Fassifern to Toronto Branch Line

The owners of the Toronto Hotel wished to attract more patrons, so they built the Toronto to Fassifern Tramway which opened in March 1891 . The Tramway ceased to operate in March 1909. The Government steam train service commenced in August 1910 using upgraded locos and carriages. In March 1992, two years after the closure of the Toronto - Fassifern rail service, the State Rail Authority called for expression of interest for the use of the rail corridor. The rail corridor has been leased by the local council from the Government and since 1996, a cycle/walkway was constructed alongside the railway to allow it to remain a valuable community asset.

I have cycled alongside the line, which remains intact but overgrown. The remaining platforms are Fassifern, Blackall's Park and Toronto. There is also a plaque close to Blackall's Park indicating the site of Fennell's platform and crossing - no platform is visible. A sign at Fassifern station advises the 3.6km one-way trip to Toronto takes 45mins, however, I found it only took 30 mins to cycle and that is with a few stops to look at things along the way. I found the cycle rather easy and recommend it to anyone - regardless of their fitness level. There are several picnic tables along the way.

If you have any further information or photos, please email me.

Please click on the thumbnail for a larger image.