Many train stations are long gone, and Tongala is one of them.
History
The Toolamba-Echuca railway is a cross country link that provided an alternative route through to Echuca without travelling through Bendigo.
The line has not been used for passenger services for some time and even freight movements on this line are non-existent with the line booked out of service until recently.
The last passenger service from Echuca Station along the Toolamba-Echuca line ran on 2 March 1981 with Y class diesel locomotive Y161 an ABE carriage and a C van.
Toolamba finally closed as a station on 20 December 1987.
Reintroduction of Line Use
In most recent times the line has received use when there has been a blockage on the main line to Echuca via Bendigo such as when works have been undertaken.
The line is also been used by Freight Australia to send rice traffic from north of NSW via Echuca and into Melbourne. Rice farming has struggled throught the drought, but recent rains have resulted in bumper crops, too large for road transport to manage.
The cache
Has logbook & pen, a few swapas and a travel bug to continue its journey.
Keep an eye on the kiddies, as the line is is currently in use. You may be lucky enough to be there as the freight train comes through.
Be warned - it's a long one.