Moorabool railway station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moorabool
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Moorabool station building
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| Line(s) | Geelong-Ballarat | |||||||||||||||
| Platforms | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Tracks | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Other information | ||||||||||||||||
| Status | Closed | |||||||||||||||
| History | ||||||||||||||||
| Closed | 21 December 1976 | |||||||||||||||
| Services | ||||||||||||||||
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Moorabool is a railway station that is no longer used for passengers or goods. It is located on the Geelong–Ballarat railway line in a place called Moorabool, Victoria, Australia. Even though it's closed, some trains like The Overland and freight trains still pass by it.
Contents
History of Moorabool Station
Early Days and Name Change
The Moorabool railway station first opened in 1861. When it was built, it had a different name: Steiglitz Road. This name was used until 1864, when it was changed to Moorabool. The station was an important stop on the railway line connecting Geelong and Ballarat.
Building the Station
The station building was constructed in 1861. It was built for the Victorian Railways, which managed trains in Victoria at the time. A private company was hired to do the building work. The station has a single-storey building with a sloped roof. It also has a two-storey house attached to it, which was likely for the station master or other railway staff.
What is Bluestone?
The station building is made from a special type of rock called bluestone. Bluestone is a very strong and durable volcanic rock. It has a dark grey or bluish-grey color. Many old buildings in Victoria, Australia, especially in Melbourne and surrounding areas, were built using bluestone because it was readily available and very tough.
When the Station Closed
Moorabool station stopped being used for all train traffic on 21 December 1976. This means that no passengers could get on or off trains there, and no goods were loaded or unloaded. After it closed, the station building was sold in 1977. Today, it is a private home.
A Special Heritage Building
The Moorabool station building is considered very important because of its history and architecture. It is listed on two special registers: the Victorian Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate.
What Does "Heritage Listed" Mean?
When a building is "heritage listed," it means it is officially recognized as having special historical, architectural, or cultural importance. These listings help protect old buildings so they can be preserved for future generations. It ensures that the building's unique features are kept safe.
Nearby Historic Structures
The Moorabool station is also close to another important railway structure. About 1.6 kilometers (about 1 mile) to the east, you can find the Moorabool Viaduct. A viaduct is like a very long bridge that carries a railway line or road over a valley or river. The Moorabool Viaduct is another example of the amazing engineering from the early days of railways in Victoria.
