Echuca

The railway reached Echuca from Melbourne and Bendigo in 1864, transforming the town into a major river port.  A cross country line from Toolamba was opened to Echuca in 1867. The line was extended further North to Deniliquin in 1876 and was originally a private line, but was acquired by the state in 1923.

These days, Echuca enjoys daily passenger trains, which has been relatively recently expanded from a weekend only service. There was a two year period between 2004 and 2006 where the line was closed to passenger traffic due to poor condition. There was once other passenger trains running through to Balranald and Deniliquin, and from Toolamba and Kyabram (school railmotor). Services ceased to Balranald and Kyabram in 1975,  (Bendigo to ) Deniliquin in 1979 and Toolamba in 1981. Once the service from Toolamba ceased, Echuca was not service by passenger trains until the weekend service, favouring Melbourne weekend holiday makers, was reintroduced in the mid 90’s. Our photos from 1989 are from a period when there were no passenger services into the town.

Some interesting information and yard diagrams can be found on the Vicsig Echuca Page. Some more recent photos can be seen at Vicrailstations. Some older photos from 1970 can be found at Les Browns Train Pics – from image six on the linked page. Some interesting reflections to read there too.