Maryborough is a major junction, with cross country routes to Moolort and Ararat. The Avoca line from Ararat is a standard gauge line that becomes a dual gauge track when passing through Maryborough, with the dual gauge track operating as far north as Dunolly. There are the remains of dock platforms at both ends of the main platform.
History
Maryborough station opened on 7 July 1874, when a railway line from Castlemaine was provided.[2] On 6 October of that year, the line was extended to Dunolly and, on 2 February 1875, the line from Clunes was extended.[2] Like the town itself, the station was named after Maryborough in Ireland, which was suggested by James Daly, who was Assistant Gold Commissioner.[3]
The current station building was erected in 1890, with 25 rooms and a clock tower, of red brick with stucco trimming.[4] In 1895, Mark Twain visited Maryborough, which he dryly observed as being: "A railway station with a town attached".[5] Some people believe bureaucratic error led to the station being built from plans for the station intended for Maryborough, Queensland (a much larger town), and others from Melbourne's Spencer Street station (now Southern Cross), as it was a much larger station than Spencer Street, in the state's capital city.[6]
In 1988, track "A" and siding "C" was abolished, as well as a number of signal posts.[2] A number of signals and crossovers were provided at the same time.[2]
On 12 September 1993, the station was closed to passenger traffic, when The Vinelander service to Mildura was withdrawn and replaced by road coaches.
During 2006–2007, the station was restored by RBA Architects and Conservation Consultants, with repairs to the towers, clock, facade, portico, roof and guttering. Stage Two included slating, rendering, glazing and moulding repairs, to match the works conducted during the first stage of works.[7]
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