It was an extension of the branch off the Main Western line from Blacktown to Richmond and was operated by the New South Wales Government Railways.

Lobbying for an extension of the Richmond line to Kurrajong began in 1884, but the high cost of bridging the flood-prone Hawkesbury River, and the limited amount of agricultural land available, delayed construction.

It then passed around Richmond Oval, continuing in a north west direction along March Street, at the far end of which it left the town centre and entered its own right of way.

Being classed as a "pioneer line", the route was unfenced and the rails second-hand, laid on wooden sleepers with ash ballast.

The line through those locations passed orchards and small farms as it slowly climbed into what is the foothills of the Blue Mountains.

Embankments and cuttings became a feature of the line as it headed towards its terminus, Kurrajong station, which was located on a site carved from the side of the ridge on which the village was situated.

It was far more convenient for orchardists to use road freight to the Sydney markets, because that provided the opportunity for back loading of fertiliser and other farm requisites.

Heavy rain on the weekend of 12 and 13 June 1952, caused the Hawkesbury River to flood and, as was usual with such occurrences, the railway service was suspended.

Protest meetings occurred,[4] but finally, on 17 September 1952, the newly appointed Commissioner for Railways, Reg Winsor, gave the official notification.