The Ballarat to Linton railway line opened in 1890. Linton benefited from being a distribution centre for the surrounding gold fields, and for the farming land to the south and west.
As you walk south along the trail you will pass the site on your left where the engine shed and grain silos stood. In this area there was also a rail turntable (which enabled the engine to change direction). This was moved in 1916 when the line was extended to Skipton. At this time Linton lost some of its importance as terminal railhead for the surrounding district. On the right-hand side, the footings of the station are still visible.
In the 1950s, a railmotor was introduced to the Linton line to provide passenger services. It was predominantly used by schoolchildren travelling to and from Ballarat daily. However, its demise was assured when a new road coach service between Hamilton and Melbourne began in 1975. This coach called at Linton and Skipton for passengers, and subsequently an alternative road coach service was introduced for the Linton schoolchildren.
Passenger railway services between Ballarat and Linton ceased on 17 December 1976. In 1978 the resident stationmaster was withdrawn, and Linton closed as a staff and ticket station with the subsequent loss of other jobs, such as train drivers and gangers. The service was finally closed completely in 1985 and the lines subsequently taken up.
The Rail Trail was opened in 1998.
Walk through from the former station platform area to Denison Street. This was once the main entrance to the station.
Where the entrance intersects with Denison St, the station master’s house once stood on the north side.
The photo shows what the station looked like in 1970.
