Cache #230
About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
About Bonegilla Station
Much of the development of the town of Bonegilla was due to the Cudgewa railway line which opened in 1889 and closed in 1981. In addition to transporting thousands of migrants to Bonegilla, the line was used to transport materials and people to the military base at Bonegilla and to transport materials for, the Snowy Mountains Scheme. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened.The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 and the last regaular goods train ran on 21 April 1978. The rail line has since been removed, and is now the High Country Rail Trail, a bike path linking Wodonga to Lake Hume.
From 1947 to 1971, Bonegilla Army Camp operated as the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre. During this time, 320,000 displaced persons passed through the front doors from over 30 nations. The population at Bonegilla included single people, married couples and families. It is estimated more than 1.5 million Australians are descended from migrants who spent time at Bonegilla. Some stayed for an extended period of time, some stayed only days until they found work.
Nearly all of the 320,000 migrants and refugees who passed through Bonegilla arrived by train with most coming via Station Pier, Melbourne. The first arrivals were refugees fleeing war torn Europe after World War II. Later residents came under an assisted passage scheme who came to Australia with the hope of opportunity and a better life.
The train met the migrant ships at Station Pier and then commenced the eight-hour journey to Bonegilla, with one stop at either Benalla or Seymour for refreshments. With their worldly possessions often in only one suitcase, many of the new arrivals were unsettled by the rail journey to Bonegilla. Many found the old-fashioned country trains, the primitive rail platform and the long journey through unfamiliar open country, uninviting and isolated.
The weary travellers gained their first impression of the Australian countryside from the windows of the old wooden carriages, pulled by a steam train. The Bonegilla migrants had diverse arrival and settlement experiences. Many recall arriving lonely and confused, unsure of where they were going and what they would be doing. Others saw Bonegilla as a place of hope, symbolic of a new start.
The station also features an art work titled Seven Cases by Yvonne George. Opened in 2001 it pays respect to the many migrants that transitioned through this station and is seven suitcases with text.
There used to be a cache on the platform here but it got archived a while ago - time to add another and the SideTracked series is the perfect theme for this important location in Australia's history. The cache is a themed magnetic mint tin hidden on the station platform. You will need your own writing implement for this one. This is a nice spot to walk and is a great place for kids to explore. Snakes might be about in warmer months.
Enjoy!