Maryborough

Maryborough is one of those stations that made a statement about travelling by rail, in the days when it was the most superior form of land transport known to civilization. The line reached here in 1874, and the station built at the time was soon outclassed in facilities and space. The story goes that a plan was removed from the Railways office in Melbourne, one of five for Spencer Street, by a local politician of the times. Approved in a very quick manner, building began in 1890, and in late 1891 the current edifice was open for business. It was styled in Queen Anne red brick that shows Anglo-Dutch influence. The long platform is covered by a beautiful veranda. The foyer has a tessellated floor laid by Cawkwell’s of Malvern, whose work can also be seen at Parliament House in Melbourne. The Station’s interior has carved ticket box windows and a stunning ceiling. As a four way junction extensive locomotive service facilities were provided in between the north and eastern lines, as well as two large signal boxes, and two sets of wooden crossing gates. The yard had 10 tracks and a spacious goods shed. All this complex lasted until the late sixties when the Tuaggra street level crossing was replaced by an underpass, and the whole yard electrically signalled and the boxes closed by October 1969. The boxes were replaced with a panel inside the station. The loco shed still stands, however it is used as a fertilizer depot, with the turntable pit filled in.

At present the former line to Castlemaine is only open to Moolort, and the line to Ararat is out of use although there are plans to reopen this line shortly. There were wagons stored on the branch, but these have been moved, possibly supporting the plans for reopening. Railpage Australia has a topic on this.

Passenger trains have returned in 2010 to Ballarat and Melbourne from July 2010.  As for the station it has been fully restored with an antique shop in the southern part, and so sees many visitors, and passengers, who are reminded of the days of real travel and nineteenth century corporate pride.

Other photos of the excellent Maryborough Station can be found at Vicrail stations, and Vicsig, the latter with some panel and signalling pictures