Walhalla Historic Railway - VIC

Gold was discovered at Walhalla in 1862. Production continued for nearly 50 years the providing substantial amounts of the precious mineral. The mining was predominantly underground. Isolation caused transport costs for mining supplies, firewood and town provisions were extremely expensive. After much agitation over many years the Victorian Government finally built a railway line from Moe which linked to the line to Melbourne. Construction commenced in 1904 and finished in 1910. Unfortunately for the railway, the Walhalla mines had gradually become uneconomic, despite significant investment by the major mining companies during the years the line was under construction.

Ultimately the mines closed and most residents moved away. The line was sustained by timber shipments from nearby Erica and general supplies to the communities along the rail route. By 1960 the line was closed and most bridges and buildings removed.

After a couple of abortive attempts, in 1961 the Walhalla Railway Taskforce was formed from volunteers, to plan the ambitious task of rebuilding part of the by now overgrown permanent way and rebuilding necessary bridges, buildings and reinstalling tracks from Erica to Walhalla.

Using rail lines and equipment from a narrow gauge coal rail operation, donated by the former State Electricity Commission in nearby Yallourn, in 1994 operations commenced on a very short section of line in the Thomson station yard.

Full reconstruction of the heritage-listed Thomson River bridge was necessary before the first train over the bridge in 50 years was possible. The remaining track to Walhalla was built in sections (including construction of six bridges in the last kilometre) into the Walhalla Station yard. The rebuilt section of the line was opened on 15 March 2002.

The Walhalla Goldfields Railway now boasts a fully operational line of 4kms, from Walhalla to Thomson River, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers determined to see it reopened, and has been operating ever since as one of Australia’s most spectacular railway and tourism journeys. On most days light refreshments are available at both stations.