The line was opened from Inglewood to Korong Vale in 1882, and first extended towards Charlton as part of what is now the Kulwin line. The line from Korong Vale to Boort opened in 1883, and to Quambatook in 1894. It was extended to Ultima in 1900, to Chillingollah in 1909, to Manangatang in 1914, to Annuello in 1921, and Robinvale in 1924. In 1930, it was extended to Koorakee, New South Wales, as part of the proposed Lette railway line, although that section was never officially opened for traffic. The extension into New South Wales involved the construction of a lift-span bridge over the Murray River. The section in New South Walesclosed in 1943. Access to Melbourne was originally from the Bendigo line via Bridgewater, until the opening of the Dunolly to Inglewood route to the Mildura line in 1888. The last regular passenger service on the line, operated by a DERM, ran from Bendigo to Robinvale on 3 June 1978. From 5 June 1978, the service was replaced by Bendigo – Ultima and Swan Hill – Robinvale buses.
Operation
Today the line operates using the Train Order Working system of safeworking, with crossing loops provided at Dunolly, Korong Vale, and Robinvale. Speed limits are set between to Manangatang, with all mainline locomotives permitted. Beyond there speed limit is and G and XR class locomotives are banned. The line today is seen as required for grain services, and containerised freight to Boort where an intermodal is operated by Wimmera Container Lines. In 2008 the line was booked out for upgrades to the track and level crossings from Ultima to Robinvale. In April 2008 it was announced that the Korong Vale – Quambatook section of the line would be upgraded as part of the Victorian core grain network, in a $23.7 million package with six other lines. The Dunolly – Korong Vale section had already been upgraded. Since 2008, the line has been cut back to Manangatang; the containers formerly loaded at Boort are now loaded at Donald. The Eaglehawk - Inglewood link has had traffic suspended, and has been disconnected at the northern end. All trains run via Dunolly. The line speed has been cut to 55 km/h to Lalbert, then 25 km/h beyond. The line is one of three being converted to standard gauge. While the Mildura line is being converted, the containers normally loaded at Merbein are being loaded at Manangatang. At some time in 2018, the Mildura/Merbein work will be finished, and Manangatang will be closed temporarily for conversion and upgrading.
