Alberton Railway Station

We invite you to join us for a first look at the restored Alberton Railway Station, Australia’s oldest surviving railway station building.

Register here to book a session that suits you on Saturday 8 August 2026 from 10.30am to 2.00pm

If you would like to participate in a tour but are unable to attend on the day, please register your interest in future opportunities

Alberton Railway Station building tours

Alberton Railway Station has stood beside the railway line since April 1856, when it opened as one of the original stations on South Australia's first steam railway between Adelaide and Port Adelaide. Designed by Colonial Engineer William Hanson, the stone building featured arched doors and windows, a covered arcade along the platform, and waiting and booking rooms for passengers.

As Alberton grew in the late 1800s, the station changed to meet the needs of the community. A ladies' waiting room was added, the platform level gradually rose, and the original arcade was replaced with the cantilevered awning that can still be seen today. Even as the building changed, it remained an important part of daily life in Alberton.

During the twentieth century, changes to the railway system meant the station building was used less and eventually fell into disuse. However, many important original features survived, including fireplaces, doors, windows, roof framing and the cedar ticket office. Because so much of the original building remains, Alberton and Bowden are now recognised as the oldest surviving railway station buildings in Australia.

The station was added to the State Heritage Register in 1981, recognising its outstanding historical importance. Major conservation works, including reroofing and external repairs in 2018, helped secure its future.

Gallery

Fast facts

Status

Completed

Location

Alberton Railway Station

Funding

$1.4 million funded by the South Australian Government