The Heathcote railway line was a cross-country link between Bendigo and Heathcote Junction. It was partly opened in 1888 and, by 1890, it was fully operational.[2] It was partially closed in 1958 and fully closed in 1968.
| Heathcote Railway Line | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Termini | |
| History | |
| Opened | August 1890 |
| Closed | 3rd December 1958: (Rangelea - Heathcote)
7th November 1968: (Heathcote - Heathcote Junction) 1990's?: (Rangelea - North Bendigo Junction) |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 111.5[1] km (69.3 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) |
In 1975, it was decided to dismantle the track and, today, only some trestle bridges remain.[3]
History
editThe line was authorised by the Victorian Parliament in 1881, and construction began in 1888.[citation needed] The first section, between Heathcote and Bendigo opened in October 1888, and the entire line became operational in August 1890.[4] Including 50 bridges, the line took 21 months to complete, at a cost of 88,409 pounds, with two derailments during the process.[5]
Stations
editThe line had the following stations:[2]
- Kilmore Junction - now Heathcote Junction
- Leslie
- Bylands
- Kilmore
- Willowmavin
- Moranding
- High Camp
- Pyalong
- Tooborac
- McIvor siding
- Argyle
- Heathcote
- Derrinal
- Knowsley
- Axedale
- Longlea (previously Axe Creek)
- Strathfieldsaye (closed 1911)[6]
- Bendigo
Today
editThe original line may have been ripped up, but there are few instances where the original track still remains. It now makes up the O'Keefe Rail Trail
References
edit- ^ "Heathcote Junction to North Bendigo". Victorian Railway. Victorian Railways. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ a b Wallan - Bendigo Victorian Railways Grades Book
- ^ Bendigo - Kilmore Friends of the Bendigo - Kilmore rail trail
- ^ Harrigan, Leo J. (1962). Victorian Railways to ‘62. Melbourne: Victorian Railways Public Relations and Betterment Board. p. 283.
- ^ O'Keefe Rail Trail Heathcote stories
- ^ "Strathfieldsaye Detail". VK3CKC. Retrieved 16 April 2023.