Railways- 50 Years Ago!

Does anyone remember the old railway system that ran in the hills and Swan View area?

Last week marked two significant 50th anniversaries for not only Western Australian railway history but for our own local history.

February 13, 1966 saw the official closure of the Eastern Railway Second Route which travelled through Bellevue, Blackboy Hill, Swan View, Swan View Tunnel, National Park, Hovea, Parkerville, Stoneville, Mount Helena, Chidlow, Beechina, Wooroloo, Wundowie, Bakers Hill and beyond to Northam and Kalgoorlie.

The Eastern Railway Second Route was opened on July 1, 1896 and played a major role in the development of our state and area during its existence.

Opened on the same day decimal currency was introduced in Australia, February 14, 1966 saw the official opening of the Avon Valley Route which we know today as our state’s major railway route to replace the Eastern Railway Second Route.

The Avon Valley Route starts at where the old Eastern Railway Second Route began in Bellevue, curving its way around the eastern boundary of the old Helena Vale Racecourse in Midvale through Swan View, Stratton, Middle Swan, Herne Hill, Millendon and further in a north east direction to Northam and beyond.

From growing up in the Midland area, I have always known the Swan View Tunnel in National Park as a landmark, a piece of history and Matt our Marketing Officer showed me some imagery of what it looked like when it was running.

Crazy to think that it closed over fifty years ago!

Sarah Rendell, Marketing Coordinator

PR 524 Steam Locomotive exiting the Swan View Tunnel.

PR 524 Steam Locomotive exiting the Swan View Tunnel. Photo taken on February 5, 1966 Image: Weston Langford

Remember When
Related Posts
Railways- 50 Years Ago!