These pictures were captured at the Banana Express train station in Port Shepstone on the Southcoast of KwaZulu-Natal. Since the mid-80’s until 2005 the Banana Express was a popular tourist attraction, offering holidaymakers the opportunity to explore the stunningly beautiful landscape of this region by rail. The train ride on the Banana Express, pulled along by a narrow gauge steam powered locomotive, carried passengers past the verdant green hills covered with lush grass, sugarcane fields, and vast banana plantations, traversed several river bridges. The train followed various scenic routes, one of which led to the amazing Oribi Gorge about which I’ve blogged before.

Unfortunately, due to a series of complex reasons, this venture was closed down and the station, situated next to the Banana Express Beach, has fallen into disrepair. Walking around on the premises, our imaginations conjured up the images of previous happy times and long ago holidaymakers waiting on the platform to embark on an exciting journey.

Banana Express Station Port Shepstone KwaZulu-NatalBanana Express Station Port Shepstone KwaZulu-NatalBanana Express Station Port Shepstone KwaZulu-NatalBanana Express Station Port Shepstone KwaZulu-NatalBanana Express Station Port Shepstone KwaZulu-Natal

WPC Bridge