This railway opening was an important development for Geelong, the western plains, grain growers in the Wimmera and the Victorian Railways.

According to historian Michael Menzies, on Friday August 8 1913, a railway 160km in length across the Western Plains of Victoria was officially opened. It had been constructed over a three year period and at the time was the longest length of railway to be built and opened at one time in Victoria.

The earliest known plans for a railway across the Western Plains resulted from a public meeting held at Geelong in March 1846. It was resolved to investigate constructing a railway from Geelong towards the Glenelg River, a distance of roughly 320 km, however this proposed railway did not eventuate.

The first country railway in Australia was built by the Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company and opened between Geelong and Greenwich (near Newport) on June 25 1857.

By the late 1860s, surveys and investigations were being made for lines to north-eastern Victoria, Gippsland and towards Hamilton. The latter gave rise to the 'Battle of the Coloured Lines'.

Four routes were projected by the Engineer-in-Chief of the Victorian Railways and marked in colour on a map. The Black Line was from Geelong via Colac, Camperdown, Terang, Mortlake, Hexham and Penshurst to Hamilton. The Pink Line was from Ballarat via Beaufort, Ararat, Maroona and Dunkeld. The Green line was from Meredith via Pitfield, Skipton, Streatham, Wickliffe and Dunkeld. The Blue Line was from Castlemaine via Maldon, Maryborough, Avoca, Ararat, Maroona and Dunkeld. The Engineer-in-Chief recommended the Pink Line, as it would serve a district poorly supplied by transport and be closest to the only large centres of population, Ararat and Stawell. At public and parliamentary insistence, some further variations were investigated.

In 1875, the line from Ballarat to Ararat was opened, extended to Hamilton and Portland by 1877.

By the start of last century, the vast Western Plains were encircled by railways - but crossed by none.

In 1908, investigation for construction of a railway across the plains commenced. It would connect between the Ararat to Hamilton line and either the Geelong - Ballarat or Geelong - Colac lines. Routes from Bannockburn, Moriac or Winchelsea were considered.

In December 1908, the Winchelsea Railway League wrote to the Premier, requesting that a flying survey be made for the proposed Willaura to Geelong Railway to connect at Winchelsea. They argued that there would be no engineering difficulties and that a saving of thousands of pounds in construction costs could be made. Most of the route would cross first class agricultural land suitable for wheat, oats and barley growing.

The final route agreed was from Gheringhap, via Inverleigh, Cressy, Lismore and Derrinallum to Maroona, 21 km south of Ararat.

The rail connection to Cressy via Beeac enabled construction of the Western Plains Railway to commence from Cressy heading westwards on September 27 1910.

Construction heading east from Maroona commenced in March 1911 and goods were hauled for the public between Maroona and Tatyoon from April 1912 and Westmere from September 1912. Tracklaying over the full distance was completed on February 22 1913 and some regular public train services commenced. The line was finally officially opened at Lismore on Friday August 8 1913.

The railway had been constructed over a three year period. Goods and passengers were carried on sections of the railway as they were constructed, but it was in August 1913 that construction was completed and the full line available for public services.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gheringham - Cressy - Maroona Railway this year, community organisations, individuals, local and state government and rail businesses are encouraged to participate in displays and events.

Tomorrow historic displays relating to the construction and life of the railway and the local community will be held at Inverleigh Public Hall, Cressy History Centre and Public Hall, Derrinallum History Centre and Mount Elephant reserve, Westmere Public Hall and the Ararat Railway Heritage Centre.

At Westmere, a display featuring railway and local history of Westmere and district will be held at the Westmere Public Hall from 10am to 5pm tomorrow, with morning and afternoon tea available.

Interested people can view the old Maroona station buildings and facilities from the outside.

The Ararat Railway Heritage Association will open the Ararat Railway Heritage Museum from 10am to 5pm tomorrow and Sunday, with admission by donation.

The Association was established in 1995 and has developed a railway archive, museum and display in the former Ararat signal box and other railway buildings adjacent to the Ararat Railway Station building.

A tour by rail from Geelong (North Shore) to Ararat on the Overland train, returning by road coach, visiting significant sites en route and local displays, will be operated by the Geelong and South Western Rail Heritage Society.

Go to www.cressyrail100.org.au for further information or phone (03)5221 5342.