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Boinka

Origin of name: Aboriginal - Flat black beetle.

Station opened: 25-6-1912

Station closed: 30-6-1976

Distance from Melbourne (via Castlemaine): 331 miles 77 chains 7 links; 534.243 km

Height above Sea Level: 163 feet

Boinka was opened for goods traffic during construction of the line from 21-8-1911.

When officially opened, Boinka was provided with a 150 foot passenger platform with a cart dock and 20 x 12 foot portable office with double roof and 17 x 8 foot 6 inches shelter shed, a loop goods siding with 50 x 16 foot goods platform and two employees residences.

A 400 gallon water tank and timber stand was also provided.

A galvanised corrugated iron 22 x 15 foot store for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission was located at the down end of the yard. A private 15 ton weighbridge was located in the yard.

Sheep hurdles were installed originally and stock trucking facilities were provided in 1941, following the Commissioner's inspection tour of the Murrayville line on 14-5-1941.

In 1961 the Ouyen Highway was deviated to eliminate an "S" curve in the highway and the former level crossing at 332 miles 12 chains 49 links was closed. Locals protested at the closure, however the new level crossing was only 30 chains away at 332 miles 43 chains 29 links. It was provided by October 1962.

Passenger traffic was sparse. Only ten passengers used the station during 1965/66 and 3 during 1967/68 before the Commissioners ceased passenger traffic from 1-11-1968. Boinka did not have grain receival facilities and was closed to all traffic from 30-6-1976.

The Walpeup branch of the Country Women's Association made representations to local parliamentarians to have the approach road to the Ouyen Highway level crossing improved following a fatal accident that occurred in early 1977. Flashing light signals were installed on 30-9-1982.