It was while writing his 2023 book on the Deniliquin-Moama Railway Company that Ian Lea first floated the idea of a celebration to mark the railway’s 150th anniversary in 2026.
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Plans never really came to fruition, but earlier this year a plan was devised to mark the historic moment in some way.
While not as grand as he would have initially liked, Mr Lea said Sunday’s heritage train visit and historic tour was “exceptionally good” and well received by visitors and locals alike.
Everyone from casual adventurers to train enthusiasts got involved, with quite a few locals already taking advantage of a short trip ticket option to experience the sensation of rail travel on heritage carriages again.
The trip was coordinated by the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, in conjunction with the Deniliquin & District Historical Society and Edward River Council’s Visit Deni campaign.
“Given the short lead time, it went a lot better than expected. After two years of trying to plan something, we really only had about 10 weeks to get it together in the end.
“We received a lot of great feedback, and we (at the Historical Society) also made some great new connections.”
At least 150 people made their way to Deniliquin as part of the rail journey, and Mr Lea said the Historical Society hosted about 70 as part of the local bus tour and lunch package.
“The Rotary Club of Deniliquin did a fabulous job with lunch, and we did find that once those booked on the tour went to their next stop, the event was like a magnet for other visitors and locals.
“The historic photo display at the Town Hall was amazing. Jane (Frazer) did a great job there.
“You don’t really appreciate what pictured and history we have until you see if up there on a big screen slideshow.
“We think there may be a golden opportunity to grow on it for other things - we have lots of heritage photos, not just trains.
“We must that Barbara Moss from the Seymour centre. She was very switched on, and came to Deni herself to see it all.”
Mr Lea was among the locals who took advantage of the short trip train option between Deni and Echuca, and said it was a great experience.
“The carriages had been beautifully restored, and the parlour car - the car that would normally house the likes of royalty - was immaculate.
“There were bench seats down each side, and that’s where you would stand at the back and look out.
“The trip back to Echuca was the pinnacle - the locomotive that was attached had been removed, and you could just see miles of railway behind you.
“One thing most passengers were surprised at was the ‘paparazzi - the train buffs who were at the side of the railway at every major intersection.
“They would take their photos, jump in their cars and try and beat the train to the next one.”
Opened on July 4, 1876, the 71km railway line connected Deniliquin with Victoria’s rail network at Moama, providing vital access to Melbourne markets and ports.
Built by private enterprise in just 12 months, it was celebrated as a major engineering achievement of its time.
The railway transformed transport for passengers and freight, replacing difficult coach travel.
Centenary celebrations in 1974 included parades, exhibitions, community events and the unveiling of a commemorative obelisk.
The last regular passenger train to Deniliquin ran on 11 January 1979.
Since then, the line has remained in use primarily for freight, although special excursion trains occasionally visit Deniliquin.
More history on the railway can be found at the Deniliquin & District Historial Society Museum, or in Mr Lea’s book - Railway Development of the South-West Riverina – a story of decades of political and petty interstate rivalry.
The book can be purchased from the Deniliquin Newsagency, or from Mr Lea by calling 0418 468 857 or emailing ian@retiredfarmer.com.au.
• All photos by Wayne Bradley, with the exception of one provided by Ian Lea.