2022).  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS-666L0VLE

Graham L (185)

TOFS TRIP 860

Thursday 18th Dec 2025

TOFS Annual Christmas Party for 2025

(Organised by TOFS HQ)

TOFS (64): JP (27), Peter B (32), Ken H (48), Dennis S (60), Daryl H (65), Clynt S (69), David E (94), Michael F (108), Phil K (123), Jim W (129), Lloyd S (138), Terry O’H (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Terry R (184), Graham L (185), Jim McD (209), James B (214), Richard Mc D (219), Ron O’H (231), Bill K (232), Ray N (235), Kenn W (243), Stuart P (264), Keith R (283), Peter MacK (288), Colin C (291), Jim B (293), Richard B (296), Chris H (298), Roly B (325), Denis R (332), Phil B (345), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gary H (366), Jeffrey H (373), Steve McK (374), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bill R (389), Graeme L (392), Don N (400), Rob E (431), Chris G (432), Kingsley G (439), Robert B (440), David F (441), Bob S (444), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Sean H (452), Bob L (455), John R (463), David C (467), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Alastair L (471), Ken C (474), Frank W (475), John L (477).

Apologies: Bruce K (68), Bill K (237).

The Juniors Kingsford 

Our day officially opened at 11:00 am, with some members arriving as early as 9:30 am. Julie and her team at the Juniors had prepared the room beautifully, setting tables for six and eight guests and decorating them with Christmas-themed adornments. Apologies were received from a couple of members, and a total of 64 attended — many dressed in festive Christmas shirts and accessories, which was wonderful to see.

Our President, Stuart P (264), welcomed everyone and acknowledged our attending Life Members: Peter B (32), Graham L (185), Rex M (179), and Terry O’H (147). A special presentation was made to member 209, Jim McD, for attending more than 300 TOFS trips — well done, Jim (Badger). Stuart then ran the True or False competition, with 349 Allan S emerging as the last person standing, followed by Paul E (380) conducting the first 25 Trivia questions.

A lovely Christmas lunch was served, finishing with alternating Pavlova or Christmas pudding, and one member even claimed to have found a thruppence in his pudding. Jeff J and Terry O’H awarded the Best Attired Member prize — a bottle of wine — to 348 Peter O, with thanks to Terry for providing such a beautiful bottle. Paul E then completed the Trivia competition, with excellent questions that sparked lively discussion at the tables. The teams led by Graham L (185) and Stuart P (264) finished as equal winners.

Four Lucky Door prizes were drawn, each worth a $30 gift voucher, with winners 477 John L, 448 Bobby T, 469 Les H, and 283 Keith R. Jeff closed the day by thanking everyone for attending and wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2026. He also thanked 293 Jim Brown for organising a great day. Jim is stepping down as HQ Tour Organiser after four years, so we are now seeking a new TO for HQ to organise the two trips associated with the Christmas lunch and our AGM. Please consider helping.

Jeff J (153 – HQLO) 

TOFS Trip 861

Friday 12th Dec 2025

Christmas Lunch and Drinks

(Organised by TOFS MC)

TOFS MC (21):

Dave T (351), Malc S (359), Peter B (399), Norm MS (307), Albert K (403), Kit C (415), Kevin H (324), Dave G (308), Will L (282), Alan M (406), Alan H (462), Ian C (376),

Greg E (259), Ray M (229), Ray L (407), Tom H (393), Chris T (456), John W (338),

Gary S (322), Bob B (418), Bob W (465)

This Month we held our usual Christmas Day lunch and drinks at the

Halliday Sports Club, Black Head to wrap up the year for Mid Coast TOFS group.

Twenty-one members made their way to the club either by the Halliday Shores Village bus or by using their own transport.

Once seated I called the groups attention to hold what I considered an informal meeting, this meeting was for me to gauge the mood of the group to continue into the new year with our MC TOFS group now that we don’t have the leadership of John Mead.

Upon asking for a show of hands in support to keep the group running there was a unanimous vote to continue.  As a result of this I advised them I would be prepared to act as the focal point of TOFS but ask that they consult the TOFS web site to see what and when trips are to take place.  The usual booking process would remain the same, by contacting me either by Text, or Email.

I would like to thank all those present for contributing to a case of Crown Lager for

Dave T (351) as a thank you for driving the bus each month to allow us to attend our function of choice throughout the year.

Dave T once again provided his service, driving the village bus.

Thanks Dave.

I would like to say it was an enjoyable day and thanks to all who attended.  I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to seeing you in 2026.

Malc S (359) Mid Coast Tour Organizer.