Smithfield station was the original terminus of the main north line when it opened in 1857 before the line was extended to Gawler. The station buildings on the up platform were a unique single story brick design that was not repeated elsewhere on the SAR. A short branch line running almost due west to the Smithfield munitions storage depot was built during the Second World War. This branch line was closed around 1961 when part of the depot was closed and the land sold for subdivision. A signal cabin was located on the platform at the southern end of the up platform.
The original station building and ticket office were demolished during the the late 1980s. By that time, the station building had been heavily vandalised. Station shelters like the ones at Dry Creek were installed, and these remained until c.2001 when the current station shelter was erected. At the same time, the down (Gawler side) platform was upgraded. Today out of the original buildings on the north suburban line, only North Adelaide and Gawler remain.
Thankfully Dean Jackson photographed the station, and yard, when it was still in a good state of repair in the late sixties.
Adelaide SA 5114, Australia
