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Victorian Railways (VR), Spencer Street, Melbourne, Victoria
The discovery of gold in Victoria in the 1850s stimulated the growth of Melbourne both as a port and as an economy. Transportation became important for the young colony, and Melbourne was soon the location for Australia's first locomotive-powered railway line, which was officially opened on 12 September 1854. Operated by the privately owned Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway Company, the service ran from Flinders Street to Sandridge (now Port Melbourne).
A series of other routes, mainly for carrying passengers, were soon opened to St Kilda (1857), North Brighton (1859), Hawthorn (1861) and Essendon (1860).
The colonial government took over from the private companies to facilitate the rapid construction of regional rail lines as the gold rushes stimulated rural development. The railways reached Geelong in 1857, Sunbury in 1859, Bendigo in 1862 and Echuca in 1864. Agricultural booms also lead to further expansion of the rail network. The railways became the symbol of progress and prosperity. As the twentieth century progressed, however, road transport surpassed rail transport, and many branch lines were closed. Nevertheless, Victoria's railways remain a key part of passenger and freight transport networks.
References:
Department of Infrastructure website http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/0/0B2FA0A482BC4F334A256D860082B85D?OpenDocument
Items per page: 10 50 (showing 1 - 10) 23 items
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Wall Clock - Victorian Railways No 1, circa 1871
Victorian Railways No 1 clock, also known as the 'Main Line Starter Clock', from Spencer Street Station. The Batman's Hill Station was established in1859, and the station and railway ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 0 -
Brochure - Mildura, Victoria, 1955
Tourist brochure titled 'Mildura, Victoria, Australia 1887-1955, History in the Making'. Issued by the Victorian Railways in conjunction with the Mildura City Council in 1955.
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Timetable - Victorian Railways Suburban Lines Services, 1921
Passenger train timetable produced by Victorian Railways and the Victorian Government Tourist Bureau in 30 May 1921. The booklet provides arrival and departure times as well as other in ...
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Brochure - 'The Grampians & District', Victoria, 1955
Tourist brochure 'The Grampians & District' issued by the Victorian Railways Public Relations & Betterment Board in 1955. Victorian Railways played an important role in promoting Victor ...
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Brochure- 'Yarram For the Perfect Bush Holiday', 1941
Tourist brochure with map 'Yarram For the Perfect Bush Holiday', issued by the Victorian Railways and the Yarram & District Tourist & Progress League in January 1941.
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Booklet - 'The Murray Valley', Victorian Railways, 1955
Tourist booklet 'The Murray Valley' issued by the Victorian Railways Public Relations & Betterment Board in 1955.
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Train Ticket - Spotswood & Melbourne, Victorian Railways, Dec 1939
Small oval-shaped stiff card ticket for female second class concession monthly transport for Spotswood and Melbourne, for December 1939.
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Photograph - Construction of Underground Rail Loop, Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1975
Colour photograph showing the construction of the Melbourne underground railway loop, circa 1975. It is part of a collection of photographs, negatives and slides used for research by cu ...
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Photograph - Construction of Underground Loop, Melbourne, Victoria, Mar 1975
Colour photograph showing the construction of the Melbourne underground railway loop in March 1975. It is part of a collection of photographs, negatives and slides used for research by ...
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Photograph - Construction of Underground Loop, Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1975
Colour photograph showing the construction of the Melbourne underground railway loop, circa 1975. It is part of a collection of photographs, negatives and slides used for research by cu ...
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