The Geelong to Queenscliff railway line was built in 1879, offering the best way to get to Queenscliff at that time. Often, the road was poor and travel by boat infrequent. QHM Researcher Paul Attwood’s has uncovered other motives for the line (hint: one involves the Russians).
At its peak in 1885, the line operated four passenger trains daily in each direction. In 1932, 47 years later, scheduled passenger services ceased. Why did the line fail?
In 1980, a section of the line between Drysdale and Queenscliff was resurrected as the Bellarine Railway, which operates tourism trips to this day.
Will the line ever open again for passenger services? Come and listen to Paul as he discusses his research.