On March 11 1869 the Southern Railway Line to Clifton was declared open by Governor Samuel Blackall, thus allowing settlement on the fertile Darling Downs.
By 1957 the rail site had a telephone connection, weighbridges, cattle, sheep and pig yards, signal cabin, overhead bridge, cranes, loops to the flour mill, butter factory, fuel depot and grain sheds.
After a period of growth there was a downturn, with the passenger train services to Clifton ceasing in 1972 and the station closing to goods in 1998.
Some people of note that walked the platform include former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, Richard Chamberlain, Sister Elizabeth Kenny, The Duke of Windsor and Dame Nellie Melba.
In 2012 the Clifton and District Progress Association Inc signed a lease with Queensland Rail to run a Tourist Information Centre out of the building, which today includes a gift shop and a historical rail display run totally by volunteers.
To celebrate the history of the station the Progress Association has organised a fun-filled day for everyone on Sunday 9 March. There will be markets in the main street from 8am, a petting zoo, music, displays and demonstrations of old wares/skills in the station grounds with one of the highlights being the steam train and Town Crier coming from Warwick.
There will be an official opening by the Mayor of Toowoomba and cutting of a birthday cake.
If you would like to arrive at the 150th Anniversary Clifton Railway Station celebration in style why not book a ride on the train via the Southern Downs Steam Railway in Warwick.
