It was primarily intended to carry goods to and from the mine, but also provided passenger services.

The New South Wales Division of Australian Railway Historical Society published The Shale Railways of New South Wales in 1974 which includes a detailed history of this line.

Allan Watson, the Lessee of the old Newnes Hotel, has a comprehensive website here.

The steep 1 in 25 (4%) gradients along the descent towards Newnes required a different type of steam locomotive.

After the line closed, part of its route was used by a section of the pipeline that carried refined petroleum from the Glen Davis Shale Oil Works to Newnes Junction.