Travel Australia

Classic Railway Stations: Broadmeadows, Victoria

Broadmeadows is situated at the top of the long climb out of the Moonee Ponds Creek valley. The railway that at first past the site of Broadmeadows station opened in 1872, as part of the North East line to Wodonga. At the time of opening, the village of Broadmeadows was located some distance from the station, becoming known as "Old Broadmeadows", and now Westmeadows. It was not until post-World War II housing development that the gap between the old town and the station was filled. By 1879 it was a staffed station and became a telegraph block post in 1880. Duplication was provided between Essendon and Broadmeadows in1885 and this was extended to Donnybrook in 1886. A limited suburban service was provided from Essendon in 1887 and Broadmeadows has remained the limit of the suburban trains ever since except for a brief period around 1900 when a few suburban services were extended to Somerton. In 1920, sheds and sidings for bagged wheat were provided, to handle the overflow from the Port of Williamstown. The sidings and sheds have since been removed, however train stabling facilities are located to the north of the station.


An early view of Broadmedows looking north, circa 1905. The level crossing in the foreground is the present day Camp Road (named after the nearby military camp)

Electric train services between the city and Essendon were inaugurated in 1919, with electrification extended to Broadmeadows in 1921. However, Essendon remained the terminus of most suburban services, with a shuttle service operating beyond until 1925, and all day through services to Broadmeadows were not provided until 1941. Goods lines were constructed between Albion (on the Bendigo line) to Broadmeadows and opened in 1929. The provision of the standard gauge in 1962 brought few changes to Broadmeadows, but the double line to Albion was singled and the former Up line was used for the Melbourne–Sydney standard gauge line, which runs to the east of the station, and south of the station, towards Flinders Street. The Albion–Jacana freight line branches westward from the main line, providing an alternative route into Melbourne to the suburban lines via Essendon.


A military train at Broadmedows on August 25 1938. Photo: victorianrailways.net

During World War II, an Army siding was provided to Broadstore, located to the north-east of the station. It opened on 12 October 1942, and remained in place until 1982. However, the at-grade crossing was not abolished until 1989,[2] and the track was not lifted until after 1991. In 1965 the Double Line Block working from Essendon was replaced by automatic signalling. Broadmeadows remains the limit of suburban working, but long term plans call for its extension to Craigieburn.