South Gippsland Line

The South Gippsland Railway branches from the Gippsland line at Dandenong. In 1888 the first section to Tooradin was opened, then reaching Leongatha in 1891, and Port Albert in 1892. In 1921 the line was extended to Yarram from Alberton, and in 1923 the line reached its final terminus of Woodside.

Passenger services ran through to Yarram since opening of the line. Passenger trains to Leongatha and Yarram were withdrawn in 1981. A trial shuttle service from Dandenong to Lang Lang operated for a three month period until October 81. Services to Leongatha were restored in 1984, but were withdrawn again in 1993. In 1995, the section from Dandenong to Cranbourne was electrified and serviced by suburban electric trains.

In 1953, the section from Yarram to Woodside closed. The section from Welshpool to Yarram closed in 1987, and from Leongatha to Welshpool in 1992, after cessation of traffic that supplied the Bass Strait oil fields. The section between Nyora and Leongatha was closed in 1994 and transfered to the South Gippsland Tourist Railway.

All traffic beyond Cranbourne ceased after withdrawal of the Koala to Spotswood sand train. Even during the late 80’s when most of our photographs were taken, there was not much left of the old infrastructure, so this section will feature some locations with a passing Barrys Beach goods train, in lieu of buildings.