The disused Wonthaggi railway line was developed as a branch off the main South Gippsland line in Victoria, branching off at Nyora in 1910. It's main purpose was to serve the coal mining areas around Wonthaggi. The line actually extended a short distance beyond Wonthaggi to the mining area. The line included a number of bridges, the most spectacular of which was at Kilcunda. Almost no trace exists of the former Kilcunda Station located near the main foreshore of the town where are large parking area exists today. The trestle bridge, built in 1910 over the beach on the down side of the former station, is used as part of the rail trail.
There are a few remnants from a coal mine which operated here from the 1870s, including a coal waste dump near the highway, an old steam winch, two mining tunnels through the cliff face and the trestle railway bridge. With the reduction of coal mining activities and despite the potential for a passenger service to be developed to Phillip Island this line closed in the late 1970s.
The southern section of Nyora branchline has now been converted into a rail trail between Anderson and Wonthaggi, and it offers a spectacular 14km walk along the southern Gippsland coastline. The first 3 km from Wonthaggi is fully surfaced and is currently the only section suitable for road bikes. Fences formerly across the trail have now been removed and replaced by gates. The Kilcunda Trestle Bridge is open for trail users and offers spectacular views.
Photo:VicRail
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