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This History Page gives a brief overview of both the former Wodonga to Cudgewa Railway Line together with details of the substantial contributions, both in kind and financial, that have resulted in this most magnificent community-managed rail trail. The history of The High Country Rail Trail dates backs to 1887 when the first section of the railway line connecting Wodonga to Huon was commenced employing 300 men. By 1891 the railway line had extended out to the Old Tallangatta township, taking in Bolga (which is where current Tallangatta is now located). In 1916 the track had reached Shelley, the most elevated railway station in Victoria.  Lake Hume wall during construction in the 1920's In 1940, during World War II the Bonegilla Military Camp was constructed, and the Bandiana siding opened. The end of the war saw the Military Camp re-established as a migrant centre for many post-war European immigrants. The Bonegilla Migrant Centre was temporary home to 320,000 migrants from more than 30 countries between 1947 and 1971.It is estimated that 36,000 newcomers passed through the centre in 1950. The volume of the Hume Reservoir in 1954 was planned to be increased by The River Murray Commission, and in the next three years the township of Tallangatta was re-located to higher ground at Bolga, where it stands now. This included some railway deviations to accommodate this re-location. It also saw considerable work undertaken to get the line ready to haul huge tonnages of material to Cudgewa for the Snowy Mountain Scheme project in the late 50's.  A K Class locomotive hauls a stock train on Sandy Creek bridge During the 1960's the railway line was used extensively for the Snowy Mountain Scheme, and passenger services between Wodonga and Tallangatta had been withdrawn in 1961. On 21st April, 1978, the last regular goods train on the line made its journey, and by 1981 the Wodonga to Cudgewa railway line was officially closed. What Do We Do With It Now? In 1994, the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation submitted an expression of interest in the railway line to the State "Rail Trails Program". Parklands Albury Wodonga was appointed Committee of Management of three sections of Crown land, totalling 45km's between 2000 and 2006. The old Wodonga to Cudgewa railway line is now entering a whole new era as "The High Country Rail Trail" for walking, cycling and horse riding enthusiasts. Who is parklands albury wodonga? parklands is a cross border, non profit community organization that has been working in partnership with local Rail Trail Advisory Groups and the local community since the late 1990's to develop the High Country Rail Trail. More than 865 volunteers have contributed in excess of 37,239 volunteer hours in developing, managing and marketing this trail over the past six years.
local rail trail advisory groups Trail development, management and marketing must be "owned" by the local community to be successful and sustainable in the longer term. While parklands is the official land manager, it is through the substantial efforts of these "weekend warriors" that the rail trail is open and accessible to all today.
bonegilla rail trail advisory group: In June 2000, interested community members formed the Wodonga - Cudgewa Rail Trail Committee Inc. to develop and manage Wodonga to Huon (Sandy Creek Inlet) section. Monthly general meetings are held at the Bonegilla Community Hall 7.30pm, 1st Monday of each month and working bee's 1st Saturday of most months.
tallangatta rail trail advisory group: In May 2002, interested community members incorporated to develop and manage the Sandy Creek to Old Tallangatta section. Monthly general meetings are held at the Tallangatta Goods Shed 7.30pm, 1st Wednesday of month and working bee's 2nd Sunday of most months.
koetong shelley development association: This group has been informally managing the undeveloped Boggy Creek-Koetong-Shelley section for many years. The four trestle bridges in this section require decking and safety rails before we are able to invite the public to use this section. A committee of management is still outstanding for 5 of the 12km's of this section.
Whilst various community groups occasionally participate in working bees and other projects, involvement from more community groups is always welcome. If you know of a group of friends, work colleagues or a club who is looking for a community project to become involved with, perhaps they'd like to adopt a small section of the High Country Rail Trail to transform into a wildlife corridor.
FUNDING TO DATE Over $0.53 million of time and materials has been donated to this project. Thank you to the following funding bodies who have made this project a reality:
* Community Support Fund (Department of Victorian Communities)
* Crown Land Reserves Improvement Program (Department of Sustainability & Environment)
* Land Victoria
* Natural Heritage Trust
* Parks Victoria
* Regional Assistance Program (Department of Transport and Regional Services)
* Small Towns Regional Infrastructure Development Program (Business Victoria)
* Stewardship in Action Program (Department of Sustainability & Environment)
* Towong Shire Council
* Wodonga City Council
Thank you to the following sponsors have contributed much needed cash, materials and services;
* Adventure Camping
* Begley Brothers
* Bicycle Superstore
* Blazing Stump Hotel
* Boathaven Tourist Park
* Bob Crosby Repairs and Maintenance
* Bonegilla Boat Shop
* Bonegilla Cafe
* Bonegilla Community Hall
* Brian Church Engineering
* CAT Rental Store
* Chris Ferguson
* City of Wodonga
* CSR Emmoleum
* Destination Albury Wodonga
* Elgas
* Flower Macklan
* Full Cycle
* Goulburn Murray Water
* Ian Potter Foundation
* Indigo Shire Council
* John Dunne Cranes
* Jon de Wit Earthmoving
* Kangaroo Store
* Kurrajong CWA
* Lovick Engineering
* Mountain Creek Native Nursery
* National Environment Centre
* North East Trucks
* North East Water
* Old Box & Bull Engineering
* Peards Wodonga
* Reece Plumbing
* Regional Skills
* SJE Consulting Engineers
* TCM - Tallangatta Construction and Maintenance
* Towong Shire Council
* Twin City Cranes
* Upper Murray Horsemans Association
* Vic Track
* WAW Credit Union
* Wunderbar Project grants together with support from local businesses have enabled us to repair 4 bridges, build 3 foot bridges, seal 6km of trail & upgrade 24km of gravel trail, plant 25,000 trees & erect 12km of farm fences and much more. There is no recurrent income for rail trail maintenance. Fundraising activities and small sponsorships have assisted the Rail Trail Groups with ongoing maintenance to date. Together, we CAN make it happen. A great example of how much can be achieved when all levels of government work in partnership with local businesses and the hundreds of volunteers who've been involved so far.
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High
Country Rail Trail 
History & Heritage 