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Morkalla

Origin of name: Aboriginal - night

Station opened: 18-6-1932

Station closed: 19-3-1964

Distance from Melbourne: 402 miles 67 chains 2 links

Height above Sea Level: 118 feet

Morkalla was opened for goods traffic during construction of the extension from Meringur on 24-2-1931. When officially opened, Morkalla had the distinction of being the furthest station from Melbourne on the Victorian railway system. A 250 foot low level passenger platform with a 12 x 10 foot van goods shed (transferred from Joel, on the Ben Nevis to Navarre line), 12 x 10 foot shelter shed, and a loop goods siding with a 50 x 16 foot goods platform were provided. Earthworks for the locomotive turning triangle, proposed to be removed from Meringur, were completed.

Wooden portable huts, 20x12 foot and 10x8 foot, were removed from Meringur to the terminus in November 1931 for use by crews as rest barracks when the weekly Tuesday train stabled overnight.

Morkalla station in 1952 showing the huts used as rest barracks by train crews and the standard mallee type shed. Photo: J. Charnock

The Morkalla and District Progress Association on behalf of the Morkalla Farmers Weighbridge Co., requested a weighbridge site in the station yard in 1932.

Morkalla was worked under no-one-in-charge conditions throughout its existence under the supervision of the stationmaster at Red Cliffs.

Another view of the platform buildings at Morkalla. Note the change to the station name board and the removal of the telephone from the wall of the centre building. 22-4-1957. Photo: Doug McLean

Small version station sign fixed to the shelter shed at Morkalla. 22-4-1957. Photo: Doug McLean

Sheep and cattle yards were erected in July 1936 by the Railway department with the assistance of Morkalla farmers. It was a "red letter day" in Morkalla on Thursday 21-9-1939 when a record was created by the shipment of between 7,000 and 8,000 sheep from the station to Casterton. The sheep were from Ned's Corner Pastoral Co. and two special trains were required.

It was recorded in "Sunraysia Daily" that the occasion created so much interest that, as one resident put it, there were nearly as many men as there were sheep.

The stockyards at Morkalla on 21-12-1980, some 16 years after the closure of the line. Photo: Bruce McLean

Morkalla station yard showing the goods ramp and stockyards. The track gang's "Casey" trolley is sitting on the mainline at the low level station platform. July 1952. Photo: J. Charnock

A Travelling Stationmaster, based at Redcliffs, was provided by 8-3-1932 but was withdrawn from 7-9-1939 following the cessation of passenger services in June 1939.

N411 waits in the loop with loaded grain wagons at Morkalla in 1955. This view is from the up end looking towards the end of the line. Photo: Des Jowett

N411 is shown at the furthermost point on the Victorian Railways system from Melbourne in 1955 at Morkalla - 403 miles 8 chains 57 links. Photo: Des Jowett

The end of the Morkalla branch line as seen on 21-12-1980. The earthworks for the steam locomotive reversing triangle were to the right of the line, about mid-distance in the cleared area. Photo: Bruce McLean

The end of the Morkalla line 16 years after closure on 21-12-1980. The dream of continuing these rails to link with the South Australian railway system was never to eventuate. Photo: Bruce McLean

Looking westward to the end of the line at Morkalla. Dismantling of the line has commenced with the removal of dog spikes. For railway enthusiasts and transport students who believe in the long term value of railways, this is the saddest of sights. 13-11-1982. Photo: Bruce McLean

Dismantling of the Meringur to Morkalla section was undertaken during 1982/83. This scene at the down end of the Morkalla siding with dismantling of the points well underway, was a popular location for railway photographers. 13-11-1982. Photo: Bruce McLean

Morkalla station and yard during track dismantling on 13-11-1982. The station platform was to the right where the exposed earth can be seen. Photo: Bruce McLean

Morkalla was featured in the Victorian Railways "Newsletter" magazine in the September 1952 issue.

Reproduction of article on Morkalla in Victorian Railways "Newsletter" September 1952. Source: Bruce McLean Collection