Seymour’s Railway Heritage

Seymour has a rich railway history, being one of the first towns in Victoria to experience the railway town phenomenon. During the railway heyday the railway employed one third of the Seymour (1,500 people). Victorian Railways came to the region in 1872 where Seymour became the gateway junction for the North East & Goulburn Valley lines, which stretch as far as Shepparton, Albury-Wodonga and onto Sydney.

The first locomotive came arrived in Seymour in June 1872 after the completion of the railway bridge which crosses the Goulburn River at Seymour. The railway was opened for public use on the 26 of August 1872 by the Colonial Governor George Bowen. Seymour Station originally had one platform with a temporary timber station building, the first permanent structure at Seymour Station was built during 1874 to 1875 of which some of the original structure still exists today. Seymour Station underwent an extensive expansion during 1883 and 1884 to allow for extra business generated by the introduction of the Inter-Colonial express service between Victoria and New South Wales. Seymour Station was the key meal stop for the Inter-Colonial service hence why a major feature of the upgraded station was new refreshment facilities.

Today, Seymour remains the junction for the North-East and Goulburn Valley lines with 21 daily services between Melbourne and Seymour 10 daily services between Seymour and Shepparton, 5 daily services between Seymour and Albury and 2 daily services between Seymour and Sydney.

Seymour Railway Station

The Seymour Railway Station began life as a temporary timber building in 1872 before becoming the permanent buildings were built in 1874 and 1875. Seymour Railway Station is historically and architecturally significant to Victoria because it is the most extravagant station on the North-East railway line, the station remains one of the most important buildings on the line and a major contributor to its architectural character of it’s era. Be sure the next time you’re travelling by train in Seymour you stop and take a look at our magnificent train station and appreciate the heritage value of it.

Seymour Railway Heritage Centre

Seymour Railway Heritage Centre is an asset to Victoria and the Country preserving our nations railway heritage and history. The centre houses the original Spirit of Progress steel carriages which were constructed in 1937 as well as the wooden Royal Carriages which were built in 1906 that have accommodated royalty such as King George V and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (Then the Duke and Duchess of York) in 1927 as well as more recently Princess Diana and Prince Charles on a special train during 1983. Heritage train trips are regularly scheduled throughout the year by the heritage centre departing from Seymour station, more information about these heritage train trips can be found on the SRHC website. The heritage centre depot is open by appointment only and we recommend contacting the SRHC before making a visit.

J.W. Elliot Reserve (The Black Train)

J.W. Elliot Reserve, or the Black Train as it’s know to the locals is a preserved D3684 steam locomotive which was built in 1913 and was was put on display on Anzac Avenue in 1965. The train completed it’s last trip from Numurkah in 1964 before being purchased by the people of Seymour for £300. The Black Train is synonymous with locals and visitors as it’s located on one of Seymour’s thoroughfares, Anzac Avenue, with open park space, hundred year old elm trees, playground and facilities. The reserve also boasts a centenary oak tree which celebrates 100 years of trains travelling on the Melbourne – Wodonga line which passes through Seymour. If you visit the Black Train and reserve, it wont be more than 10 minutes before a train goes roaring by on the near by train line located just behind the reserve, you’ll see V/line services to Melbourne, Shepparton and Albury-Wodonga, XPT services to Sydney, many freight trains and perhaps if you’re lucky you might even see a steam train puffing by.

Kerrisdale Mountain Museum

Located just 15 minutes from the centre of Seymour along the Goulburn Valley Highway, Kerrisdale Mountain Railway Museum is a rare little gem hidden amongst the hills. The museum features a unique railway built on two-foot (610 mm) gauge on a zig-zag formation to gain the maximum height within the shortest distance. The railway journey features a short trip including steep grades and tight curves with panoramic views of the Tallarook Ranges to take your breath away at ‘Summit Station The railway and museum has been developed by a group of dedicated volunteers over a fifteen year period and is a not for profit incorporated body and has been open to the public since 2007.