Vintage rail's new future as a recreational trail

Former Tallangatta stationmaster John Healy and Rail Trail Sub-Committee member Brian Church on the disused line

Community Development Employment Project and Community Service Order participants, local residents and other volunteers are assisting parklands Rail Trail Sub-Committee with its exciting Rail Trail project on the dismantled Wodonga to Cudgewa railway line.

Planned to eventually extend from Wodonga to Cudgewa — and provide access to Lake Hume and historic old Tallangatta, plus superb views of the Upper Murray and the Alps — the Rail Trail will ensure something of a metamorphosis for a branch line started in 1887 and officially closed on 1 March 1981. The Victorian Act No. 821 of 1884 authorised construction of a 25.5-mile railway line from Wodonga to Tallangatta.

In 1887 contract No. 2663, for the 14.5-mile first section from Wodonga to Huon's Lane, was awarded to E. Barkly and Co. In 1888 R. Thornton and Co was awarded contract No. 3492 for the 11-mile 66-chain next section to Tallangatta. Barkers first section opened on 10 September 1889. Thornton's section opened on 24 July 1891 and three mixed trains ran daily to and from Wodonga. A spur line from Ebden to Mitta Junction Hume Weir Depot opened on 9 September 1922.

Between 1930 and 1932 Barker's original line between Ebden and mileage post 206 was relocated to higher ground, Huon Lane Station was rebuilt 59ft higher and a 1866ft long concrete and steel bridge was built over Sandy Creek. This work was necessitated by the new Hume Dam. When the dam was enlarged there were more changes to the track from Bonegilla to Bullioh between 1950 and 1958. The Sandy Creek bridge was raised by 8ft and lengthened by an additional 40ft span at each end.

Wodonga-Tallangatta rail motor services were withdrawn in September 1961.

The last regular goods train on the line ran on 21 April 1978. The Upper Murray owes much to this railway line. It warrants national recognition for its many significant roles over almost a century:

• Building of the Hume Reservoir.
• Troop trains to Bonegilla 1940-1945.
• Migrant trains to Bonegilla 1947-1971.
• Construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

The rails and sleepers have gone. Significant bridges over the Kiewa River and Sandy Creek have been decommissioned. With easy grades from Wodonga to Tallangatta and spectacularly steep grades (featuring stunning timber trestle bridges) between Tallangatta and Cudgewa, this disused line has the potential to become simply the best rail trail in Victoria.