Australia Post All Aboard to Celebrate Railway Heritage
Friday, 07 May 2010
Four of Australia's most scenic railway trips are being celebrated by Australia Post with the launch of a new stamp issue titled Great Australian Railway Journeys.
Australia Post Philatelic Group Manager, Noel Leahy said, "With such vast distances in Australia, the building of railway networks was a huge undertaking. Rail used to be a primary means of transport to access some of the country's most remote locations. This stamp issue not only showcases four great Australian trains and the dramatic landscapes they pass through, but also pays tribute to the remarkable engineering feats required to establish these. They were a great achievement in our history."
This issue features three 55c stamps - The Ghan, the Indian Pacific, the West Coast Wilderness Railway in Tasmania and one $2.10 international stamp - Kuranda Scenic Railway in Queensland.
Celebrating its 81st anniversary this year, The Ghan covers nearly 3,000 kilometres through Australia's outback connecting Adelaide with Darwin and takes just three days. Prior to its existence, outback communities relied on camel drivers to deliver supplies.
The Indian Pacific is one of the last coast-to-coast trains in the world linking the Indian Ocean on Australia's west coast with the Pacific Ocean on the eastern seaboard and traversing more than 4,300 kilometres.
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is only 35 kilometres long on Tasmania's west coast, and crosses 42 bridges along the King River over mountainous terrain. Originally built in the 1890's, the railway connects Queenstown and Strahan.
Lastly, the Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda in northern Queensland. The scenic route passes through rainforest, over bridges and is one of the most scenic journeys in the country. The railway is 75 kilometres and traverses 15 tunnels and 37 bridges.
This stamp issue includes a limited edition (10,000) prestige first day cover featuring the Indian Pacific stamp and a reproduction version of the 1917 invitation to the official opening of the Trans-Australian Railway. A prestige booklet comprising mixed blocks of four stamps, minisheet and postcards will also be available. A first day cover, a minisheet, a stamp pack, a maxicard set of four, a self-adhesive sheetlet of 5 x $2.10, a self-adhesive booklet of 20 x 55c and a roll of self-adhesive stamps (200 x 55c) are also available.
The stamps were designed by Melinda Coombes from Coombes Whitechurch Design and will be available for purchase from 7 May at participating Australia Post retail outlets while stocks last. They will also be available via mail order of 1800 331 794 or from the online shop. To find out more or to order your stamps, go to www.auspost.com.au/stamps
