
The first type of active crossing signal used in Australia was the classic Wig Wag, imported from the Magnetic Signal Company of Los Angeles. Sadly, none of these signals can be found in operation on a real crossing today with the last unit reported to have been taken out of service in the mid 90's. The only known Wig Wag protecting a functioning railroad here today can be found on the Puffing Billy Railway (a historic tourist train), however it is located over an internal pedestrian crossing and not at a roadway as intended.
After modern flasing light signals were introduced, McKenzie & Holland was the first company to manufacture equipment for the local market and were the standard for the majority of crossing installations at the time. MK&H's most popular product was undoubtedly their version of the US&S teardrop, witch were pretty much the only bells installed in the country for some time. However, when production of these bells ceased in the late 1970's, the Westinghouse hybrid bell soon became the new standard, being installed on most new installations. Launched in the early 80's, this bell looks and functions the same way as the Safetran hybrid bell (that was based on the Westinghouse design). However it sounds very different due to another gong being used. Some other mechanical bells were imported an installed around this time such as units from Safetran, Wabco and WCH.
Then electronic bells became a thing. The first E-Bells in Australia were made locally by Barker Technics. These looked very different to the units we know today. They were a small black box with a mounting bracket often installed in pairs to cover a larger area (as they were very directional units). Today, all new installations and upgrades use E-Bells from General Signals, Safetran/Siemens and WCH.
There has always been a mix of lights and gate mechanisms used at Aussie crossings. Early on, MK&H lights and WRRS gate mechs were common, but during the 80's, it was common to see all Westinghouse crossings pop up. Westinghouse lights continue to be the standard used at most crossings, however some imported American models do occasionally pop up. For a while, Safetran gate mechs were popular, but the models installed today are mostly from WCH.
Most crossings in my area are comprised of a GS or ST E-Bells with Westinghouse lights and a WCH gate mech.
I posted a video on Youtube a while ago, showing examples of crossing signals in my city (Melbourne, Australia). Highlights include the last teardrop bell still in use in Melbourne, examples of Westinghouse equipment in action, some older Barker Technics E-Bells and examples of US equipment in use Down Under! Enjoy: