Episode 11 - How refreshing! The Railway Refreshment Rooms

The Queensland Rail History Podcast

Once upon a time, three little letters, ‘’R R R’’ would bring a smile to any weary traveller’s face. Those three letters stood for the Railway Refreshment Rooms, and for 140 years it also meant passengers could hopefully enjoy a hot cup of tea, coffee scones, or even a full three course meal in all of 20 minutes!

It was a full dining experience at big stations with trains arriving at strange and possibly odd hours for many places throughout Queensland. It really was a case of miles and meals to go!

In today’s episode we’ll talk about how these Refreshment Rooms satisfied the hunger of the long-distance traveller, how a veritable army of women performed miracles in dispensing iron rations during World Wars and we’ll find out why these catering facilities slowly disappeared.

We’ll also chat with a chef who worked at the last of Queensland’s Railway Refreshment Rooms and find out how he’s continuing to satisfy customer’s hunger today.
Footnotes:
Bowen Refreshment Room photo:
https://www.qhatlas.com.au/photograph/refreshment-room-bowen-proserpine-railway-1922
Gympie Railway Refreshment Room photo:
https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/348395721144751138/