The Importance of the Railway

The extension of the railway to Hurstbridge in 1912 was primarily to service the local fruit growing area, but it was also responsible for the early growth of the Hurstbridge Township.

Most of the early growth was centred along the Main Street, on land subdivided by Frances and Bill Gray and occurred between 1912 and the mid 1920s.

Several of the older buildings, shops and houses along the main road are good examples of the architectural styles of that time.

The majority of the Hurstbridge township area was not subdivided into residential blocks until after the Second World War (1945-46). Electricity came on in 1957.

The coming of the railway changed many things and gradually produced a change in the population and the work patterns and opportunities for the residents.

 It was then possible to reside in the pleasant bushland setting of Hurstbridge and work in the city, much as we do today.