Yes: on the shortest day of the year, the journey which would become the longest haul for many Illawarra rail commuters all began.

Previously, access to the coast was via rough roads or an equally rough sea trip.

Perhaps unfortunately, the steam locomotive named the “Bogan” – originally slated to haul the first full trip – was too big to fit under a bridge so was replaced for the big day by another named the “Gladstone”.

But it wasn’t until October following year that the line was connected all the way from Kiama to Sydney – raising the prospect of another big anniversary next year.

To mark the occasion, the Black Diamond Heritage Centre Museum at Bulli station opened an exhibition on the train line that has since become the lifeline – and the cross to bear – for many Wollongong workers.

The museum’s creator Kerrie Ann Christian – herself descended from four generations of railway men – invited people to share photos and stories of their railway experience with the museum.

 “It is important that we recognise this part of our local heritage,” Ms Christian said. “The whole Illawarra had come together from the 1870’s to push for a South Coast rail line – rail really opened up the region and changed the area.”