A commencement of the Gembrook to Ferntree Gully railway line was made on Tuesday, when
about 50 men began operations by felling timber on the route preparatory to erecting
earthworks. A large number of men are on the ground in expectation of being taken on. Tools are
provided by the Government for men who are not poemsmed of them, also cooking utensils at a
small charge per week.
Pakenham. (1899, August 2). South Bourke and Mornington Journal page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70021992
The construction of the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway was commenced on Monday
morning. The number of men employed on the line will be gradually increased from 50 at starting
until it reaches about 400, and these will be engaged for about eight or nine months.
The earthworks will be very heavy in places, and as there is a good deal of granite in the formation
the use of explosives will be necessary. The granite will, however, be found very useful for ballast.
A return received by the Railway Commissioner shows that the number of passengers
who travelled on the suburban lines during the year was 41,406,374, representing £424,708,
while for the previous financial year the number of passengers was 38,912,263, and the receipts
£405,776. This gives an increase of 2,494,111 passengers, representing £18,931.
The suburban lines in this connection include all the lines within 20 miles of Melbourne.
Country News. (1899, August 5). Advocate page . 18.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169718420
VICTORIAN . RAILWAYS.
TENDERS are invited for the supply, in contracts of not less than 500, of
20,000 messmate sleepers, 5ft. x 6in. x 8in. x 4in., for Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway,
(2ft.6in) gauge. Particulars at Garfield, Drouin, Longwarry, Warragul, Neerim South and Moe
stations. P.D., .£1 each 500 sleepers. Tenders, indorsed. "Tender for sleepers,' must be lodged
with the preliminary deposit, in the Tender Box, Railway Office, Melbourne at or before One p.m.,
on Monday, 4th., September. No tender will necessarily be accepted.
(By .order), R. G. KENT, Secretary.
Advertising (1899, August 22). West Gippsland Gazette, page. 2 (MORNING.). R
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68695720
VICTORIAN RAILWAYS
TENDERS are invited for the supply, in contracts of not less than 500, of 20,000 messmate
Sleepers, 5' x 6- x 8"4-, for Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway ('2 60 gauge). Particulars at
Garfield, Drouin, Longwarry, Warragul, Neerim South, and Moe stations. P.D., £1 each 500
sleepers. Tenders, indorsed " Tender for Sleepers," must be lodged, with the preliminary deposit,
in the Tender Box, Railway Offices, Melbourne, at or before One p.m. on Monday, 4th September.
No tender will necessarily be accepted.
(By order), R. G. KENT, Secretary.
Advertising (1899, August 18). Warragul Guardian page. 2 (Bi-weekly.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68740589
The construction of the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway is now proceeding -apace. -
Commencing a few weeks ago with 50 men; the construction authorities- have now increased the
number of workers to about 200, nearly all of whom are engaged in clearing.
This number will be further increased in the course of a week or two to about 400. The country is
heavily timbered in places, and the clearing is necessarily seovere work. - The route of the
extension carefully avoids any infringement on the beautiful reserve at Ferntree Gully. The
Railway Department knows the worth of this beauty spot. -s-Argus
The Evelyn Observer, (1899, August 25). Evelyn Observer, and South and East Bourke Record page . 2
(MORNING.). http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60686062
GEMBROOK RAILWAY LINE.
DANDENONG, Saturday.
At the meeting of the Ferntree Gully Shire Council to-day it was stated that in the construction of
the Gembrook railway line the roads intersected were rendered impassable, owing to the
earthworks and side-drains, and were being left in this dangerous condition. It was decided that
the attention of the Railway department be drawn to this state of affairs. It was further stated that
the butty-gang system was not acting satisfactorily, some of the men engaged being incompetent
and quite unable to cam anything like fair wages. It was decided to apply to the Government for a
grant of £1,000 to make roads leading to the stations on the line.
GEMBROOK RAILWAY LINE. (1899, September 4). The Argus , page. 6.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9029016
RAILWAY EXTENSION.
FERNTREE GULLY, Wednesday.
The progress made with the Gembrook line is considered satisfactory. Most of the cuttings along
the route have.been commenced, and nearly all the timber along the same has been felled. About
300 men are now engaged on the works.
RAILWAY EXTENSION. (1899, September 14). The Age , page. 6.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188669826
In response to the Railway departments application for the supply of 20,000 sleeper's
for the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook Railway, tenders have been received and accepted for 11,000,
at prices ranging from 11 ½ d. to 1/1 each.
NEWS AND NOTES. (1899, September 20). South Bourke and Mornington Journal, page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70022177
At the Ferntree Gully and Gembrook Railway Trust meeting last Saturday it was resolved to ask
the Minister of Railways to grant the members of the Trust (when attending meetings) a free
railway pass. It was held by the Trust that as the members were acting honorary, and in the
interests of the Railway department, it was only reasonable that a free railway pare to and from
meetings should be granted
NEWS AND NOTES. (1899, September 27). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70022197
At the last meeting of the Ferntree Gully and Gembrook Railway Trust, a Petition was presented by
Cr. Crichton, signed by 60 ratepayers, asking for a deviation-in the line at the Emerald
township. The petitioners contended that the present site of the station at this place is
inaccessible to the public, and if the Railway department allowed this deviation it would meet all
the requirements of all, and be a saving in the construction of the line.
NOBODY WILL STEAL THEM. (1899, October 4). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 3 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70022224
FERNTREE GULLY. At a meeting of the Ferntree Gully Shire Council, held on Monday, a
communication was received from the Public Works department, stating that £300 had been
granted to assist in making Ferny Creek road. East Riding. A letter was received from the
engineer-in-chief, stating that the want of proper approaches to roads crossing the line of railway
from the Gully to Gembrook, complained of by the council, would be attended to. Councillors
complained that in the work of making the line landholders fences were pulled down, and stock
allowed to wander all over the place.
LAND CLASSIFICATION BOARD. (1899, October 10). The Argus, page. 7.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9033496
Fair progress is being made with the construction of the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway.
There are now 300 men employed clearing the route throughout the whole distance of eighteen
miles, and this week a commencement will be made with the culverts and bridges on the half of
the line starting from Ferntree Gully. Later on the number of men employed will be increased to
four or five hundred. A request has been made for a slight deviation of the authorised route in the
neighbourhood of Emerald, and this is now under consideration.
Country News. (1899, October 14). Advocate , page. 20.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169719535
Satisfactory progress is being made with the construction of the narrow gauge line from
Ferntree Gully to Gembrook, there being now about 400 men employed on the work. The
Railway Department is busy constructing the rolling-stock, consisting of two locomotives, a
passenger carriage and van and 22 waggons.
ITEMS OF NEWS. (1899, November 14). Mount Alexander Mail , page. 2.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201362713
DANDENONG.-At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Ferntree Gully Shire Council on Saturday.
In response to a petition from 54 residents of Macclesfield, it was resolved to urge the Railway
department to grant a site for a station at that place, between Emerald and Cockatoo, on the
Ferntree Gully to Gembrook line, the settlers to provide funds for the purchase of land for the
necessary roads.
GENERAL NEWS
In his last annual report the Commissioner of Railways said…. In addition to these the engineer in
chief (Mr F Rennick) has also in course of construction a narrow gauge line from Ferntree Gully to
Gembrook 18 1/2 miles in length and including rolling stock and land, to cost £3,355 per mile …..
The Ferntree Gully to Gembrook and Lilydale to Warburton lines will be completed within the next
12 months
GENERAL NEWS. (1900, January 1). The Argus page. 7.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9043772
THE GEMBROOK RAILWAY. FERNTREE GULLY, Saturday.
The shire council has asked Mr. Cameron, M.L.A., to urge the Government to open the first,
section of the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway at as early a date as possible. This would be as
far as Emerald and would be a great boon to the residents.
THE GEMBROOK RAILWAY. (1900, January 9). The Argus , page. 3.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9044584
Ferntree Gully.
Our railway extension to Gembrook, so far, has made very little difference to us in Ferntree Gully.
We are hoping it will mean at any rate, a slight influx of population later on. By means of this we
hope to make up for the exodus which has taken place to South Africa. Two of our sons
were accepted for the first contingent, and another, Mr. Charlie Dobson, son of Mr. T. Dobson, of
"Rushdale," has been accepted for the Bush Contingent.
Ferntree Gully. (1900, January 24). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70045225
Narre Warren.
There is every prospect of the first section of the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway being
opened by May. This will be a great line for pic-nic parties, and the lovers of scenery and the
beauties of nature should pay a visit to Mr. O'Connor's Estate, as there they will see some of the
finest forest scenery in the world (also some of the prettiest girls). There are some lovely spots on
the estate, and always a hearty welcome.
Narre Warren. (1900, February 7). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70045303
The Railway department ie at present employing one thousand men on railway construction
works; 150 are engaged on the Quambatook line, Which will shortly be completed; 300 on the
Lilydale to Warburton line; 300 on the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook line, and 250 on the
Collingwood line. The completion of the first-named line has been considerably delayed by the
difficulty in procuring men, for when registering at the bureau at the Railway offices in
Spencer-street very many of the Unemployed stipulate that they must not be sent to the country
districts, and more especially to the Mallee.
City & Suburban. (1900, February 10). Advocate , page. 17.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169864629
A NURSERY IN THE HILLS.
At Emerald, near Gembrook, and near the centre of the Dandenong Ranges, at an altitude of
about 800ft. above sea-level, is one of the best-kept nurseries, and probably the largest in the
Australian colonies, the property of Mr. C. A. Nobelius. The entire estate consists of 150 acres, and
upwards of 60 acres of this are devoted to nursery stock. It is not a general nursery in the
common acceptation of the term. With the exception of such fruit-bearing plants as guavas,
loquats, and passion-vines, which are best grown in pots, there are no pot-grown
plants-everything is grown in the open ground. Hundreds of thousands of various kinds of fruit
trees are grown, besides ornamental trees, suitable for street and park, planting. Camellias,
azaleas, anda few other shrubs, and some bulbs, for which both soil and climate arc specially
adapted, are also cultivated. The long drive of 14 miles between Narre Warren, the nearest railway
station, and the nursers', a very hilly, and, in places, a very bad road, is a drawback to visitors,
but very shortly the narrow-gauge railway from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook will be opened, and,
as there will be a station about a mile only from the nursery, it is likely there will in the future be
numerous visitors to see the fine lot of nursery stuff and of bearing fruit trees which the enter
prising proprietor will only be too pleased to have inspected. …….. There is no doubt that with
direct railway communication there will be a large amount of planting done ……..
( Note: a very long article on the nursery )
A NURSERY IN THE HILLS. (1900, March 3). The Australasian, page. 13.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139776180
FERNTREE GULLY
A short time back it was expected that the railway line to Gembrook would be open for traffic as
far as Emerald about the first week in next month. Mr. F. Rennick, engineer-in-chief of the
Victorian Railways, now finds, however, that this section of the line will not be completed until two
months hence. The Commissioner of Railways having declined to open a new line through a
mountainous district in the middle of winter, it is not at all likely that residents in this locality
will be able to utilise the railway as a means of forwarding their produce to the metropolis until
the termination of the winter months.
Ferntree Gully. (1900, April 25). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70045659
The BUBONIC PLAGUE
No further development of the plague occurred in Melbourne on Saturday or Sunday last, but on
Monday four cases were discovered at Kensington, a suburb between Melbourne and Footscray.
The stricken ones are children of Michael Larsen, a labourer on the railway relief works between
Gembrook and Ferntree Gully, who lives at 10 Mulgrave-street, in the suburb named. On Tuesday
morning the patients - Albert Larsen, aged 13, who has been employed in connection with the
Dudley-street railway bridge at North Melbourne; Daisy aged 8; Lucy 5 ; and Eric 2, and their
mother Mrs. Elizabeth Larsen aged 37; were placed in the waggon; and the contacts - Michael
Larsen , aged 42, and employed on the narrow gauge line now being built from Ferntree Gully to
Gembrook ; Robert, his son, aged 18, who has been working in a produce store near the Fish
Market, in Flinders Street; Frank, 16, a hairdresser by trade: and Alice aged 6 were placed in a cab.
Then the two vehicles were drawn to Victoria Dock, where the whole party were transferred to
the steamer Albert, in charge of Mr Elkington, and the steamer left for the Point Nepean
Quarantine Station. The patients being landed there in the late afternoon. Mr J. Nance disinfected
the cab in which the contacts were conveyed to the wharf and subsequently he began the
process of fumigating the infected house. The little girl Daisy had for three or four days after she
became indisposed attended, the local state school, which has a roll of about 1,000 children, and
as it has been found that she was suffering from a mild attack of the plague at that time Dr. Gray
M.B., endeavoured to ascertain yesterday if any ill-result had followed from her associating
with the other scholars. After examining all the children living in the vicinity, and also those with
who the convalescent patient may have come in contact, He reported that none of them were
Afflicted. The Cause of the outbreak is still a mystery. No fresh cases were reported on Tuesday
or Wednesday, but in the opinion of the medical authorities, additional outbreaks may be
expected, and that being the case, there should be no relaxation on the part of householders
to put their premises in a state of cleanliness, and the most scrupulous care should be taken that
this condition is observed in the person by frequent baths and in the matter of wearing apparel.
The Bubonic Plague. (1900, May 26). Advocate , page. 16.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169866484
THE BUBONIC PLAGUE. (1900, May 23). The Argus , page. 7.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9542028
RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.
LINES TO BE BUILT. PROBABLE EXPENDITURE OF £1,674,000.
In his annual report to Parliament, the Deputy Commissioner of Railways will state the number of
miles of railway opened for traffic for the year ending the 30th inst., and the number in course of
construction. On the 30th June, 1890, the figures for the former stood at
Miles.
5ft. 3in gauge .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,112¾
2ft. 6in. gauge .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30¼
Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,143
At the present moment the following railways are being built :--.....
NARROW GAUGE. Miles. Cost.
Ferntree Gully to Gembrook 19 £66,000
Colac to Beech Forest .. 30 £66,000
RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. (1900, June 22). Warragul Guardian, pAGE. 4 (Bi-weekly.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68604140
DISTRICT NEWS. Ferntree Gully
Satisfactory progress is being made with the construction of the railway from here to Gembrook,
and upon about 10 miles of the line and engine is run.
DISTRICT NEWS. (1900, June 27). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70045906
NOTES AND NOTICES
The rolling-stock for the narrow-gauge railway now being built from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook is
well in hand at the Newport workshops. As on the Wangaratta to Whitfield line, there will be two
engines, costing £1,850 each, two passenger cars, and 40 goods waggons-open, insulated. and
louvred-which will cost nearly £6,000. Similar narrow-gauge stock will also be required for the
Colac to Beech Forest line. Trains upon narrow-gauge lines only run at about half the speed of
the broad-gauge railways, and the 2ft. 6in. gauge locomotives will only haul 108 tons up a gradient
of 1 in 30, but this is regarded as a particularly heavy load for such small engines.
NOTES AND NOTICES. (1900, June 30). The Australasian , page. 36.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139152144
During the week ending the 21st inst., 268 men were provided with employment by the
Railways Labour Bureau. Seventy-five navvies were engaged by the Existing Lines branch to
assist in re-forming the lines leading to the new central railway station, 10 labourers by the
Public Works department, 60 labourers for the , Colac to Beech Forest railway. 40 fur the
Collingwood line, 46 for the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook line, and 32 in various works.
BENDIGO HORSE MARKET. (1900, July 24). Mount Alexander Mail, page. 4.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200216353
Ferntree Gully
The Commissioner of Railways has granted to the residents along the Gembrook line the privilege
of having goods conveyed in the trucks along the line as far as the engine runs.
By request of the local board of advice, the Education department has decided that the
compulsory clause of the Act shall not be enforced at the State schools at One Tree Hill, Sassafras
Creek and Black Hill-road for the six months ending 30th September next. This step has been
taken in consequence of the bad state of the roads.
Ferntree Gully. (1900, August 1). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70046079
Country News.
The deputy Commissioner of Railways …… Good progress is being made with the construction
of the narrow-gauge railway from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook. Mr. F. Rennick, engineer-in-chief,
states that the roads between Ferntree Gully and Emerald, which is the halfway point on the line,
are almost impassable at present, owing to the recent heavy rains. To convenience the residents
of the district, goods are now conveyed over the line as far as Emerald in ballast trucks when it is
possible to do so.
Country News. (1900, August 4). Advocate page. 20.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169867708
Country News.
The Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway, 19 miles in length, which it is thought will cost some
£66,000, should (the "Argus" thinks) be open for traffic before Christmas. Over 350 men are
employed upon it at present, and special traffic is now being conveyed between Ferntree Gully
and. Emerald, the halfway point. 300 men are working on the Lilydale to Warburton line, and 250
on the narrow-gauge railway from Colac to the Beech Forest. Altogether over 1509 men are
employed on construction works at present, and it is estimated that at least 750 carters and
others are also indirectly engaged in connection with them.
Country News. (1900, August 11). Advocate , page. 20.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169867782
VICTORIA
The Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway, 19 miles in length, which it is thought will cost some
£66,000, should be open for traffic before Christmas.
VICTORIA. (1900, August 17). Albury Banner and Wodonga Express , page. 30.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99853092
NARROW GAUGE RAILWAYS.
In compliance with a motions recently carried in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister of
Railways has had a return prepared showing the number of miles of narrow gauge railway
open and in course of construction in Victoria. Up to the, present time only one such line is being
worked, and it is the Wangaratta Whitfield railway, 30.528 miles in length, which cost £30,846 for
the line proper, and £11.392' for rolling stock, or £46,238 in all. Two narrow gauge lines
are now being built, one from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook, 18½ miles in length, and estimated to
cost, exclusive of land, but including rolling stock, £62,067; the other from Colac to the Beech
Forest, 30.3 miles in length, and estimated to cost on the same basis £61,365,
FLOWER SHOW. (1900, August 24). Euroa Advertiser , page. 2.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70079399
Country News.
The Ferntree Gully to Gembrook narrow-gauge railway, 19 miles in length, is now rapidly
approaching completion.
Country News. (1900, October 27). Advocate , page. 22.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169869002
NEWS AND NOTES
The Ferntree Gully to Gembrook narrow-gauge railway, 19 miles in length, is now rapidly
approaching completion. Mr. F. Rennick, engineer-in-chief, anticipates that the line, which will cost
some £66,000, will be open for traffic by the middle of December. Quite apart from the fact that
the railway will serve a splendid district, Mr. Rennick believes that it will become a very popular
holiday resort. No railway in the colony probably runs through such picturesque country, and one
view, from a point where it is considerably more than 1,000 feet above the sea level, takes in a
vast expanse of undulating country, stretching away to Westernport Bay, which is plainly visible in
the distance.
NEWS AND NOTES. (1900, October 24). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70046445
WEEKLY.
It is contemplated that the Gembrook to Ferntree Gully railway line will be open for traffic next
month. The contractors are. now. putting the finishing touches on the line.
The South Bourke and Mornington Journal. (1900, November 7). South Bourke and Mornington Journal ,
page. 2 (WEEKLY.). http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70046479
CYCLING. WHEEL NOTES,
FERNTREE GULLY AND DISTRICT
….. Two miles separate Lower and .Upper Ferntree Gully, the junction of the two roads being at
the first-named place. I Wanted to see the new narrow - gauge line ( and the engines specially
built for it ) which runs thought Emerald to Gembrook. The line is not yet open for passenger
traffic, but it will probably be ready before Christmas. The narrow (2ft. 6in.) gauge looks much
like a toy line alongside the permanent way, with its 5ft. 3in. between the metals, I followed the
rails for about a mile, and shall be very glad to have a trip along as soon as it is open. The length
of the new line is less than 20 miles, but it is through heavy, rugged country, and did not appear
the best kind of land for settlement. I was told that the ground does not hold the water to any
great extent, but that the moisture falls away, and is carried off immediately by the gullies, and
So into the creeks. The roads are extremely poor from Ferntree Gully right through to Gembrook,
and the presence of the railway will not serve to improve them.
As a general rule, as soon as the iron-horse obtains a footing, the ordinary means of
communication are practically neglected. This is one of Victoria's mistakes, for which she is paying
dearly, while many of our prominent men are looking in other directions for reasons which they
consider are preventing the people from settling, or, if they once settle, compelling them to throw
up their holdings. One only has need to travel the country to see and believe……..
CYCLING. (1900, November 10). The Australasian, page. 23.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139166439
The narrow-gauge line from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook is now practically completed, and Mr. F.
Rennick, engineer in chief, has informed the Commissioner of Railways that it will be ready for
traffic on the 15th December. The line, which is 18½ miles long, will cost rather less than the
original estimate, £62,413.
Country News. (1900, November 24). Advocate , page. 22.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169869604
THE GEMBROOK LINE.
FERNTREE-GULLY, Monday.
The Commissioner of Railways (Mr. Mathieson) and his staff were here to-day, having inspected
the Upper Ferntree Gully railway station, and will proceed on to Gembrook over the new line.
Mr. Mathieson desires to open the line for traffic on December 18. In reply to a deputation, who
asked for the erection of shelter sheds at Bayswater, the Commissioner promised to consider the
request favourably.
THE GEMBROOK LINE. (1900, December 11). The Argus , page. 7.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9567141
WEEKLY. DISTRICT NEWS FERNTREE GULLY.
On Monday last the Commissioner of Railways and his staff were at the Gully for the purpose of
inspecting the Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station, and then proceeded on to Gembrook over
the new line. Mr. Mathieson wishes to open this line for traffic on the 18th inst.
On the same day (Monday) the Commissioner was asked by a deputation from Bayswater that
shelter sheds be erected at that station, the reply being that the request would receive favorable
consideration. Mr. Mathieson was accompanied by Mr. Keast, M.L A.
Although the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook line is now ready for traffic before taking it over from
the construction branch the Commissioner of Railways will inspect the line, accompanied by the
heads of departments. The stations on the line have been named Monbulk, Menzies' Creek,
Emerald, and Devon. It is proposed to run one train a day each way at outset, and tickets will have
to be obtained from the guard in charge of the train ; temporary shelters only will be provided at
the various stations. It is anticipated that the line will be largely patronised by pleasure seekers,
and if this supposition proves to be correct excursion trains will be run accordingly.
DISTRICT NEWS. (1900, December 12). South Bourke and Mornington Journal , page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70046605
Country News
The narrow-gauge line from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook is ready for traffic.
The stations on the line have been named by the engineer-in-chief,
Monbulk, four miles from Ferntree Gully; Menzies' Creek, seven miles; Emerald, 10 miles; and
Cockatoo Creek, ' 14 miles; but the residents of the district have requested that the latter; which is
a local name, may be replaced by "Devon."
….. The railway train from the Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook will be opened for traffic on the
18th inst ; , and it is proposed to run one train a day each way at the outset. The railway
runs through some of the most picturesque country in Victoria,
Country News, (1900, December 15). Advocate , page. 23.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169869952
NEW MOUNTAIN RAILWAY.
FERNTREE GULLY TO GEMBROOK.
SPLENDID HOLIDAY RESORT.
Wild, picturesque mountain scenery, good fishing, splendid shooting and excellent camping
grounds are a few of the attractions that the narrow-gauge line from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook,
which is to be opened to day, present to the holiday maker ferntree Gully itself is the boundary
line between civilisation and nature. A quarter of an hour's travelling on the toy-like 2ft 6in. gauge
railway, and the traveller is in the heart of the fastnesses that range from the Gully to Gembrook,
18 miles further on by rail, as the crow flies perhaps half that distance for that spice of time the
miniature train climbs up its mountain track, and behind in the hollow lies Ferntree Gully, with its
houses, its yellow cornfields, its close-cropped pasture land, and its macadamised roads round
the elbow of a frowning hill the train winds its way, and then-the echoing forest
Onward and upward the little engine steams- "Hissing Jinnie" she is known on the line-running
along sidings on a 12ft. wide bed, with a billowing hill above and a deep valley below. Now the top
of the rise is in sight one more bend and then the tableland. Vain thought. There is another hill to
be skirted and crossed and recrossed, and yet another and an other, and still the train is
mounting, for the grade is 1 in 30—the steepest in the colony and 330ft have to be climbed in
the three miles that separate Ferntree Gully from Monbulk. The line runs back like a thin red
ribbon winding up the mountain side and as the train gets up toward the skyline its circuitous
course can be traced in three distinct sections of track, which are all in sight at the same time,
until they are lost in moving round a perfect horseshoe bend and the train is at list on the far side
of the hill. Over the Monbulk-bridge, which is a three chain curve, the sturdy little engine
halls her load and then another pull of 250ft. to Menzies Creek and 50 more to Emerald. But
before the latter place is reached the traveller is 1,045ft. above sea level. His view is only curtailed
by the horizon. After Emerald the down grade ; 430ft has to be descended to Cockatoo Creek now
known as Devon, and the ideal place for a picnic is reached The beautiful gullies extend as far as
the eye can reach, the quail rises with a purr-r-r as the intrude stumbles forward through the
matted undergrowth, the rabbits scamper away, and a wallaby gallops over the tangled scrub and
brush-wood to safety. A few hundred yards from the Devon station — all the stations exists
only in name at present — there is a broad stretch of green sward, carpeted with delicate little
terracotta colour, purple bell and tiny heliotrope flowers and the creek, which is said to abound
with blackfish and eels, and of which the water is of the purest quality runs a few feet away.
Nature can do no more for the pleasure-seeker than she has done here. But every station has
its natural picnic ground and all are bounded by creeks on one side, in which there is reported to
be good fishing. To the settlers along the railway the line has been a sheet-anchor. It has kept
them on the land. But if it is to pay more must follow and open up the fruit-growing and
timber resources of the locality. For the holiday-maker the line offers unrivalled attractions. There
is not its like within twice its distance from the city. The compact beautifully balanced permanent
way is one of the most striking features of the line, and the engineering feats accomplished
must be seen to be appreciated. The line will be opened for traffic this morning for the first time,
and the railway authorities, anticipating a goodly holiday traffic are making arrangements
accordingly. They should not be disappointed.
NEW MOUNTAIN RAILWAY. (1900, December 18). The Argus , page. 6.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9568105
The Commissioner of Railways has arranged that a train shall leave Prince's bridge daily at 10
minutes past 10 a.m. connecting with the narrow-gauge train at Ferntree Gully at a quarter to 12
o'clock, which will arrive at Gembrook at a half past 2 p.m. The train will return from Gembrook at
five minutes past 4 p.m., arriving at Upper Ferntree Gully at 20 minutes past 6, and reaching
Prince's bridge station at 12 minutes past 9 p.m.
The first-class return fare from Melbourne to Gembrook has been fixed at 7s., and the
second-class fare at 6s. Monbulk, Menzies' Creek, Emerald, Devon, and Gembrook stations will be
open for passengers and goods not requiring crane power or shed accommodation. No package
must exceed 5cwt. unless the consignees or consignors specially undertake to load and unload
and delivery must in all cases be taken from trucks immediately on arrival. All goods will be at
received and despatched at the owner’s risk.
The South Bourke and Mornington Journal. (1900, December 19). South Bourke and Mornington Journal ,
page. 2 (WEEKLY.).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70046652
BOXING DAY.
RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS.
In addition to the special country train arrangements already mentioned in "The Argus, “ the chief
traffic manager, Mr W. Fitzpatrick, has provided for the following extra excursion trams to-day, to
accommodate the Boxing Day picnic traffic -
Ferntree Gully Line - Specials will leave Prince’s bridge station at 7.20, 8 45, 9, 9.15, 9.35 10, 10.10,
10.43, 11.10, 11.35 am, and 12.10 and 1.50 pm
Blackburn and Ringwood Line - Specials will leave Prince’s -Bridge at 8.20, 8.30, 8.53,10.20 am ,
and 2.20 pm
Frankston and Stoney Point Line - In addition to the ordinary service, a special will leave it 7.39 am
Healesville Line - Specials will leave Prince’s bridge it 7.30, 9.30 am , in addition to the ordinary service
Mordialloc Line - Beside the ordinary trains, specials will leave at 9.10, 9.40, 10.15, 11.20, 11.50 i m
A very large number of passengers have already travelled over the new mountain narrow-gauge
railway from Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook, but exception has been taken to the delay to
which has occured between the arrival of the broad gauge train at Upper Ferntree Gully and
the departure of the narrow gauge train. The department explains that this has been due to the
transfer of goods from one train to the other. To-day, however, and, indeed, on all public holidays,
the ordinary traffic will not be allowed to interfere with the excursion traffic Special trains will
leave Prince’s bridge station at 7.20 and 9.35 am. The number of passengers will be limited to
650, because the rolling stock cannot carry more.
The ordinary time-tables on the Heidelberg and all the suburban lines will be suspended, and
special quick services will be run throughout the day.
BOXING DAY. (1900, December 26). The Argus , page. 6.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9568891