A Junction Between States
Serviceton was established when the Victorian and South Australian governments decided to build a junction station midway between their capitals. This decision was made during the construction of the broad gauge railway line connecting Melbourne and Adelaide. The station was named after Sir James Service, a former Premier of Victoria, and was officially gazetted on January 1, 1887.
A Town Built for Rail Workers
The township of Serviceton was developed to accommodate railway employees, allowing them to work within their respective states. The cost of the three-level railway station was shared equally between Victoria and South Australia. Constructed with bricks from Horsham, the station was built on what was then known as 'Disputed Territory.' The building was completed in 1889.
The Border Dispute
A surveying error led to a discrepancy of up to two kilometres in width, extending from the Murray River to the southern coast. Both Victoria and South Australia claimed this land. The dispute was finally settled in Victoria’s favour in November 1914 by a ruling in London.
A Thriving Community
During its peak, Serviceton was a busy and vibrant town. Businesses in the township included a post office, saddler store, wine café and billiard room, boarding houses, pharmacy, bank, newsagent, fruiterers, blacksmiths, bakery and butchery, and five churches.
What Makes Serviceton Railway Station Significant
Serviceton Railway Station, located on the Melbourne-Adelaide line, was constructed in 1888. Designed by Victorian Railways Department architects and built by Walter & Morris, the station is an example of Victorian-era railway architecture. The structure includes a large, two-storey symmetrical brick building with polychrome brickwork, substantial staff accommodation, a spacious basement for secure storage, holding cells for prisoners, and strong rooms, and an enormous platform with a cast iron verandah. Although some outbuildings, including the staff hostel, van goods shed, and signal box, have been removed, the station remains a key historical landmark.
Historical and Architectural Importance
Serviceton Railway Station is historically significant due to its association with the prolonged border dispute between Victoria and South Australia. It was built on what was initially thought to be the correct border but later had to be adjusted. The station includes the original customs offices used for the collection of duties on goods travelling interstate, along with holding cells for prisoners being transferred interstate Additionally, Serviceton was a key railway town, serving as a turnaround point for state rail services. Serviceton Railway Station stands as a rare and well-preserved example of a major terminal building from the Victorian railway expansion period. It is an important part of the Western railway line’s architectural character and remains largely intact.
Visiting Serviceton Railway Station
Visitors are welcome to explore the station, although it is not manned. Volunteer guides are available to provide tours.
Contact Information
Les Millikin: (03) 5393 1448
Angela Heinrich: 0418 142 915.
Directions
The station is well signposted on the Western Highway. From Kaniva, head west on the Western Highway and turn left at the intersection just after the signpost. Travel approximately 3 km towards Serviceton, cross the railway line, and follow the signs.
Learn More
'The Disputed Country'. book, detailing the history of Serviceton and its railway station, is available for purchase at the station or online.
Nearby:
Extend your stay at the Serviceton Camping Ground, fish at the Serviceton Reservoir and enjoy nature at Mooree Reserve.
More: Back to Kaniva Museums
Photos: © Matthew Fleischer Facebook
Serviceton was established when the Victorian and South Australian governments decided to build a junction station midway between their capitals. This decision was made during the construction of the broad gauge railway line connecting Melbourne and Adelaide. The station was named after Sir James Service, a former Premier of Victoria, and was officially gazetted on January 1, 1887.
A Town Built for Rail Workers
The township of Serviceton was developed to accommodate railway employees, allowing them to work within their respective states. The cost of the three-level railway station was shared equally between Victoria and South Australia. Constructed with bricks from Horsham, the station was built on what was then known as 'Disputed Territory.' The building was completed in 1889.
The Border Dispute
A surveying error led to a discrepancy of up to two kilometres in width, extending from the Murray River to the southern coast. Both Victoria and South Australia claimed this land. The dispute was finally settled in Victoria’s favour in November 1914 by a ruling in London.
A Thriving Community
During its peak, Serviceton was a busy and vibrant town. Businesses in the township included a post office, saddler store, wine café and billiard room, boarding houses, pharmacy, bank, newsagent, fruiterers, blacksmiths, bakery and butchery, and five churches.
What Makes Serviceton Railway Station Significant
Serviceton Railway Station, located on the Melbourne-Adelaide line, was constructed in 1888. Designed by Victorian Railways Department architects and built by Walter & Morris, the station is an example of Victorian-era railway architecture. The structure includes a large, two-storey symmetrical brick building with polychrome brickwork, substantial staff accommodation, a spacious basement for secure storage, holding cells for prisoners, and strong rooms, and an enormous platform with a cast iron verandah. Although some outbuildings, including the staff hostel, van goods shed, and signal box, have been removed, the station remains a key historical landmark.
Historical and Architectural Importance
Serviceton Railway Station is historically significant due to its association with the prolonged border dispute between Victoria and South Australia. It was built on what was initially thought to be the correct border but later had to be adjusted. The station includes the original customs offices used for the collection of duties on goods travelling interstate, along with holding cells for prisoners being transferred interstate Additionally, Serviceton was a key railway town, serving as a turnaround point for state rail services. Serviceton Railway Station stands as a rare and well-preserved example of a major terminal building from the Victorian railway expansion period. It is an important part of the Western railway line’s architectural character and remains largely intact.
Visiting Serviceton Railway Station
Visitors are welcome to explore the station, although it is not manned. Volunteer guides are available to provide tours.
Contact Information
Les Millikin: (03) 5393 1448
Angela Heinrich: 0418 142 915.
Directions
The station is well signposted on the Western Highway. From Kaniva, head west on the Western Highway and turn left at the intersection just after the signpost. Travel approximately 3 km towards Serviceton, cross the railway line, and follow the signs.
Learn More
'The Disputed Country'. book, detailing the history of Serviceton and its railway station, is available for purchase at the station or online.
Nearby:
Extend your stay at the Serviceton Camping Ground, fish at the Serviceton Reservoir and enjoy nature at Mooree Reserve.
More: Back to Kaniva Museums
Photos: © Matthew Fleischer Facebook
Kaniva, first and last highway town in Victoria.
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