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5 metres either side of the centre of railway Council Railtrail Geelong-Queenscliff Railway Line
Geelong-Queenscliff Railway Line, South Geelong to Point Lonsdale - Property No 313354

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Statement of Significance

A Listed - State Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - BELLARINE HERITAGE STUDY RECORD SHEET NO 126.

The Geelong-Queenscliff railway was constructed in 1879 as a Victorian Railways branch line between South Geelong and Queenscliff. It was built to service Fort Queenscliff. Between 1879 and 1976, railway used fluctuated in importance but consisted of military and passenger, with goods transportation having been the predominant use. In 1976 the railway line closed due to poor paying capacity, amongst other reasons.

The Geelong-Queenscliff railway spans the entire Bellarine Peninsula. This complex has been recorded as an Historical Archaeological site, and along its length were several railway stations or sidings established at various times which met the needs of their respective communities.

The majority of the alignment between South Geelong and Drysdale is intact with timber sleepers and iron rails still present, although overgrown in many places with brass and bush. Closer to Geelong (i.e. in the suburbs) timber and iron have been removed although the mounded alignment is extant. The line between Drysdale and Queenscliff was taken over by the Geelong Steam Preservation Society, for the Bellarine Peninsula Railway in 1978. The Geelong - Queenscliff Railway line has social and historical significance.

It is of STATE cultural significance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: No SITE LOCATION Australian Map Grid co-ordinates are listed because the site goes across four maps

REFERENCE:

Geelong Steam Preservation Society - Bellarine Peninsula Railway, Brief History and Guide Book 1988.

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    • Physical Description 1

      5 metres either side of the centre of railway Council Railtrail Geelong-Queenscliff Railway Line - Physical Description 1

      DESCRIPTION:

      Majority of alignment between South Geelong and Drysdale is intact with timber sleepers and railway tracks still present, although overgrown in many places. Closer to Geelong (ie in the suburbs). Timber and iron have been removed although mounded alignment extant. Line between Drysdale and Queenscliff taken over by the Geelong Steam Preservation Society for the Bellarine Peninsula Railway in 1978. The line was regauged from Victoria gauge (5'3") to narrow gauge (3'6") compatible with GSPS rolling stock.

      Condition - Fair-Good

      Integrity - Some removed. Some intact. Majority-altered sympathetically.

      Present threats - Possible walking track establishment along/on alignment of disused section.

      Directions for relocation

      The alignment is easily found by driving down any of the north-south roads which cross it. The map is a good coverage map of the route and shows the currently disused part of the route(approximately half the original distance). Map source: Melways Street Directory.

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Greater Geelong - Greater Geelong Outer Areas Heritage Study Volumes 1, 2 & 4

      Author: Authentic Heritage Services Pty Ltd
      Year: 2000
      Grading:

Public contributions

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