<< Back | Home | Site Map

Benetook

Origin of name: Aboriginal - Little bird or to cover up; also - ankle

Station opened: 11-4-1924

Station closed: 1-3-1970

Distance from Melbourne (via Castlemaine): 354 miles 70 chains 2 links; 571.115 km

Height above Sea Level: 181 feet

Benetook was open for goods traffic during construction of the line on 17-4-1923.

When officially opened, it was provided with a 200 foot low level passenger platform, 17 x 8 foot 6 inches shelter shed with locker and loop goods siding with a 25 x 16 foot goods platform with ramp. A Class 4 residence for an employee and a 10 x 8 foot hut were located within the station grounds. Stock facilities were provided at a later date, certainly by 1936.

Benetook Station showing the Mallee-type waiting shed, low level platform and siding. The QR wagon in the siding was used to convey steel sleepers which were stockpiled at Benetook. Photo: Bruce McLean

A caretaker was provided with records showing that Mrs. Hansen occupied the position in 1933 and Mrs. Coppick 1937.

A private 10 ton weighbridge was provided by 10-1-1935.

Benetook was not provided with a grain silo but the goods siding was frequently used for storage of wheat wagons.

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

Benetook was closed for all traffic on 1-3-1970.