South Western Railway, Western Australia


The South Western Railway is the main railway route between Perth and Bunbury in Western Australia opening in 1893.

History

The South Western Railway was constructed for the Western Australian Government Railways by various private contractors from 1891. Among these was the engineer and magistrate William W. L. Owen.
Construction was completed in two parts. The first, East Perth to Pinjarra, was undertaken by William Atkins and Robert Oswald Law from the end of 1891. Work began in 1892 but was slowed by difficulties with building the bridge over the Swan River. This section opened on 22 May 1893.
The second phase of construction was also completed by Atkins and McNeil, starting at Bunbury and working north to Pinjarra opening on 22 August 1893. Bunbury station was opened by Sir John Forrest on 14 November 1894.
Beyond Bunbury, the line previously continued south a further 200 kilometres to Northcliffe closing in stages from 1986. Part of this section is now operated by the Pemberton Tramway Company.

Bridges

The Bunbury Bridge was the most significant engineering structure on the line. It was replaced by the Goongoongup Bridge in 1996.

Services

Since November 1947, The Australind has traversed the length of the line from Perth to Bunbury. Other named trains to have previously operated on the line were the Bunbury Belle and The Shopper. Aurizon operate coal trains on the line from Collie to Kwinana.