The story began in the 1860s, when Victorian Railways completed its broad‑gauge line between Melbourne and Echuca.
For a decade, the NSW Government resisted extending the line north to Deniliquin, until an Act passed in March 1874 allowed a private syndicate to construct a 1600 mm gauge line from Moama to Deniliquin.
Opened on July 4, 1876, the 71 km route linked with the Victorian line at the Murray River bridge near Echuca.
It operated as a NSW Railway for nearly half a century before the 1922 Border Railways Act transferred ownership to Victoria.
From December 1923, the line officially became part of the Victorian Railways system.
The railway was more than infrastructure, it was a lifeline for Deniliquin’s growth, connecting the town’s pastoral and agricultural industries to Melbourne’s markets and ports.
It also symbolised the determination of local pioneers who pushed for progress despite political boundaries.
To celebrate the milestone, heritage locomotives will retrace the historic route, on Saturday and Sunday, July 4 and 5, echoing the journey that first linked Deniliquin to the Victorian network 150 years ago.
The train departs Seymour on the Saturday, visiting Melbourne and Bendigo before arriving in Echuca.
The Echuca to Deni leg, offered in partnership with Edward River Council’s Visit Deni campaign, will be on the Sunday.
Arriving in Deni about 11.30am, passengers will have three hours to explore, with options in the ticket price including visits to the Deniliquin & District Historical Society Museum, Peppin Heritage Centre and The Depot, as well as a railway anniversary slideshow and barbecue lunch at the Deniliquin Town Hall.
Return and one way ticket options are available. Go to https://srhc.org.au/tours/.
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