The Heathcote railway line was a cross-country link between Bendigo and Heathcote Junction. It was partly opened in 1888 and, by 1890, it was fully operational.Wallan - Bendigo Victorian Railways Grades Book It was partially closed in 1958 and fully closed in 1968.
In 1975, it was decided to dismantle the track and, today, only some trestle bridges remain.Bendigo - Kilmore Friends of the Bendigo - Kilmore rail trail
History The line was authorised by the Victorian Parliament in 1881, and construction began in 1888. The first section, between Heathcote and Bendigo opened in October 1888, and the entire line became operational in August 1890. Including 50 bridges, the line took 21 months to complete, at a cost of 88,409 pounds, with two derailments during the process.O'Keefe Rail Trail Heathcote stories
Stations
The line had the following stations: Kilmore Junction - now Leslie Bylands Kilmore Willowmavin Moranding High Camp Pyalong Tooborac McIvor siding Argyle Heathcote Derrinal Knowsley Axedale Longlea (previously Axe Creek) Strathfieldsaye (closed 1911) Bendigo
Today
The original line may have been ripped up, but there are few instances where the original track still remains. It now makes up the O'Keefe Rail Trail
References