[4][5][6][7][8] The Main Northern line between Sydney and Newcastle was constructed in two distinct stages and in the earliest years, was worked as two separate railway systems.

The existing Hamilton Junction signal box retains control of the main lines and Beaumont Street level crossing.

[3] In 2007, Platform 1 was extended eastwards to accommodate eight carriages and allow Beaumont Street level crossing to remain open while trains are at the station.

As part of the works to relocate the line's terminus to Newcastle Interchange, stabling sidings are to be laid behind Platform 2 on the site of the former goods yard.

Two early twentieth century pubs, one either side of the Beaumont Street crossing, reflect the importance of the Junction as a major working hub.

The awning is supported on curved cast iron brackets and has been extended to the east where it forms a large sheltered seating area adjacent to the ticket office.

Three brick chimney stacks with corbelled string courses are located at the northern end of the station building.

Both ends of the station have retained their original timber scrolled bargeboards and finials which add greatly to the otherwise utilitarian structure.

The building is typical of the suburban and regional railway stations constructed during the last decades of the late nineteenth century.

A small awning (not the whole length of the building) is supported on arching cast iron brackets and features timber valances.

The toilet block wall presents three recessed lower bays and six sets of air vents to the platform side, and is entered by an arched brick opening.

The ground floor is of brick construction and features four six pane arched windows on the northern (railway line) elevation.

The ground floor contains interlocking levers and rodding, a separate relay room and signal control wiring.

Control equipment for the adjacent level crossing gates and warning lights are located at the Newcastle-end of the signal box.

[3] The Newcastle Field Depot for the Transport Asset Holding Entity's Communications & Control Systems is located at No.4 Fern Street, on the northern side of Hamilton railway station (excluded from listing).

Significant items include: a timber-framed telephone with exterior brass bells; a wall clock with State Rail logo; timber wall-mounted box with alarm bell; a row of ten alarm bells above the southern window; a framed signalling diagram of Hamilton Junction dating from Dec 1940; an illuminated signal indicator board; a cantilevered shelf along the northern window above the signalling frame with attached alarm; and a timber framed control for the operation of the level crossing boom gate in the NE corner of the room.

The trees include Camphor Laurels, palms and eucalypts, and form a picturesque background to the curving station platforms.

Formerly a much busier location, this signal box once had control of multiple lines, sidings and a short branch for the Vacuum Oil Company.

After rationalisation in the 1980s and 1990s, the signal box now controls Hamilton Junction, Beaumont Street level crossing and entry to and exit from sidings used for storing track maintenance vehicles.

While there was some limited settlement in the area prior to this date, the construction of the railway encouraged the rapid subdivision and development of the township.

The platform buildings are good examples of highly intact Victorian railway buildings in their original setting which form part of an excellent example of a late 19th century suburban railway junction, with a range of items still intact including signal box, level crossing, sidings, depot and surrounding hotels and shops.

[3] Hamilton railway station was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.

While there was some limited settlement in the area prior to this date, the construction of the railway station encouraged rapid subdivision and development of the township.

[3] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

[3] The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

[3] The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

Safe and reliable handling of passenger and goods trains was paramount and the signal box and its operators were a major part of that task.

Over recent years many installations, including railway signal boxes, have been removed and/or replaced by modern technology.

Hamilton Railway Station, together with the Hamilton signal box and depot, is an excellent representative example of a late nineteenth century suburban railway junction, because it has a high degree of integrity with a range of buildings still intact from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries including station building, level crossings, signal box, sidings, and surrounding hotels and shops.

[3] This Wikipedia article was originally based on Hamilton Railway Station Group, entry number 01164 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 2 June 2018.