All the latest Derwent Valley Railway news…
New Lease approved for New Norfolk to Boyer Line Railway
16th May, 2026After years of trying to gain access from Third Avenue towards Boyer, DVR is proud to announce that that part of the Derwent Valley Line has been leased. The length of the line is 3.1 kilometres and at present stops short of the rail bridge over Boyer Road.
This is promising news for the DVR, who has no rail activity on the Derwent Valley line since 2006.
Premier Rockcliff visits the Derwent Valley Railway
On November 27, 2025 Derwent Valley Railway was privileged to host a visit to our New Norfolk Station, Yard and Workshop by the Hon Jeremy Rockcliff MP, Premier of Tasmania.
Accompanied by Cr Michelle Dracoulis, Mayor of Derwent Valley, Anthony McConnon of Southcentral Workforce Network and members of the DVR, the Premier toured our facilities and demonstrated a keen interest in our heritage rolling stock and the new Geoff Clayton Railway Workshop. He actively encouraged the DVR to make contact with the Hon Kerry Vincent MLC in his capacity as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
By necessity a non-partisan organisation, the DVR nevertheless recognises the benefits of forming constructive relationships with all levels of government, and we look forward to welcoming Minister Vincent to our New Norfolk base.
The Official Opening
12 November, 2025Honouring the memory of long-time member and generous benefactor, Geoffrey John Clayton, the Derwent Valley Railway officially opened our new Community Workshop and Training Centre, located in the New Norfolk Railway Yard, on Wednesday, 12th November.
Joined by our honorary Ambassador, popular 7 Tasmania News personality Kiah Wicks, DVR Chairperson Nigel Shearer and Deputy Chair Bronwen Gunning welcomed distinguished guests, representatives of training organisations and DVR members in celebrating our 35th anniversary and the graduation of our first cohort of senior students in our inaugural Skills Pathway Program.
Students from New Norfolk High and Glenora District Schools, did themselves, their families and their trainers proud with their enthusiasm for learning and carrying out railway-related trades activities.
Graduates were presented with certificates of achievement and honorary membership of the Derwent Valley Railway. A great time was had by all, despite the inclement weather that settled over New Norfolk throughout the event.
Many thanks to DVR stalwart Greg Robinson for developing and delivering the training curriculum, and to:
Lola Cowle - Manager of the Tasmanian Community Fund, for our capital works grant
Michelle Dracoulis - Mayor of Derwent Valley
Stuart Lord - Principal of New Norfolk High School
Anthony McConnon and Andrew Mackie -Southcentral Workforce Network
Martin Killick -TAFE Tasmania
Boyer Mill and
Liverpool Engineering.
Photos of the Official Opening appear in the November edition of ‘ON TRACK’.
Westerway Railway Station
Subject to the approval of TasRail, Derwent Valley Council and the Heritage Council of Tasmania, the DVR plans to carry out major plumbing, electrical, carpentry and cosmetic works at Westerway Station within the next 12 months. Anyone with trade skills and experience interested in working on the site is invited to contact the Secretary by emailing dvr@dvr.org.au or writing to PO Box 478 New Norfolk Tasmania 7140.
Westerway Station is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. Built by R H Stabb and Son in 1909 under a tender awarded by the Public Works Department, the Station was called Russell until 1919 when it was renamed to honour local identity William Henry Westerway, who ran tours to Russell Falls for visitors to the guest house he constructed opposite the Station. The former guest house is now a private residence occupying a substantial acreage.
The DVR recently invited builders accredited by Heritage Tasmania to submit quotations for preparation of a building condition report and schedule of works necessary to render the Station habitable, in anticipation of returning the structure to its original use if and when passenger train journeys from New Norfolk to National Park are reinstated. We are now in negotiations with TasRail to progress this objective.
Arson on Derwent Valley Railway Site
15th December 2024 A confirmed case of arson in the New Norfolk rail yard resulted in the complete destruction of ‘Tullah House’, a new lunchroom and relaxation area meticulously fitted out and painted by our hard-working volunteers.
The reason for this senseless attack and several subsequent break-ins, destructive acts and graffiti vandalism is unknown. Members have questioned the perpetrators’ motives, and whether the DVR is the subject of an orchestrated campaign of property violence by people with an inexplicable grudge against the Railway.
Anyone with information that helps bring to justice those responsible for the various attacks on the Derwent Valley Railway is urged to contact Crimestopperson 1800 333 000, or the Police Assistance Line, 131 444.
Members and friends may be assured that this setback will not distract us from our mission to restore heritage train services on the Derwent Valley Line as soon as possible, and we are pleased to report that repairs to Tullah House are nearing completion.