It was partly opened in 1888 and, by 1890, it was fully operational.
In 1975, it was decided to dismantle the track and, today, only some trestle bridges remain.
[3] The line was authorised by the Victorian Parliament in 1881, and construction began in 1888.
[citation needed] The first section, between Heathcote and Bendigo opened in October 1888, and the entire line became operational in August 1890.
[4] Including 50 bridges, the line took 21 months to complete, at a cost of 88,409 pounds, with two derailments during the process.