Serviceton railway station is located on the Western standard gauge line in Victoria, Australia, in the small town of Serviceton, 461 kilometres by rail from Melbourne. Opened in 1889, and closed in 1986, today it is leased to West Wimmera Shire Council for community group use.
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The historic three storey brick railway station in the tiny town of Serviceton Victoria is standing testimony to great workmanship and good design. It is a railway building with a lot of history and stories contained within its walls. Boasting a 300 foot long platform this station is in the history books as the second longest platform in Victoria. The longest being Flinders St. station in Melbourne. Serviceton station is famous for being where narrow gauge met broad gauge track. Trains commuting between Adelaide SA and Melbourne Vic were held up for approx four hours whist the train engine and carriages were turned around on to different sized train tracks. Quite an amazing fete. Whilst this turn around was happening travellers could take comfort in the huge dining room to take up refreshments, use the lavatory or stroll around the station. There was a small room on the far eastern side of the building known as the “lamp room”. The temperature was the coolest there during the year and also doubled as a temporary morgue. There are also holding cells for prisoners being extradited from South Australia to Victoria (or vis versa). Think it holds 16 mini standing room only brick cells. The prisoner was held there with their hands chained above their head for approx 4 hours whilst the train was turned around onto the new tracks. It was used heavily during WW2. A lovely gentleman Les Millikan is the voluntary tour guide there and will take you on a descriptive and entertaining, free tour( donations are welcomed) of the station from top to bottom. From dining room to the makeshift mortuary! Les, a local resident of Serviceton has dedicated some of his spare time as a volunteer for 14+ years to Vic railways to show people through this wonderful, nostalgic station. He personally has rebuilt a lot of the masonry, replaced timber boards under the floors, repaired many things, especially the locks on doors when idiots have attempted to break in, fixed & replaced toilets and maintained the building and surrounding grounds - mowing lawns & removing trees, snakes, sheep off the track and other hazards. Not to mention the GHOSTS who live in the station👻👻👻- that is another story for you to look into. Les has dedicated his time and shared his knowledge of the history of the station with 1000’s of passing travellers. Les has made many a weary traveller laugh with his charming and witty story telling. Well worth a visit. The town of Serviceton itself is nothing compared to what it used to be. A bustling railway town of 600+ residents. A town also famous for its location and associated historical drama. It is a town in disputed territory! A town literally about 1.3km from the SA/VIC border. Long standing feud between the two states Govt’s about where the border is located. There is even a beer advert on TV using the railway station as a backdrop. lol If you want more facts about this please go visit the Serviceton and it’s Railway Station. The Overlander doesn’t stop there unless there is a special request to stop, but it will delight you and hold your interest for a few hours. Please visit this interesting piece of history. Serviceton is located between Bordertown SA (after Wolsey) and Kaniva Vic. Look it up. I think you will enjoy it…....
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Serviceton Historical Station is an absolute treasure trove of history and nostalgia. From the moment I stepped onto the platform, I was transported back in time to the golden era of railway travel.
The meticulously preserved station building itself is a sight to behold. Its architecture reflects the grandeur of the past, and you can feel the history in every brick and wooden beam. The attention to detail is remarkable, and it's clear that the caretakers have poured their hearts into maintaining this historical gem.
The displays and exhibits inside the station are incredibly informative. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the significance of Serviceton during its heyday as a crucial railway junction. The artifacts, photographs, and documents on display offer a deep understanding of the station's role in connecting different parts of Australia.
What truly makes Serviceton Historical Station special, though, is the passionate volunteers who run it. They are a wealth of knowledge and are always eager to share stories and answer questions. Their dedication to preserving and sharing the history of this station is truly commendable.
The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the station are a peaceful oasis. They provide a lovely backdrop for a leisurely stroll, and it's clear that they are well-maintained with great care.
Visiting Serviceton Historical Station is not just a journey into the past but also a journey of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of those who have kept this piece of history alive. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts, train aficionados, and anyone looking for a charming, educational, and nostalgic experience. Five stars do not do justice to this...
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Serviceton Station isn’t just a place—it’s a portal. A sun-faded time capsule at the edge of Victoria, quietly magnificent and full of secrets. But what truly makes it unforgettable isn’t the sandstone or the ghost stories. It’s him—the great man who tends to it all.
You’ll know who I mean the moment you step inside. With eyes that have seen a thousand sunsets over train tracks and a voice tuned to the rhythm of history, he’ll welcome you like an old friend. He doesn’t just explain the station—he performs it. Every brick, every border dispute, every whispered wartime tale comes alive in his words.
He speaks of Serviceton as if it were a beloved character in a long, winding novel. The hidden rooms, the ghost in the cellar, the days when tea was served with proper spoons and politics were settled on the platform. You’ll laugh. You might cry. You’ll definitely stay longer than you meant to.
He’s not just a guide. He’s the beating heart of the station. A living archive wrapped in kindness and charm, with a twinkle in his eye and time for every question.
Serviceton may be silent now, but with him there, the station...
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