The Woodside railway line was a country branch line, in Victoria, Australia. It opened in three stages from 1921 to 1923. Most of the line was closed in 1953, with the remaining section to Yarram continuing in use until 1987.

Woodside
Overview
StatusDismantled - now Great Southern Rail Trail to Yarram
Owner
LocaleVictoria, Australia
Termini
Continues fromPort Albert line
Former connectionsPort Albert line
Stations6 former stations
Service
TypeFormer Victorian regional service
Operator(s)
  • 1921–1974: Victorian Railways
  • 1974–1983: VR as VicRail
  • 1983–1987: STA as V/Line
History
Commenced8 February 1921 (1921-02-08)
Opened
  • 8 February 1921 (1921-02-08): Alberton to Yarram
  • 16 December 1921 (1921-12-16): Yarram to Won Wron
  • 22 June 1923 (1923-06-22): Won Wron to Woodside
Completed22 June 1923 (1923-06-22)
Closed
  • 26 May 1953 (1953-05-26): Yarram to Woodside
  • 26 October 1987 (1987-10-26): Alberton to Yarram
Technical
Line length35.102 km (21.81 mi)
Number of tracksSingle track
Track gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) Victorian broad gauge
Route map

km
Up arrow
213.35
Alberton
Left arrow
219.08
Yarram
224.47
Devon
227.61
Calrossie
232.56
Won Wron
242.11
Napier
248.17
Woodside
km

History

edit

The Woodside line branched off the former South Gippsland line, also known as the Great Southern Railway, at Alberton station. It was one of the last major branch lines constructed in Victoria, and opened in three stages. The first section, from Alberton to Yarram, opened on 8 February 1921, the second, to Won Wron, opened on 16 December 1921, and the third section, to the terminus at Woodside, on 22 June 1923.[1][2] The line was well-known for its sharp curves and spectacular scenery. It was one of the last in Victoria to have a mixed passenger and goods service.

The branch continued in its initial configuration until 25 May 1953 when it was closed from Yarram to Woodside.[1] The section of the branch to Yarram remained open until 26 October 1987, after which it, and part of the main line, was closed back to Welshpool.

A six-kilometre section of the former branch, from Alberton to Yarram, has become the Tarra Rail Trail.[3]

Station histories

edit
Station Opened[4] Closed[4] Age Notes
Alberton 13 January 1892 26 October 1987 95 years
Yarram 8 February 1921 6 June 1981 60 years Passengers
6 June 1981 26 October 1987 6 years Goods only
Devon 16 December 1921 26 May 1953 31 years
Calrossie 16 December 1921 26 May 1953 31 years
Won Wron 16 December 1921 26 May 1953 31 years
Napier 22 June 1923 26 May 1953 29 years
Woodside 22 June 1923 26 May 1953 29 years

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Harrigan, Leo J. (1962). Victorian Railways to ‘62. Melbourne: Victorian Railways Public Relations and Betterment Board. p. 287.
  2. ^ McLean, Jack, "Some Notes on South Gippsland Passenger Services 1921-1923", Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin, no. June/July 1990, pp. 141–147, 167–168
  3. ^ "Tarra Cycling Trail". Visit Victoria. Tourism Victoria. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
  4. ^ a b "Vicsig – Woodside line". vicsig.net. Retrieved 24 July 2024.