With the return of the Australind train service after a three-year break for refurbishment, it is interesting to look at the history of the line.
The South Western Railway Act 1891 by the Parliament of Western Australia was granted assent on 26 February 1891. Two contractors were employed to construct the line on behalf of the Western Australian Government Railway. Atkins & Law built the section from East Perth to Pinjarra and Neil McNeil & Co built the Pinjarra to Picton Junction section. The Bunbury to Picton Junction section had been open since 1887 as part of the Bunbury to Boyanup railway.
Construction of the line began late in November 1891 from both the East Perth and the Picton Junction end. Progress in East Perth was slower than expected because of difficulties in driving bridge piles in the Swan River. As a result, in May 1892, Neil McNeil & Co. agreed to also build the section from Jarrahdale Junction to Pinjarra. The East Perth to Pinjarra section was opened to traffic on 2 May 1893 with the southern section opening on 22 August.
The line was officially opened on 8 September 1893 at a ceremony in Bunbury by Governor Sir W. F. C. Robinson. This was followed a banquet for 120 guests.
During the history of the line, Bunbury has had three station buildings. The original building was that of the old Bunbury to Boyanup line, which was replaced in 1894 by a new station building constructed of wood. Alas, that building only lasted ten years, as it was destroyed by a fire in 1904 and replaced with the brick station the following year, which is still in use.
Photo: SLWA: Bunbury Bridge, East Perth – 4372B/49A
