On my recent trip to the little known
Gilbert Valley of South Australia I visited disused railway stations at Riverton and Manoora.
My article sparked some interest in
Australian railway forums, as many people who are interstate and overseas cannot easily visit and see our local sites. This article includes more photos for those who have an interest in Australian rail matters and South Australian history.
Riverton Station
It's a Jungle Out There
As you approach Riverton station from the north the area is quite overgrown. Trees and long grass almost completely cover some old metal gates, while the wooden stock fences are still mostly standing.
Moving closer to the station, there is a large cleared area where the grass has been mowed, showing the station in its full glory.
The Start of a One Way Trip for Stock?
describes the Riverton station as
astonishingly massive — the finest outside Adelaide.
It is still impressive as it comes into view. The station roof is well overdue for a coat of paint, but the rest of the building appears in good condition from a distance.
Riverton Station Today
The signal box has not fared so well, with the external woodwork visibly deteriorating.
Riverton Signal Box
There is a large shed and water tank to the south of the station site, but its current condition is not clear from a distance.
Shed and Water Tank
Nearby two Red Hens nest sleepily in the undergrowth, but there are too many trees to see if more rolling stock is around.
Red Hens Barbequing in the Midday Sun
As I leave, I pass a midden of railway waste left to return slowly to its natural state.
A Railway Midden
Manoora Station Platform from the North
As you approach Manoora station from the north (John Street) the platform is barely visible through the long grass and other vegetation on the platform. A metal water tank stands at the north end of the platform and the advertising sign on its side is just visible:
Burford's Prize No. 1 Soap.
Burford's soap seems to have been popular around 1915-1925.
Water Tank with Barely Visible Advertising
On the western side of the line is a large stone shed which presumably was a part of the station facility, and appears to be used still. Tracks lead up to it at the rear.
Manoora Station
The station exterior is largely in sound condition although a coat of paint wouldn't go amiss. The station garden enjoys its freedom in the right of the picture.
Stone Tower Exterior
The stone tower at the south end of the platform appears well preserved on the outside.
Stone Tower Interior
Stone Tower Floor
Inside the tower there is a lot of debris on the floor, and a large hole in the ground which I didn't view up close - possibly a well.
Station Building from Platform
Viewed closer from on the platform, the run down condition of the station building is more apparent. There one crack on an internal wall, and all the interior furniture and fittings have been removed.
Rear of Manoora Station
I assume the area at the rear is the former ticket office. A sign advises that the station is closed, giving contact telephone numbers for the Transport Manager and the Northern Districts Manager.
Both of those positions are probably long gone, forgotten like their former responsibility in Manoora.
