First Narrow-Gauge Railway Opens

Date: July 31, 1865 • Location: Laidley, Australia

The first narrow-gauge mainline railway in the world opens at Grandchester, Queensland, Australia.

A narrow-gauge railway is a railway with a track gauge narrower than 1,435 mm standard gauge. Most narrow-gauge railways are between 600 mm and 1,067 mm.

This milestone marked a defining occurrence in Australia's and world history, leaving an indelible imprint on societal development, international relations, and cultural memory. Its enduring ramifications continue to be examined and commemorated by historians and scholars across the globe.