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Karween

Origin of name: Aboriginal - grass tree

Station opened: 18-6-1931

Station closed: 19-3-1964

Distance from Melbourne: 397 miles 38 chains 2 links

Height above Sea Level: 226 feet

Karween was opened for goods traffic during construction of the extension from Meringur to Morkalla on 27-1-1931. It was the only intermediate station and when officially opened, was provided with a 200 foot low level passenger platform, 17 x 8 foot 6 inches shelter shed and locker, and a loop goods siding with a 25 x 16 foot goods platform.

Karween station was a simple mallee type corrugated iron clad shelter with a locker for the railway telephone. 22-4-1957. Photo: Doug McLean

The first train of wheat is ready to depart from Karween in early 1931 with steam locomotive N112. The Driver was Mr. G. Johnston. Photo: Courtesy Margaret Kelly

The Mixed Train has arrived at Karween and passengers Miss May Vale and Mr. Jim Weir have climbed down the ladder onto the low level platform having completed their journey. Circa 1931. Photo: D. Tullo

A 65,000 bushel concrete grain elevator was proposed for Karween in 1937 but was not constructed.

It was worked under no-one-in-charge conditions throughout its existence under the supervision of the stationmaster at Red Cliffs. Stock loading facilities were provided at a later

date.

N405 shunting at Karween on 19-5-1958. Photo: Tom Murray, Dan Richards Collection

Karween in 1965. Only the ramped goods platform and low level passenger platform remained. This station saw very little use in its short lifetime. Photo: Bruce McLean

Karween was closed with the Meringur to Morkalla section on 19-3-1964, however it had been a long time before that since any business had been transacted at the station.

During the period October 1982 to February 1983, the Meringur to Morkalla section was dismantled. This destructive scene of Karween's rails being removed was taken on 13-11-1982. Sections of rail on the main line and loop siding are still in situ. Photo: Bruce McLean