Mortuary Station
A glimpse into Sydney’s railway funerary architecture
10am–5pm
About the building
Building information
Built for funeral trains running between Sydney and the Rookwood Necropolis, Mortuary Station is the only surviving example of purpose-built Victorian railway funerary architecture in Australia.
Opened in 1869, Mortuary Station was the terminus for a funeral train service that transported the deceased, mourners, clergymen and visitors to Rookwood Cemetery. The building ceased functioning as the terminus in 1938 when motor hearses started transporting the coffins, and passengers boarded trains from Central Station.
Colonial Architect James Barnet designed the single-storey Gothic Revival building elaborately carved with funerary symbolism. The sandstone building was designed to evoke the sombre ambience of a church, while also facilitating the efficient movement of people.
After being used for various purposes through the mid-20th century, Mortuary Station was restored in the 1980s and today remains an intact physical reminder of 19th-century funeral customs.
1869
ArchitectJames Barnet
Acknowledgements
Transport for NSW
Find out more about this building here
Mortuary Station
52 Regent Street, Chippendale
Entry details
Exterior and platform
10am–5pm
Members hour: MHNSW Members receive exclusive access from 9am–10am
4pm
Need to Know
This is a heritage building with uneven surfaces and is not wheelchair accessible. Access throughout the building, platform and pavilion are via stairs
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