Mount Gambier railway station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mount Gambier
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|---|---|
| Location | Railway Terrace, Mount Gambier |
| Coordinates | 37°49′50″S 140°46′33″E / 37.83064°S 140.77594°E |
| Operated by | Australian National |
| Line(s) | Naracoorte–Millicent Mount Gambier-Heywood |
| Distance | 221 kilometres from Adelaide |
| Platforms | 2 (1 island) |
| Construction | |
| Structure type | Ground |
| Other information | |
| Status | Closed; repurposed as a community park |
| History | |
| Closed | 31 December 1990 (passengers) 12 April 1995 (freight) |
The Mount Gambier railway station was once a very busy place in the city of Mount Gambier. It was a junction station, meaning it was a key meeting point for different railway lines. These lines connected to places like Naracoorte and Millicent, as well as the Mount Gambier-Heywood line.
The station stopped operating in 1995. Since then, the large area where trains used to park and turn around has been completely changed. It is now a wonderful public park for everyone to enjoy.
Contents
A Look Back: Mount Gambier's Railway History
The railway station in Mount Gambier has a long and interesting past. It played a big part in connecting the region to other parts of Australia.
Early Train Lines (1879-1887)
The first train line to reach Mount Gambier opened in 1879. This line was a "narrow gauge" line, which means the tracks were closer together than standard tracks. It started from Beachport (at Rivoli Bay North) and went through Millicent before arriving in Mount Gambier.
Later, in 1887, another important line was built. This one connected Mount Gambier to Naracoorte. From Naracoorte, you could connect to the Kingston-Naracoorte railway line. This line also went to Wolseley, where it joined a major line that went all the way to Adelaide.
Changing Track Sizes (1917-1950s)
Trains need tracks that are a certain width apart. This width is called the "gauge." On November 28, 1917, a new "broad gauge" line opened from Mount Gambier. This line had wider tracks and went to Heywood in Victoria, which is close to Portland.
In the 1950s, a big change happened. All the older narrow gauge lines in the area were updated. They were converted to the broader gauge, making it easier for trains to travel across different lines.
Busy Train Yards and Closures
Mount Gambier station used to have a very large area for goods trains, called a "goods yard." It also had a special place for train engines, including a "roundhouse" where locomotives could be turned around.
In 1995, the main train lines connecting to Adelaide and Portland were changed again. They were converted to an even wider "standard gauge." Because of this change, the lines through Mount Gambier were closed. Many people still hope that these train lines will open again one day.
Tourist Trains and Their End (Late 1990s-2006)
After the main lines closed, a company called the Limestone Coast Railway started running special tourist trains. These trains used old "Redhen railcars" and took people on fun trips from Mount Gambier to nearby towns like Penola, Coonawarra, Tantanoola, Millicent, and Renick.
Sadly, these tourist services stopped on July 1, 2006. This was mainly because the cost of insurance became too high.
Mount Gambier Railway Lands: From Tracks to Park
The area around the old Mount Gambier railway station has been completely transformed into a beautiful public space.
The Big Transformation (2013-2015)
In 2013, the old train yard was cleared. The tracks were removed, and the area was covered with grass. The original station building found a new purpose, becoming home to the local radio station, Lime FM.
By 2015, after more than a year of hard work, the "Railway Lands" project was finished. This huge area, which used to be an industrial train site, was turned into a fantastic community park.
What You Can Find at the Park
The grand opening of the Railway Lands in November 2015 brought thousands of people together to enjoy the new space. The park now has many cool features:
- A "back to nature" playground for kids.
- Barbecues that are easy for everyone to use, including those in wheelchairs.
- A peaceful pond with a small creek.
- Lots of native plants that grow in the area.
- A labyrinth, which is a winding path designed for walking and thinking.
The Mount Gambier City Council plans to use this area for many yearly events. They also encourage local community groups to use the space for their own activities. This transformation means that the old Heywood line is now permanently separated from the Millicent and Naracoorte lines. However, a small path remains open in case the lines are ever updated to the standard gauge in the future.
Past Train Services
The Mount Gambier station used to be a busy hub for passenger and freight trains.
Passenger and Coach Services
Trains from Adelaide used to arrive at Mount Gambier. Until October 1985, there was an overnight "mixed train," which carried both passengers and goods. After that, from 1985 to December 1990, a service using special "Bluebird railcars" took passengers to and from Adelaide.
Today, there are no passenger trains to Mount Gambier. However, you can still connect to the Victorian train network. A special bus service, run by V/Line, takes people from Mount Gambier to Warrnambool, where they can catch a train.
