South Geelong railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the southern Geelong suburb of South Geelong, in Victoria, Australia. South Geelong station is a ground level premium station, featuring two side platforms, connected by an accessible footbridge and concourse. It opened on 1 November 1883, with the current station provided in 2024.[2]
The constructed second platform, with track still to be constructed, May 2024
The railway line to Winchelsea opened on 25 November 1876. Prior to the establishment of the station, the site was used as a loading point for ballast and bluestone by the contractor building the Queenscliff railway line.[3]
A timber station building was provided at opening. Opposite the station was a loop siding, longer than the platform, and behind the station was a dead end siding. Around 1887 or 1888, the siding was extended and a goods shed provided.[3]
A list of signals, dated around 1899, showed South Geelong having two home signals and two starters. In March 1900, the staff and ticket system between the sections Geelong - Queenscliff Junction - Mount Moriac, was replaced by the electric staff system. However, the station appeared to remain a block post between there and Geelong, apparently so that trains could wait at the station, instead of at Queenscliff Junction.[3]
On 5 August 1901, Queenscliff Junction was abolished, with a new line being built parallel with the old line, effectively making South Geelong the junction for Queenscliff. An interlockingframe was also provided around that time, with the station building being partially rebuilt to accommodate the frame. After that, the large electric staff section was then Geelong "D" signal box - South Geelong - Mount Moriac, while the branch staff and ticket section became South Geelong - Drysdale.[3]
Alterations to arrangements for the Geelong Showgrounds and the Geelong Racecourse took place a few years later. The racecourse, which was served by a short railway branch from Connewarre, moved to its present site in 1907, as well as the Showgrounds. They were served by a new siding and station. In 1912, the platform was extended at its eastern (down) end, to accommodate the increasing length of trains. Similar platform extensions occurred at most stations along the line during the same year. During that time, the level crossing at nearby Moorabool Street was grade separated, by providing a rail overpass over the road. A temporary loop was provided, to allow trains to operate during works, with the arrangement operating until February 1913.[3]
1914 saw alterations in the goods yard. The former Bellerine Street level crossing was closed, and replaced by a pedestrian overpass (now removed). That enabled the yard to be enlarged, by providing two long sidings parallel to the main running line in the down direction, with a connection for down trains at the end of the platform. The sidings were brought into use in December 1914.[3]
In 1921, the station became a depot for gravel from the Gherang pits, which were located on the short Wensleydale branch line. Other industries along the nearby Barwon River used South Geelong as a base to receive their supplies. Seven years later, on 20 June 1928, Geelong - South Geelong was converted to miniature electric staff working, with South Geelong - Racecourse - Moriac converted on 18 September of that year. An automatic staff exchanger was provided around 1930.[3]
The crossing of trains at the station was generally avoided because of a lack of appropriate crossing facilities. Trains were only timed to cross there on special occasions, such as holiday periods. For example; on 24 December 1927, the 10.20 Warrnambool passenger service, due at South Geelong at 12.03, was due to cross the 09.35 passenger train from Camperdown, due at 12.02, and had to "wait for P3", P3 being the Warrnambool service. The train was then to wait on the Queenscliff branch line, subject to Rule 15 of Appendix VII, of the Book of Rules and Regulations. Therefore, the train, which had to wait, stood at the up home signal. That also prevented South Geelong giving Drysdale an electric staff for trains to approach, while a train waited for a cross, or shunting trains onto the branch line, while another train was approaching. On 1 June 1931, passenger services ceased on the Queenscliff line, and, a week later, the miniature electric staff was abolished. Drysdale was abolished as a staff station, and the staff and ticket system was re-introduced between South Geelong and Queenscliff.[3]
Gates at the nearby Swanston Street level crossing were provided in 1914. In 1934, the gatekeeper was given control, via a ground frame, of two arms on "Post 3". The gatekeeper also controlled two arms above the bracket distant signal on "Post 5". That arrangement lasted until 1976, when flashing lights were provided.[3] Boom barriers were provided later on in 2009.[4]
The former State Electricity Commission (SECV) opened a briquette depot in the South Geelong yard in 1940, with two new sidings provided. In March of that year, the siding was extended by about 200 yards (180m), with the staff-locked connection between the siding and the main line also extended. That proved beneficial for trains using the station to move passenger traffic to football games at nearby Kardinia Park, located nearby in Moorabool Street. Up to seven trains could be held in the yard.[3]
On 29 September 1959, siding "A", directly opposite the station, was abolished.[3] The run-round loop was re-instated in 1982.[5]
Commencing on 4 November 1968, local passenger services from Geelong were extended to South Geelong, and a car park was established on part of the goods yard. Initially, one train each way was provided during morning and afternoon peaks, usually followed by an empty car movement. By 1979, the number of local services to and from South Geelong had increased to eight a day, in both directions.[3]
In 1982, siding "A" was re-instated, and extended across the Yarra Street level crossing. The down end crossover was moved about approximately 175 feet (53m). The down home signal was also moved. The points from the platform to the goods siding, by then rarely used, and no longer holding empty-car trains, could be Annett locked. The automatic staff exchanger was also removed during 1982. The former Queenscliff branch, which closed in 1976, was then effectively siding "B". The controls for the down and up home signals were removed, and distant signal "Post 7", in siding "B", was reduced to a single distant arm.[3]
In October 1983, the original timber station building was demolished, and replaced by the present station building, which opened on 30 September 1984.[2] Two years later, in February 1986, boom barriers replaced the hand-operated gates at the Yarra Street level crossing.[6] Further signalling alterations occurred in 1989 and 1992.[7]
Today, South Geelong is staffed from first train to last,[8] and is served by a majority of commuter Geelong trains. The former railway branch line to Queenscliff is now occupied by the Bellarine Rail Trail as far as Drysdale, and the Bellarine Peninsula Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff.
The former Geelong Racecourse station was located between South Geelong and Marshall stations. The last service to use the station was for the 2005 Geelong Cup. In February 2011, the loop siding serving the former platform was disconnected from the main line, as part of a sleeper renewal program.[9] On 1 March of that year, the loop siding was abolished, effectively closing the station.[10]
As part of Regional Rail Revival, the railway line between Waurn ponds and South Geelong was to be duplicated, with a new second platform added to the station. The platform and station building closed on 15 June 2024 and were demolished.[11] On 26 August 2024, the rebuilt station opened to passengers.[11] The rebuilt station included the original platform rebuilt as Platform 1, a new station building on Platform 1, a new second platform provided, a new accessible pedestrian overpass, upgraded car parking spaces, upgraded lighting, upgraded platform shelters, CCTV and better connections to the nearby Kardinia Park.[12][11] The duplication of the railway line was also completed on the same day.[11][12]
Platforms and services
Interior of the former station building, a month prior to demolition, May 2024
South Geelong has two side platforms. It is serviced by V/LineGeelong line and selected Warrnambool line services.[13][14] A number of services terminate at South Geelong, but the majority continue to Waurn Ponds.
Footscray railway station is a commuter and regional railway station and the junction point for the Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown lines and V/Line services to Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong, part of the Metropolitan and Regional railway networks. It serves the western Melbourne suburb of Footscray in Victoria, Australia. Footscray is a ground level premium station, featuring six platforms, two island platform with two faces and two side platform, connected by an accessible overground concourse. It opened on 17 January 1859, with the current location provided in 1900 and station provided in 2014.
Deer Park railway station is a regional railway station on the Serviceton line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the western suburb of Deer Park, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Deer Park station is an elevated structure premium station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 2 April 1884, with the current station provided in 2023.
The Geelong V/Line rail service is a regional passenger rail service operated by V/Line in Victoria, Australia. It serves 15 stations towards its terminus in Waurn Ponds, a southern suburb of Geelong, via the Regional Rail Link. It is the most used regional rail service in Victoria, carrying 8.15 million people in the 2022-23 financial year.
Geelong railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the city Geelong, in Victoria, Australia. Geelong station is a ground-level unstaffed station, featuring three platforms, an island platform with two faces and one side platform. It opened on 1 November 1856.
North Geelong railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the northern Geelong suburb of North Geelong, in Victoria, Australia. North Geelong station is a ground-level unstaffed station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 1 August 1883, with the current station provided in 1990.
North Shore railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the northern Geelong suburbs of North Shore and Norlane, in Victoria, Australia. North Shore station is a ground-level unstaffed station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 15 April 1895, with the current station provided in 1991.
Corio railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the northern Geelong suburb of Corio, in Victoria, Australia. Corio station is a ground level unstaffed station, featuring an island platform with two faces. It opened on 15 September 1890, with the current station provided in 1981.
Lara railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the town of Lara, in Victoria, Australia. Lara station is a ground level unstaffed station, featuring an island platform with two faces. It opened on 1 November 1856, with the current station provided in 1981.
Little River railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the southern suburb and town of Little River, in Victoria, Australia. Little River station is a ground level unstaffed station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 1 January 1857, with the current station provided in 1981.
The Warrnambool line is a long-distance regional rail service in Victoria, Australia. Operated by V/Line, it is the state's fourth longest railway line at 267.3 kilometres (166.1 mi). The line runs from Southern Cross station in central Melbourne to Warrnambool station in the south-west, serving 21 stations via Wyndham Vale, Geelong, Waurn Ponds, and Colac. The line has five return services each weekday and three return services on weekends. Trains on the Warrnambool service run with three- to five-car N-class carriage sets, which are hauled by N class locomotives.
Marshall railway station is a regional railway station on the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the southern Geelong suburb of Marshall, in Victoria, Australia. Marshall station is a ground level premium station, featuring two side platforms, connected by an accessible footbridge and concourse. It opened on 14 July 1879, with the current station provided in 2024. It initially closed on 14 October 1957, then reopened on 26 April 2005.
Warrnambool railway station is a regional railway station and the terminus of the Warrnambool line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the city of Warrnambool, in Victoria, Australia. Warrnambool station is a ground level premium station, featuring one side platform. It opened on 4 February 1890.
Camperdown railway station is located on the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia. It serves the town of Camperdown, and opened on 2 July 1883.
Ararat railway station is located on the Serviceton and Western standard gauge lines in Victoria, Australia. It serves the town of Ararat, and opened on 7 April 1875.
Geelong Racecourse is a disused railway station on the Geelong-Warrnambool railway line, in the Geelong suburb of Breakwater, Victoria, Australia. The station was located on a loop siding off the main line and was only used for special events at the nearby Geelong Racecourse.
Moriac is a closed station on the Warrnambool railway line, located in the town of Moriac, Victoria. The station opened on 1 October 1877, and was one of 35 stations in Victoria, and five on the Warrnambool line, which were closed to passenger traffic on 4 October 1981, as part of the so-called New Deal for country passengers.
The Warrnambool railway line is a railway serving the south west of Victoria, Australia. Running from the western Melbourne suburb of Newport through the cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, the line once terminated at the coastal town of Port Fairy before being truncated to Dennington. This closed section of line has been converted into the 37 km long Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail. The line continues to see both passenger and freight services today.
Waurn Ponds railway station is located on the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia. It serves the southern Geelong suburb of the same name, and opened on 12 October 2014.
The Bellarine Railway, formerly the Bellarine Peninsula Railway, is a volunteer-operated steam-driven tourist railway located in Victoria, Australia. It operates on a 16 km section of a formerly disused branch line on the Bellarine Peninsula between the coastal town of Queenscliff and Drysdale, near Geelong.
Wyndham Vale railway station is a regional railway station on the Deer Park-West Werribee line, which is part of the Regional railway network. It serves the western Melbourne suburb of Manor Lakes, which was part of Wyndham Vale until being gazetted as a separate suburb in March 2016, nine months after the station opened. Wyndham Vale station is a ground level premium station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 14 June 2015.
Stations and services in italics are planned or under construction
Stations in (parentheses) are uncommon stops for the listed service
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