Bambill

Origin of name: Aboriginal - box tree

Station opened: 30-10-1925

Station closed: 12-4-1977

Distance from Melbourne (via Castlemaine): 383 miles 36 chains 2 links; 617.102 km

Height above Sea Level: 194 feet

Bambill was opened for goods during construction of the extension of the line from Werrimull to Meringur on 14-7-1925.

When officially opened, Bambill was provided with a 200 foot low level passenger platform, 17 x 8 foot 6 inches shelter shed with locker, and a loop goods siding with a 25 x 16 foot goods platform. A gang shed for storage of equipment was located at the down end and a concrete residence for employees was provided.

Bambill mallee type station building and telephone locker. 4-1-1960. Photo: Peter Charrett

Bambill was a water point for steam locomotives and a 10,000 gallon tank on a stand was located at the up end of the yard. A dam was established adjacent to the station grounds about 750 feet distant to provide a source of water for steam locomotives. A swinging suction pipe fed the delivery pipe to the tank at the railway line. An oil engine provided power for the pumping plant located in a building near the dam, supplied with water gravitated from Lake Cullulleraine which was filled from the Murray River. The railway water supply was transferred to Werrimull sometime between 1947 and 1955.

The Bambill store proprietor (Mr. T.G. Cook) was appointed caretaker but was not replaced when he resigned in August 1927 due to the low volume of business. Records show that Mr. Scott was appointed in 1933, Mrs. T. Bubeck 1936, Mrs. Hall 1937, Mrs. Benson 1943.

Stock loading facilities were provided at least by 1936.

Bambill station 1967.Note the goods platform and ramp to the right. Photo: Bruce McLean

The Grain Elevators Board did not require Bambill for a silo site, thus limiting the opportunity for revenue, however the siding was useful for storage of wagons by train crews prior to and during grain harvests.

The Railway Telephone was abolished by 3-6-1969.

By May 1975 Bambill station had been reduced to a sign attached to a post. Photo: Bruce McLean

Bambill was closed to all traffic from 12-4-1977.

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