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Puffing Billy Railway Reserve And Environs

Location COCKATOO VIC 3781 - Property No L10112 File Number L10112 Level State

[1/1] L10112 Puffing Billy

Statement of Significance

The Puffing Billy Railway is a National tourist attraction and provides important recreational and educational functions within the State of Victoria. The historically significant role of the line in the development of this part of the Dandenong Ranges is recognised. Many of the structures, works and rolling stock associated with the line are of high historic significance. A journey along this line also presents a sequence of views that add to the visual experience. This part of the Puffing Billy Railway (reopened in 1998) is of National significance because of its historical, aesthetic, technical, and social associations. In particular:

Historical: The Gembrook Railway (originally opened in 1900) was associated with the operation and development of many local industries including mining, eucalyptus distilling, market gardening, grazing, logging and timber milling.

Aesthetic: The attractive wooded rail reserve allows panoramic views of pastoral and intensive farming areas and to distant ranges including the eastern face of Mt Dandenong.

Technical: The Gembrook line was one of only four 2'6" gauge railways built by the Victorian Railways between 1898 and 1911. It is the most complete and extensive surviving example of a narrow gauge railway in Victoria. To overcome the severe terrain it was necessary to use sharp curves, lengthy trestle bridges and steep line gradients.

Social: Currently important for tourism and recreation. From 1900 to the 1930's the Dandenongs were popular as a holiday destination the guest house era. The line has also been an important catalyst for community development in the area and particularly the Puffing Billy Preservation Society and volunteer involvement in the reconstruction and operation of the line.

See also B2960 & L10108

Classified 2/03/1981. Extended: June 2002