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-east, serving 21 stations via Wyndham Vale, Geelong, Waurn Ponds, and Colac.[1] 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.[2]
The service was taken over by V/Line after the closure of West Coast Railway in 2004. The track that the service operates on was originally built to connect Melbourne with the rural towns of Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool, and Port Fairy, amongst others. Sections of the Port Fairy line opened as early as 1857, with the line fully extended to Warrnambool in February 1890. A section of the line between Warrnambool and Port Fairy was closed in 1977 due to limited demand.[3] Today V/Line only operates as far as Warrnambool.
The line to Geelong was originally built by the Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company and opened on 25 June 1857, with the line being sold to the Victorian Railways in 1860.[7] The line was designed by English engineer Edward Snell, and built as a single track. The line was later extended south-west, to Winchelsea in 1876, Colac in 1877, Camperdown in 1883, Terang in 1877, and finally Warrnambool, Dennington, and Port Fairy in 1890. The line is now closed beyond Warrnambool, with the last train leaving Port Fairy in September 1977.[8][3]
In the early 20th century, a similar service named "The Flyer" was introduced as an extension of the Geelong Flier to Port Fairy. The service shaved 90 minutes off the whole journey, compared with the schedule of its predecessors. This service was operated by the longer-distance E-class carriages and lasted until about 1967.
Whilst the track beyond Waurn Ponds station is mostly single with some passing loops, many duplication projects have occurred along the Geelong section of the line. The section from North Geelong to Geelong was duplicated late April 1922.[9] 37 years later in 1959, the section of track from Corio to North Geelong was duplicated. In 1979 the track from Werribee to Little River was duplicated and the sections from Little River to Lara and Lara to Corio in 1981.[10] The Regional Rail Revival project will duplicate the track from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds in late 2024.[11]
In September 1977, the line beyond Warrnambool was closed, with the final service to Port Fairy being hauled by a Victorian Railways B75 locomotive on 12 September.[8][3]
In the 1980's the Victorian Railways decided to give names to its flagship services, to follow on from the previously named "Vinelander" & "Gippslander", and "The Westcoaster" was born. It had buffet facilities on board and shaved minutes off the journey time
West Coast Railway was formed in 1993 when the Kennettgovernment privatised long-distance country rail services previously run by the government-owned operator V/Line to private operators. Bids were lodged in February 1993 with West Coast Railway being announced as the successful tender on 30 April of the same year.[12] The initial franchise was for eight years with operations commencing on 19 September 1993.[13] The service continued using the name "The Westcoaster" until services were returned to V/Line operation and the name fell into disuse.
In August 2001, Connex purchased a 50% shareholding of West Coast Railway.[14][15] In 2003, Connex sold its shareholding to Australian Public Trustees.[16] West Coast Railway continued to operate the line until 2004 when the contract was handed back the government with V/Line resuming operation of the line.
Sherwood Park station was one of 2 new stations to open in the early 2000s
From 29 January 2017, V/Line started running a fourth service return service on weekdays with Sunday road coach services being replaced by trains. This meant that three Sunday train services ran in both directions instead of two.[19] Following the timetable change in late August 2017, weekday Warrnambool trains no longer serve Wyndham Vale or Tarneit stations. In December 2018, due to a lack of available rolling stock, H carriages were used on the line past Geelong for the first time.[20] H carriages are no longer used on the Warrnambool service.
From 31 March 2023, the cost of V/Line rail tickets were capped to the same fare as metropolitan services, with daily fares being capped at $9.20 or $4.60 for concession.[21][22][23] These changes are expected to bring a large rise in patronage, with fears of overcrowding on V/Line services.[24][25]
Due to an increase in congestion on the Werribee line where Metro and V/Line services have to share tracks, a proposal was created to construct a separate line for regional trains called the "Tarneit Link". The project was expanded and re-branded as the Regional Rail Link when announced as part of the Brumby Government'sVictorian Transport Plan in December 2008.[4] The project was revised to separating all regional trains between Southern Cross and Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo, from suburban rail movements, with the proposed route beginning at Southern Cross, travelling through Sunshine and Tarneit to West Werribee. In May 2009, the project reached full funding, gaining the required allocation of $3.2 billion from the 2009 Federal budget, adding to funds to be provided by the Victorian Government.[26][27] Construction began in June 2011, with the Regional Rail Link consisting of two sections:[28][29][30]
Section 1 (upgrading the existing rail corridor between Southern Cross and Deer Park)
A new rail bridge over the existing broad and standard gauge tracks at the junction with the Port Fairy line
Between 2013 and 2014 section 1 of the upgrade works were completed. Subsequently, the line (still operating via the Port Fairy line) from Southern Cross to South Kensington no longer stopped at North Melbourne station. On 21 June 2015, section 2 from Deer Park to West Werribee opened. Consequently, Warrnambool trains began to run via Wyndham Vale and Tarneit stations, rather than via Werribee and Newport stations on the Werribee Line.[31]
The Level Crossing Removal Project removed 3 level crossings in the area surrounding Deer Park in 2022 and 2023. The crossing at Robinsons Road was removed by constructing a road tunnel underneath the rail line, with the project being completed in September 2022.[32] Another crossing was removed at Mt Derrimut Road via the construction of an elevated rail bridge. This removal also included a newly elevated Deer Park station, car-parking, and public open space.[33] The final crossing that was removed was the one at Fitzgerald Road in neighbouring suburb of Ardeer. This crossing was removed in April 2022 via the construction of a road bridge over the line.[34] Despite a large number of remaining crossings on the line, there are no more scheduled to be removed by the Level Crossing Removal Project.
A sign advising of the major Regional Rail Revival program construction works, 2022.
In 2017, the Regional Rail Revival program was announced which included an upgrade to the Warrnambool service. The first stage was aimed at allowing a fifth return service to be introduced and involved:[35][36]
Signalling upgrades including the construction of trenches, cabling, and additional infrastructure (complete)
A new 2.2 km crossing loop at Boorcan (complete)
12 level crossing upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool with boom gates, flashing lights, bells, and more advanced train detection technology (complete)
Stage 1 of the upgrade was completed in December 2022 with a fifth weekday return service introduced between Melbourne and Warrnambool.[37] In September 2021, a second stage of upgrades aimed at allowing VLocity trains to operate on the line was announced with a targeted completion date of late 2023. This second stage includes:[38]
Upgrades to train detection technology at more than 50 public level crossings (underway)
Installation of boom gates, bells, and flashing lights at 17 of those crossings (underway)
The upgrade of stabling facilities at Warrnambool Station (underway)
Track upgrades to replace old wooden sleepers (complete)
Once the project is fully complete, there will be no unprotected public level crossings on the line, with all protected by boom gates and flashing lights. The project is targeted for completion in late 2023 with works progressing.[38]
The Western Rail Plan is a plan that aims to improve the quality of rail services in Melbournes western suburbs through infrastructure upgrades on a range of metropolitan and regional lines.[39] Geelong Fast Rail was one project identified in the Western Rail Plan as a matter of priority, as it would allow for Geelong and Warrnambool services to travel back via the Werribee line, cutting travel time and allowing electrification of other corridors to occur which are currently being served exclusively by V/Line trains.[6] Phase 1 of Geelong Fast Rail will consist of the following projects aimed at cutting travel times by 15 minutes:[6]
New track between Werribee and Laverton dedicated to regional services
Upgrades and widening of bridges over main roads, creeks, and rivers
Construction on the project expected to get underway in 2023, with the Australian and Victorian governments committing $2 billion each to the project which is expected to create 2800 new jobs.[40]
Network and operationsEdit
ServicesEdit
On weekdays, there are five express services per day. All Melbourne-bound services operate express between Geelong and Southern Cross, stopping only at Footscray.[41] On weekends and public holidays, there are a total of three services per day—two local and one express service.[41]
Train services on the line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works, usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Shuttle coach services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters.[42]
Stopping patternsEdit
Legend — Station status
◼ Premium Station – Station staffed from first to last train
◻ Host Station – Usually staffed during morning peak, however this can vary for different stations on the network.
The interior of a N-type economy carriage in March 2022.
The Warrnambool service is classified by V/Line as a long-distance service, subsequently adding additional amenities to the service. Standard on all V/Line services, toilets and luggage racks are available in addition to other amenities.[44] On locomotive hauled long-distance services (N-class carriages), each train typically has two economy carriages with a total of 176 seats in a 3+2 configuration and one first class carriage with 52 seats in a 2+2 configuration as well as a luggage compartment.[44] Cafe facilities are also available on-board all Warrnambool services serving a range of pre-made warm goods, pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks, as well as drinks.[45] From late 2023, VLocity trains will be introduced on the line replacing outdated N-class carriages. The new trains won't have a first class but will have a cafe facility.[46] Quiet carriages aren't available on locomotive hauled services, but once VLocity's are introduced from late 2023 the feature will be present on-board.[45]
Prior to V/Line taking back operation of the Warrnambool service from West Coast Railway in 2004, there had been 3 previous operators. The majority of operations on the line have been government run, with these operators including the Victorian Railways, the State Transport Authority, and the Public Transport Corporation.[47]
Interactive map of the Warrnambool service in south western Victoria.
The Port Fairy line forms a somewhat curved route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus in Warrnambool. The route is 267.3 kilometres (166.1 mi) long and is doubled tracked up until Geelong station where it narrows to one track. Exiting the city, the Port Fairy line traverses somewhat flat country. Past Waurn Ponds the line begins to curve due to the natural terrain. On track constructed as part of the Regional Rail Link, there are numerous cuttings and embankments designed to eliminate new level crossings.[31] After Wyndham Vale, the line has many level crossings especially past Waurn Ponds station.
The line follows the same alignment as the Geelong line with the two services separating after Waurn Ponds. The Port Fairy line continues onto Warrnambool whereas the Geelong line terminates at Waurn Ponds.[48] The track up to Waurn Ponds primarily travels through built-up suburbs, industrial areas, and some farm land.[49] After Waurn Ponds, the line travels through open countryside and through small regional towns. The portion of the line before Waurn Ponds is one of Melbourne and Victoria's main growth corridors, where farmland is being replaced with housing and commercial developments, leading to a rise in patronage.[50]
StationsEdit
The line serves 21 stations across 267.3 kilometres (166.1 mi) of track. The stations are a mix of lowered and ground level designs. The only station that isn't at ground level is Wyndham Vale which was constructed in a lowered fashion as part of the Regional Rail Link in 2015.[51]
warrnambool, line, rail, service, this, article, about, line, service, physical, railway, itself, warrnambool, railway, line, warrnambool, line, long, distance, regional, rail, service, victoria, australia, operated, line, state, fourth, longest, railway, line. This article is about the V Line service For the physical railway itself see Warrnambool railway line 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 east serving 21 stations via Wyndham Vale Geelong Waurn Ponds and Colac 1 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 2 WarrnamboolV Line train crossing the Barwon River in GeelongOverviewService typeRegional railSystemVictorian railway networkStatusOperationalLocaleVictoria AustraliaPredecessorWinchelsea 1876 1877 Colac 1877 1883 Camperdown 1883 1887 Terang 1887 1890 Port Fairy 1890 1977 The Flyer 1927 c 1967 The Westcoaster 1987 c 2004 outbound onlyFirst service25 November 1876 146 years ago 1876 11 25 Current operator s V LineFormer operator s Victorian Railways VR 1876 1974 VR as VicRail 1974 1983 STA V Line 1983 1989 PTC V Line 1989 1993 West Coast Railway 1993 2004 V Line Passenger 2004 2010 WebsiteV Line Geelong on TwitterRouteTerminiSouthern CrossWarrnamboolStops21Distance travelled267 3 km 166 1 mi Average journey time3 hours 37 minutesService frequency5 express services weekdays2 local services weekend1 express service weekendLine s usedServiceton Deer Park West Werribee Port FairyOn board servicesClass es First and economyDisabled accessYesCatering facilitiesYesBaggage facilitiesYesTechnicalRolling stockN class locomotive hauled N class carriagesTrack gauge1 600 mm 5 ft 3 in Track owner s VicTrackRoute mapLegendh mm km0 00 0 0 Southern Cross 0 09 5 6 Footscray 17 9 Deer Park 0 28 29 5 Tarneit0 37 40 3 Wyndham Vale0 47 55 7 Little River0 55 65 6 Lara1 01 72 1 Corio1 04 75 3 North Shore 1 08 78 1 North Geelong1 14 80 7 Geelong 1 19 82 5 South Geelong1 24 87 7 Marshall1 31 93 0 Waurn Ponds 1 52 121 9 Winchelsea2 06 142 4 Birregurra2 26 161 5 Colac2 55 206 6 Camperdown3 11 228 9 Terang3 37 269 5 Sherwood Park3 47 275 4 Warrnamboolh mm kmThis diagram viewtalkeditThe service was taken over by V Line after the closure of West Coast Railway in 2004 The track that the service operates on was originally built to connect Melbourne with the rural towns of Geelong Colac Warrnambool and Port Fairy amongst others Sections of the Port Fairy line opened as early as 1857 with the line fully extended to Warrnambool in February 1890 A section of the line between Warrnambool and Port Fairy was closed in 1977 due to limited demand 3 Today V Line only operates as far as Warrnambool Since the 2010s there have been a number of upgrades to the line to improve the speed accessibility and frequency of the service including the Regional Rail Link the Regional Rail Revival and the planned Geelong Fast Rail project 4 5 6 Contents 1 History 1 1 19th century 1 2 20th century 1 3 21st century 1 3 1 Regional Rail Link 1 3 2 Level crossing removals 2 Future 2 1 Regional Rail Revival 2 2 Geelong Fast Rail 3 Network and operations 3 1 Services 3 1 1 Stopping patterns 3 2 On board amenities 3 3 Operators 3 4 Route 3 5 Stations 4 Infrastructure 4 1 Rolling stock 4 1 1 Planned rolling stock 4 2 Accessibility 4 3 Signalling 5 See also 6 References 7 External linksHistory Edit19th century Edit Main article Warrnambool railway line 19th century The line to Geelong was originally built by the Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company and opened on 25 June 1857 with the line being sold to the Victorian Railways in 1860 7 The line was designed by English engineer Edward Snell and built as a single track The line was later extended south west to Winchelsea in 1876 Colac in 1877 Camperdown in 1883 Terang in 1877 and finally Warrnambool Dennington and Port Fairy in 1890 The line is now closed beyond Warrnambool with the last train leaving Port Fairy in September 1977 8 3 20th century Edit Main article Warrnambool railway line 20th century In the early 20th century a similar service named The Flyer was introduced as an extension of the Geelong Flier to Port Fairy The service shaved 90 minutes off the whole journey compared with the schedule of its predecessors This service was operated by the longer distance E class carriages and lasted until about 1967 Whilst the track beyond Waurn Ponds station is mostly single with some passing loops many duplication projects have occurred along the Geelong section of the line The section from North Geelong to Geelong was duplicated late April 1922 9 37 years later in 1959 the section of track from Corio to North Geelong was duplicated In 1979 the track from Werribee to Little River was duplicated and the sections from Little River to Lara and Lara to Corio in 1981 10 The Regional Rail Revival project will duplicate the track from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds in late 2024 11 In September 1977 the line beyond Warrnambool was closed with the final service to Port Fairy being hauled by a Victorian Railways B75 locomotive on 12 September 8 3 In the 1980 s the Victorian Railways decided to give names to its flagship services to follow on from the previously named Vinelander amp Gippslander and The Westcoaster was born It had buffet facilities on board and shaved minutes off the journey timeWest Coast Railway was formed in 1993 when the Kennett government privatised long distance country rail services previously run by the government owned operator V Line to private operators Bids were lodged in February 1993 with West Coast Railway being announced as the successful tender on 30 April of the same year 12 The initial franchise was for eight years with operations commencing on 19 September 1993 13 The service continued using the name The Westcoaster until services were returned to V Line operation and the name fell into disuse 21st century Edit Main article Warrnambool V Line rail service FutureIn August 2001 Connex purchased a 50 shareholding of West Coast Railway 14 15 In 2003 Connex sold its shareholding to Australian Public Trustees 16 West Coast Railway continued to operate the line until 2004 when the contract was handed back the government with V Line resuming operation of the line nbsp Sherwood Park station was one of 2 new stations to open in the early 2000sSince transfer to V Line three new stations have opened on the line Marshall station in 2004 Sherwood Park station near Warrnambool in 2006 Waurn Ponds station in 2014 and Tarneit and Wyndham Vale in 2015 17 18 From 29 January 2017 V Line started running a fourth service return service on weekdays with Sunday road coach services being replaced by trains This meant that three Sunday train services ran in both directions instead of two 19 Following the timetable change in late August 2017 weekday Warrnambool trains no longer serve Wyndham Vale or Tarneit stations In December 2018 due to a lack of available rolling stock H carriages were used on the line past Geelong for the first time 20 H carriages are no longer used on the Warrnambool service From 31 March 2023 the cost of V Line rail tickets were capped to the same fare as metropolitan services with daily fares being capped at 9 20 or 4 60 for concession 21 22 23 These changes are expected to bring a large rise in patronage with fears of overcrowding on V Line services 24 25 Regional Rail Link Edit Main article Regional Rail Link nbsp The Regional Rail Link delivered two new stations including Wyndham Vale pictured here Due to an increase in congestion on the Werribee line where Metro and V Line services have to share tracks a proposal was created to construct a separate line for regional trains called the Tarneit Link The project was expanded and re branded as the Regional Rail Link when announced as part of the Brumby Government s Victorian Transport Plan in December 2008 4 The project was revised to separating all regional trains between Southern Cross and Geelong Ballarat and Bendigo from suburban rail movements with the proposed route beginning at Southern Cross travelling through Sunshine and Tarneit to West Werribee In May 2009 the project reached full funding gaining the required allocation of 3 2 billion from the 2009 Federal budget adding to funds to be provided by the Victorian Government 26 27 Construction began in June 2011 with the Regional Rail Link consisting of two sections 28 29 30 Section 1 upgrading the existing rail corridor between Southern Cross and Deer Park Two new platforms platforms 15 amp 16 at Southern Cross station A new twin track rail bridge and a new bridge deck total 2 bridges over Dudley Street in West Melbourne Upgrades to the North Melbourne rail over rail flyover A new pair of tracks from Southern Cross station to Sunshine parallel to the Western line A new rail bridge over the Maribyrnong River Major upgrades to Footscray station including the construction of new platforms and a new footbridge The full reconstruction of West Footscray and Sunshine stations Improvements to the entrance forecourt at Tottenham station The removal of two level crossings in Sunshine Section 2 the new rail corridor between Deer Park and West Werribee A new fully grade separated double track rail corridor between Deer Park and West Werribee Two new stations at Tarneit and Wyndham Vale A new rail bridge over the existing broad and standard gauge tracks at the junction with the Port Fairy lineBetween 2013 and 2014 section 1 of the upgrade works were completed Subsequently the line still operating via the Port Fairy line from Southern Cross to South Kensington no longer stopped at North Melbourne station On 21 June 2015 section 2 from Deer Park to West Werribee opened Consequently Warrnambool trains began to run via Wyndham Vale and Tarneit stations rather than via Werribee and Newport stations on the Werribee Line 31 Level crossing removals Edit This section is about the crossings removed by the Level Crossing Removal Project For the crossings removed by Major Road Projects Victoria see Geelong V Line rail service The Level Crossing Removal Project removed 3 level crossings in the area surrounding Deer Park in 2022 and 2023 The crossing at Robinsons Road was removed by constructing a road tunnel underneath the rail line with the project being completed in September 2022 32 Another crossing was removed at Mt Derrimut Road via the construction of an elevated rail bridge This removal also included a newly elevated Deer Park station car parking and public open space 33 The final crossing that was removed was the one at Fitzgerald Road in neighbouring suburb of Ardeer This crossing was removed in April 2022 via the construction of a road bridge over the line 34 Despite a large number of remaining crossings on the line there are no more scheduled to be removed by the Level Crossing Removal Project Future EditRegional Rail Revival Edit This section is about the upgrades from Waurn Ponds to Warrnambool For the upgrades from Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds see Geelong V Line rail service Regional Rail Revival nbsp A sign advising of the major Regional Rail Revival program construction works 2022 In 2017 the Regional Rail Revival program was announced which included an upgrade to the Warrnambool service The first stage was aimed at allowing a fifth return service to be introduced and involved 35 36 Signalling upgrades including the construction of trenches cabling and additional infrastructure complete A new 2 2 km crossing loop at Boorcan complete 12 level crossing upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool with boom gates flashing lights bells and more advanced train detection technology complete Stage 1 of the upgrade was completed in December 2022 with a fifth weekday return service introduced between Melbourne and Warrnambool 37 In September 2021 a second stage of upgrades aimed at allowing VLocity trains to operate on the line was announced with a targeted completion date of late 2023 This second stage includes 38 Upgrades to train detection technology at more than 50 public level crossings underway Installation of boom gates bells and flashing lights at 17 of those crossings underway The upgrade of stabling facilities at Warrnambool Station underway Track upgrades to replace old wooden sleepers complete Once the project is fully complete there will be no unprotected public level crossings on the line with all protected by boom gates and flashing lights The project is targeted for completion in late 2023 with works progressing 38 Geelong Fast Rail Edit Main article Western Rail Plan Geelong Fast Rail The Western Rail Plan is a plan that aims to improve the quality of rail services in Melbournes western suburbs through infrastructure upgrades on a range of metropolitan and regional lines 39 Geelong Fast Rail was one project identified in the Western Rail Plan as a matter of priority as it would allow for Geelong and Warrnambool services to travel back via the Werribee line cutting travel time and allowing electrification of other corridors to occur which are currently being served exclusively by V Line trains 6 Phase 1 of Geelong Fast Rail will consist of the following projects aimed at cutting travel times by 15 minutes 6 New track between Werribee and Laverton dedicated to regional services Upgrades and widening of bridges over main roads creeks and rivers Upgraded stations at Werribee and Laverton Signalling and train control system upgradesConstruction on the project expected to get underway in 2023 with the Australian and Victorian governments committing 2 billion each to the project which is expected to create 2800 new jobs 40 Network and operations EditServices Edit On weekdays there are five express services per day All Melbourne bound services operate express between Geelong and Southern Cross stopping only at Footscray 41 On weekends and public holidays there are a total of three services per day two local and one express service 41 Train services on the line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays Shuttle coach services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters 42 Stopping patterns Edit Legend Station status Premium Station Station staffed from first to last train Host Station Usually staffed during morning peak however this can vary for different stations on the network Legend Stopping patterns All trains stop Some services do not stop Only inbound trains stop Only outbound trains stop Trains pass and do not stopWarrnambool Services 43 Station Express Local down Local up Southern Cross Footscray Deer Park Tarneit Wyndham Vale Little River Lara Corio North Shore North Geelong Geelong South Geelong Marshall Waurn Ponds Winchelsea Birregurra Colac Camperdown Terang Sherwood Park Warrnambool On board amenities Edit nbsp The interior of a N type economy carriage in March 2022 The Warrnambool service is classified by V Line as a long distance service subsequently adding additional amenities to the service Standard on all V Line services toilets and luggage racks are available in addition to other amenities 44 On locomotive hauled long distance services N class carriages each train typically has two economy carriages with a total of 176 seats in a 3 2 configuration and one first class carriage with 52 seats in a 2 2 configuration as well as a luggage compartment 44 Cafe facilities are also available on board all Warrnambool services serving a range of pre made warm goods pre packaged sandwiches and snacks as well as drinks 45 From late 2023 VLocity trains will be introduced on the line replacing outdated N class carriages The new trains won t have a first class but will have a cafe facility 46 Quiet carriages aren t available on locomotive hauled services but once VLocity s are introduced from late 2023 the feature will be present on board 45 Operators Edit nbsp West Coast Railway operated the line for 11 years from 1993 to 2004 Prior to V Line taking back operation of the Warrnambool service from West Coast Railway in 2004 there had been 3 previous operators The majority of operations on the line have been government run with these operators including the Victorian Railways the State Transport Authority and the Public Transport Corporation 47 Operator Assumed operations Ceased operations Length of operationsVictorian Railways 1876 1983 107 yearsState Transport Authority V Line 1983 1989 6 yearsPublic Transport Corporation V Line 1989 1993 4 yearsWest Coast Railway 1993 2004 11 yearsV Line Passenger 2004 2010 6 yearsV Line 2010 incumbent 13 years ongoing Route Edit vteWarrnambool railway lineLegendkm nbsp nbsp Multiple linesto Flinders Street nbsp nbsp 0 0 Southern Cross nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp City Loop nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Albury North East SG amp Western SG linesto Albury Sydney amp Adelaide nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 1 7 North Melbourne not a stop nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 1 9 nbsp Dynon Road nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Upfield lineto Upfield nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2 5 nbsp CityLink nbsp nbsp 2 5 Moonee Ponds Creek nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Craigieburn Seymour amp Shepparton linesvia Essendon nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Flemington Racecourse lineto Flemington Racecourse nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp South Kensington West Footscray lineto West Footscray nbsp nbsp nbsp Metro section Sunbury Line nbsp nbsp nbsp 3 5 South Kensington not a stop nbsp nbsp nbsp Melbourne Metro Tunnelto Caulfield under construction nbsp Saltwater River demolished nbsp 4 2 Maribyrnong River nbsp nbsp nbsp Maribyrnong lineto Maribyrnong River Terminal dismantled nbsp 5 4 nbsp Hopkins Street nbsp nbsp 5 6 Footscray nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp South Kensington West Footscray North East SG amp Western SG linesto Southern Cross nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Werribee amp Williamstown linesto Newport nbsp nbsp 6 0 Footscray Main line demolished nbsp nbsp 6 6 Middle Footscray not a stop nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 7 0 nbsp nbsp Geelong Road nbsp nbsp 7 3 West Footscray not a stop nbsp nbsp nbsp 9 1 Tottenham not a stop nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 9 1 nbsp Ashley Street nbsp nbsp 9 8 White City demolished nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Newport Sunshine amp Western SG linesto Newport amp Adelaide nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Maidstone demolished nbsp nbsp 11 0 Stony Creek nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Newport Sunshine lineto Newport nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 12 3 Sunshine not a stop nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 12 3 nbsp Hampshire Road nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Multiple linesvia Albion nbsp 12 8 nbsp Andreson Road nbsp 13 9 Kororoit Creek nbsp 15 1 Ardeer 2nd not a stop nbsp 15 7 Ardeer Siding demolished nbsp 16 0 nbsp Western Ring Road nbsp 16 1 Ardeer 1st demolished nbsp 17 6 nbsp Mt Derrimut Road nbsp 17 9 Deer Park nbsp nbsp Ravenhall Siding closed nbsp Sandringham Quarry Trust Siding closed nbsp 19 3 Deer Park West proposed nbsp nbsp nbsp Ararat Ballarat Maryborough linesto Ballarat nbsp Deer Park West Werribee section nbsp 20 1 nbsp Western Freeway nbsp 26 0 Truganina proposed nbsp 28 4 Skeleton Waterholes Creek nbsp 29 5 Tarneit nbsp nbsp 29 5 nbsp Derrimut Road nbsp 32 2 Davies proposed nbsp 36 0 Sayers Road proposed nbsp 36 8 Werribee River nbsp 40 3 Wyndham Vale nbsp nbsp 42 7 Wyndham Vale South Sidings nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Western SG line to Southern Cross amp Port Fairy line to Werribee nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Geelong section nbsp nbsp 47 7 Manor demolished nbsp nbsp 49 2 Mambourin demolished nbsp nbsp 55 7 Little River nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 55 9 Little River nbsp nbsp 65 6 Lara nbsp nbsp nbsp 69 3 Elders IXL Siding closed nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 70 1 nbsp Princes Freeway nbsp nbsp 70 9 Geelong Grammar Siding demolished nbsp nbsp 72 1 Corio nbsp nbsp 73 4 Distillers Siding demolished nbsp 75 3 North Shore nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 76 2 Cowies Creek nbsp nbsp Harbour Trust Sidings nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Western SG line to Adelaide amp Geelong Ballarat line to Ballarat nbsp 77 0 nbsp Princes Highway nbsp 77 5 North Geelong Yard nbsp nbsp nbsp Geelong Ballarat line to Ballarat amp Fyansford line to APC Fyansford dismantled nbsp 78 1 North Geelong nbsp nbsp 79 3 nbsp Church Street Midland Highway nbsp nbsp 79 3 Geelong Locomotive Depot nbsp 80 1 nbsp Latrobe Terrace Princes Highway nbsp nbsp Cunningham Pier dismantled nbsp 80 7 Geelong nbsp nbsp nbsp 81 1 Geelong Tunnel nbsp 82 5 South Geelong nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Queenscliff lineto Queenscliff dismantled nbsp 85 0 Geelong Racecourse 2nd demolished nbsp 85 8 Breakwater demolished nbsp Barwon River nbsp 87 7 Marshall nbsp nbsp nbsp Geelong Racecourse 1st demolished nbsp 89 9 Grovedale demolished nbsp 92 6 Duneed demolished nbsp 93 0 Waurn Ponds nbsp nbsp 96 4 Waurn Ponds Cement Siding closed nbsp 97 0 Waurn Ponds Stabling Sidings nbsp 98 6 Pettavel demolished nbsp 104 8 Moriac demolished nbsp nbsp nbsp Wensleydale lineto Wensleydale dismantled nbsp 111 9 Buckley demolished nbsp 116 9 nbsp Princes Highway nbsp Barwon River nbsp 121 9 Winchelsea nbsp 131 6 Armytage demolished nbsp 136 7 nbsp Princes Highway nbsp nbsp nbsp Forrest lineto Forrest dismantled nbsp 142 4 Birregurra nbsp 147 9 nbsp Princes Highway nbsp 148 0 Warncoort demolished nbsp nbsp nbsp Colac Ballarat lineto Ballarat dismantled nbsp 155 9 Irrewarra demolished nbsp 158 0 CRB Siding demolished nbsp 159 0 Shell Oil Company demolished nbsp 159 6 nbsp Princes Highway nbsp nbsp nbsp Crowes lineto Crowes dismantled nbsp nbsp 161 5 Colac nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Alvie lineto Alvie dismantled nbsp 169 3 Larpent demolished nbsp 176 5 Pirron Yallock closed nbsp 186 5 Stoneyford demolished nbsp 191 0 Pomborneit demolished nbsp nbsp Princes Highway nbsp 197 6 Weerite demolished nbsp 206 6 Camperdown nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Timboon lineto Timboon dismantled nbsp 219 2 Boorcan demolished nbsp 221 9 Mount Emu Creek nbsp 228 9 Terang nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Mortlake lineto Mortlake dismantled nbsp nbsp Princes Highway nbsp 240 6 Garvoc demolished nbsp Mount Emu Creek nbsp 250 8 Panmure demolished nbsp nbsp Princes Highway nbsp 257 7 Cudgee demolished nbsp nbsp Princes Highway nbsp 264 0 Allansford demolished nbsp Hopkins River nbsp 269 5 Sherwood Park nbsp nbsp 272 9 Warrnambool Caltex Oil Sidings demolished nbsp nbsp Warrnambool Pier demolished nbsp 275 4 Warrnambool nbsp nbsp nbsp 269 0 Briquette Siding closed nbsp 270 0 Westvic Siding nbsp nbsp Port Fairy lineto Port Fairykm nbsp nbsp broad gauge nbsp nbsp standard gauge nbsp nbsp 2 ft 6 in narrow gauge nbsp nbsp dual gauge nbsp Interactive map of the Warrnambool service in south western Victoria The Port Fairy line forms a somewhat curved route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus in Warrnambool The route is 267 3 kilometres 166 1 mi long and is doubled tracked up until Geelong station where it narrows to one track Exiting the city the Port Fairy line traverses somewhat flat country Past Waurn Ponds the line begins to curve due to the natural terrain On track constructed as part of the Regional Rail Link there are numerous cuttings and embankments designed to eliminate new level crossings 31 After Wyndham Vale the line has many level crossings especially past Waurn Ponds station The line follows the same alignment as the Geelong line with the two services separating after Waurn Ponds The Port Fairy line continues onto Warrnambool whereas the Geelong line terminates at Waurn Ponds 48 The track up to Waurn Ponds primarily travels through built up suburbs industrial areas and some farm land 49 After Waurn Ponds the line travels through open countryside and through small regional towns The portion of the line before Waurn Ponds is one of Melbourne and Victoria s main growth corridors where farmland is being replaced with housing and commercial developments leading to a rise in patronage 50 Stations Edit The line serves 21 stations across 267 3 kilometres 166 1 mi of track The stations are a mix of lowered and ground level designs The only station that isn t at ground level is Wyndham Vale which was constructed in a lowered fashion as part of the Regional Rail Link in 2015 51 Station Accessibility Opened Terrain Train connections Other connectionsSouthern Cross Yes step free access 1859 52 Ground level 27 connections Alamein line Albury line Ararat line Ballarat line Belgrave line Bendigo line Craigieburn line Cranbourne line Echuca line Flemington Racecourse line Geelong line Gippsland line Glen Waverley line Hurstbridge line Lilydale line Maryborough line Mernda line NSW TrainLink Southern Pakenham line Seymour line Shepparton line Sunbury line Swan Hill line The Overland Upfield line Werribee line Williamstown line nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Footscray 1859 52 10 connections Ararat line Ballarat line Bendigo line Echuca line Geelong line Maryborough line Sunbury line Swan Hill line Werribee line Williamstown line nbsp nbsp Deer Park 1884 52 Elevated 4 connections Ararat line Ballarat line Geelong line Maryborough line nbsp Tarneit 2015 52 Ground level 1 connection Geelong line Wyndham Vale LoweredLittle River 1857 52 Ground levelLara 1856 52 nbsp Corio 1890 52 North Shore 1895 52 2 connections Geelong line The Overland nbsp North Geelong 1883 52 1 connection Geelong line Geelong 1856 52 nbsp nbsp South Geelong nbsp Marshall 2004 52 Waurn Ponds 2014 52 Winchelsea No steep ramp 1876 52 Birregurra 1877 52 Colac Yes step free access nbsp Camperdown 1883 52 nbsp Terang 1877 52 Sherwood Park No steep ramp 2006 52 nbsp Warrnambool 1890 52 nbsp nbsp Station histories Station Opened 53 54 Closed 53 54 Age Notes 53 54 Southern Cross 17 January 1859 164 years Formerly Batman s Hill Formerly Spencer StreetFootscray 24 September 1900 123 yearsSunshine 7 September 1885 138 years Formerly Braybrook JunctionDeer Park 2 April 1884 139 years Formerly Kororoit CreekTarneit 15 June 2015 8 yearsWyndham Vale 15 June 2015 8 yearsWyndham Vale South Sidings Future Black Forest Road station siteManor 2 February 1911 1 November 1970 59 yearsMambourin November 1888 1893 4 years Formerly Pearce s Bros SidingLittle River 1 January 1957 66 years Formerly Little River Formerly BulbanLara 1 November 1856 166 years Formerly Duck PondsElders IXL Siding 12 March 1986 2010 24 yearsGeelong Grammar Siding 24 May 1955 111 yearsCorio 15 September 1890 133 years Formerly Cowies Creek Formerly CowieDistillers Siding 14 February 1928 c 21 February 1987 Approx 59 yearsNorth Shore 15 April 1895 128 years Formerly North Shore Formerly CorioHarbour Trust Sidings 8 March 1909 114 yearsNorth Geelong Yard 28 January 1885 138 yearsNorth Geelong 1 August 1883 140 years Formerly West GeelongGeelong Locomotive Depot 20 May 1917 106 yearsCunningham Pier Formerly Railway PierGeelong 1 November 1856 166 yearsSouth Geelong 1 November 1883 139 yearsGeelong Racecourse 2nd 1 January 1911 19 October 2005 94 years Formerly Geelong ShowgroundsBreakwater 28 December 1889 6 March 1895 5 years25 June 1895 12 August 1898 3 yearsMarshall 14 July 1879 17 February 1964 84 years Formerly Connewarra26 April 2005 18 yearsGeelong Racecourse 1st 26 January 1877 c January 1878 Approx 11 months On main line22 January 1878 13 January 1906 27 years On branchGrovedale c 25 November 1876 1954 Approx 77 years Formerly GermantownDuneed c 25 November 1876 26 July 1921 Approx 44 yearsWaurn Ponds 12 October 2014 9 yearsWaurn Ponds Cement Siding 22 March 1963 31 May 2021 58 yearsWaurn Ponds Stabling Sidings 27 February 2023 7 monthsPettavel 22 August 1952 Formerly Pettavel RoadMoriac 1 October 1877 5 October 1982 105 years Formerly Mount MoriacBuckley 17 October 1955 Formerly Buckley s RoadWinchelsea 25 November 1876 146 yearsArmytage 24 August 1911 12 November 1956 45 yearsBirregurra 13 March 1877 146 yearsWarncoort 13 March 1877 22 August 1958 81 yearsIrrewarra 1 October 1877 22 August 1958 80 yearsCRB Siding 1927 Shell Oil Company December 1975 Colac 27 July 1877 146 yearsLarpent Pirron Yallock 5 October 1982 Stoneyford 17 October 1955 Pomborneit 14 August 1978 Weerite 22 July 1975 Camperdown 2 July 1883 140 yearsBoorcan 23 April 1887 5 October 1982 95 yearsTerang 23 April 1887 136 yearsGarvoc 30 January 1966 Panmure 4 February 1890 5 October 1982 92 yearsCudgee 26 September 1960 Allansford 5 October 1982 Sherwood Park 19 February 2006 17 yearsWarrnambool Caltex Oil Sidings 27 November 1946 1966 19 yearsWarrnambool Pier c 1890 Warrnambool 4 February 1890 133 yearsBriquette Siding Westvic Siding Infrastructure EditRolling stock Edit div, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
