Monarto and Woolworths

["Arthur Marsh" <mars0177@flinders.edu.au>]

I finally visited Monarto Zoo on Saturday, and had a chance to glance at
some of the railway track not visible from the South Eastern freeway.

At Monarto South station, what looked like a CL{F|P} class loco still in AN
colours was in a siding.

Noticable by its size was a Big W warehouse close to the main line but
without any use of the rail facilities (a bit like the Woolworths
distribution centre in Pooraka near the former Northfield/Yatala Stockade
line).

To get to the Monarto Zoo via the Monarto freeway exit, one crosses the
Apamurra line both at Monarto South station and on the former Highway One
(there were formerly crossing bells and boom gates on this crossing, which
were removed after the freeway was opened). The line was obviously used, but
only looked suitable for low speed operation.

While waiting to get in to the zoo at 11am, what looked like a TraileRail
hauled by NR locos went past on the main line towards Adelaide. Like
everyone else says, they sure are quiet.

Once inside the Monarto Zoo, one drives for about 2.5km to the visitor's
centre, passing a service track that crosses the Apamurra line about 2km
into the zoo. Either Monarto South or the service track crossing could be
used for tourist trains (e.g. the Murraylander) to service the zoo, as the
zoo have a couple of buses anyway for showing visitors around. (The Apamurra
line is on the western edge of the zoo property).

On the way back, it was good to see that the former Nairne station building
had been restored, although the site is a shadow of its former self (no
sidings any more and the track bypasses the platform).

There appeared to be nothing left of the former Littlehampton station,
although the track appeared to have had some use.

For anyone who always takes the South Eastern Freeway between Crafers and
Murray Bridge, the old road is a good reminder of how the road conditions
have improved relative to the rail conditions.

Arthur.