Railways and Tramways of Australia

First Sydney–Melbourne standard gauge freight train arriving at Dynon in Melbourne hauled by S315 and S314, 3 January 1962. Photo: Public Record Office Victoria, VPRS 12800/P0001, H 4815.

It’s thru!

The first standard gauge (1435 mm) freight train from Sydney arrived at Dynon in Melbourne on 3 January 1962.

Although Sydney and Melbourne were connected by railway in 1883, the tracks between the two capitals used different gauges. Thus, a continuous journey on one train could not be made. New South Wales laid standard gauge (1435 mm) tracks from Sydney to Albury. Victoria used broad gauge (1600 mm) tracks from Melbourne to Wodonga. The Murray River lay in between Albury and Wodonga. When a bridge was built across the river, it included dual gauge tracks, enabling trains to operate on either standard gauge or broad gauge.

For a short time Albury and Wodonga were both used as interchanges, but eventually Albury became the main interchange station. Here passengers changed from one train to another and goods were transhipped.

Different railway gauges in Australia caused a major barrier to efficient traffic. Various reports urged the unification of the major lines. Finally in 1957 legislation was passed to build a standard gauge line between Melbourne and Albury. Work began on the new line, which was built adjacent to the existing broad gauge line for most of the route.

Finally, on 3 January 1962 the first direct freight train arrived in Melbourne after travelling overnight from Sydney. It had left Alexandria in Sydney behind diesel locomotives 4448 and 4450. The motive power was changed at Albury to Victorian diesels S315 and S314, which took the train through to Melbourne. Various government representatives and railway officials welcomed the train. Upon arrival it broke through a banner across the track bearing the words ‘It’s thru!’

The break of gauge between Australia’s two largest cities was finally overcome.

Bibliography

P Belbin & D Burke, Changing trains: a century of travel on the Sydney–Melbourne railway, Methuen Australia, Sydney, 1982.

‘Standard gauge opening is most important event in Victorian Railways’ history’, Railway Transportation, vol. 11, no. 2, February 1962, p 4.