Woodside railway line

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
Status	Great Southern Rail Trail to Yarram, demolished and sold off from Yarram to Woodside
Former connections	Branched off South Gippsland line at Alberton
Stations	6
Service
Type	V/Line passenger service
History
Commenced	1888
Opened	8 February 1921 to Yarram, 16 December 1921 to Won Wron, 22 June 1923 to Woodside
Completed	June, 1923
Closed	25 May 1953 - Yarram to Woodside,[1] 26 October 1987 - Alberton to Yarram
Technical
Line length	39.93 km (24.81 mi)
Number of tracks	Single
Route map Woodside-line.png

Woodside railway line
South Gippsland line at Alberton station 219km Yarram 224km Devon 228km Calrossie 233km Won Wron 242km Napier 248km Woodside

History

The Woodside Line branched off the former South Gippsland line, or Great Southern Railway, at Alberton station. One of the last major branch lines to be constructed in Victoria, it opened in three stages. The first, from Alberton to Yarram, opened on 8 February 1921, the second stage, to Won Wron, on 16 December 1921, and the third stage, on 22 June 1923, to Woodside.[2] The line was well known for its sharp curves and spectacular scenery. It was also one of the last in Victoria to feature 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 6 km section of the former branch, from Alberton to Yarram, has become the Tarra Rail Trail.[3]

References

1. 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 (June/July 1990), pp. 141–147, 167–168
3. "Tarra Cycling Trail". Visit Victoria. Tourism Victoria. Retrieved 23 October 2016.

See also

• List of closed regional railway stations in Victoria
• Transportation in Australia