Colac–Ballarat railway line

Coordinates: 38°04′30″S 143°38′13″E / 38.07500°S 143.63694°E / -38.07500; 143.63694 The Colac to Ballarat line was a branch line that left the Warrnambool Line just east of Colac and proceeded in a generally northerly direction to join the Ballarat–Skipton Line at Newtown then heading into Ballarat Station. It was 112 km long, curving around the mountains and many lakes. The track has been removed completely and the last section of the Skipton to Ballarat line has been turned into a rail trail.

History

The line was constructed in the late 19th century^[1] with the purpose of transferring produce from the Victoria's south west to the industrial centre of Ballarat. The line was first built in sections from Irrewarra in the south to Beeac and from Ballarat in the north to Newtown as part of the Skipton Line. The link between Beeac and Newtown was eventually constructed, however it passed through very few major towns.

The railway has a relatively short life, closing in the 1950s, with much of the former right of way now located on private property.

Line

Colac–Ballarat railway line
To Melbourne Ballarat Station Wendouree Station Linton Junction Cardigan Haddon Nintingbool Smythesdale Scarsdale Newtown Skipton Line Berringa Illabarook Rokewood Werneth < To Maroona - Cressy - To Geelong > Barpinba Beeac Ondit Irrewarra To Geelong Colac To Warrnambool

Illabrook Rail Reserve

The site that used to have the station and goods shed as well as the rail bed heading to Ballarat is now used as Grassy Woodland.

Cressy Station

Once a major station which included a large station building with a signal box and refreshment rooms. This station was once the junction of the cross country line between Ballarat and Colac. Today almost no trace remains.

References