The BAT was a nine kilometre narrow gauge logging railway which operated from 1907 to 1914.

Construction commenced in 1907 and the track was laid with a branch to the jetty. Wooden ramps and steam-powered winches were built along the route for the loading of logs, wood. Two round trips per day were carried out transporting six logs per train.

The logging railroad began at the Coffs Harbor jetty, crossed Coffs Creek on a wooden bridge and then ran to Macaulay's Headland, where the first lumberyard was located. As the track was upgraded, the route was extended from Macaulay Headland climbing up the slope to Bruxner Park until the turnoff to Sealy Park Lookout. There appears to have been a branch running along what is now West Korora Road.

The first steam locomotive coped well with the journey over Macaulay's Headland, but was found to be inadequate after the route was extended up the steep grades to Bruxner Park. The Shay locomotive, acquired in 1909, worked without major problems along the entire length of the line.

The Shay locomotives are a kind of pivoting, geared loco, well suited to the steep grades and tight corners of logging tramways.

The construction of the North Coast Railway had a significant impact on shipping in the region, but also on the operation of BAT Co near to the jetty. Since their sawmill was on the planned railway route, it caused a dispute until 1913 and delayed the railways construction in the station area. A fire, the cause of which could not be established beyond doubt, destroyed the sawmill, putting it out of action for a year.

The operation permanently closed in 1916.

The tramway bridge over the Coffs Creek remained in use as a pedestrian bridge until 1928 after planks were laid onto it.

Very little remains of the tramway. Would love to hear if you know more!
Thanks for watching folks!

IMAGE CREDITS:

Coffs Collections: [ Ссылка ]

National Railway Museum: [ Ссылка ]

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