The line from Gemmells continues its steady fall towards Strathalbyn, winding around a number of significant embankments and cuttings. The line then flattens out and enters Strathalbyn across a significant bridge across the River Angas

The line crosses the local Stirling Hill Road several times but is well to the east of the main Mt Barker - Strathalbyn road

Stirling Hill
Leaving Gemmells the line runs around the base of Stirling Hill and across an impressive horseshoe curve embankment, beyond which passengers can again see across the lakes and to Strathalbyn before the line crosses the road again. Another cutting and a long embankment take the train through Stirling Hill itself.

A very high, though narrow, underpass originally put in for Mr Stirling's cattle is crossed.Another cutting is followed by what could well be the highest (and most photographed) embankment on the whole line. At approximately 76.5 km, Burnside Road is crossed and this location was also known in years gone by as Panketyi.

A Race to Strathalbyn
Beyond, the line is flatter and the long straight section into Strathalbyn was always a favourite with S.A.R. enginemen in the past who were willing to give their trains a quick burst of speed. At 78.5km the line passes the old Strathalbyn mine.

Just before the line comes into Strathalbyn, the only wheat silos on the branch are passed north of the East Terrace crossing, originally served by a short siding leading off the main line on the left side of the main line. High Street is crossed soon after East Terrace, followed by the River Angas and then South Terrace. Next to the South Terrace crossing is the old Police Station which is operated as a museum by the Strathalbyn branch of the National Trust.

Across the Angas River
The Angas River bridge consists of two steel deck spans which replaced the original iron ones installed in 1884. The central pier is now concrete which encases the iron columns, but the two abutments were able to keep their original stonework when the bridge was rebuilt. In October 1926 when the girders were being exchanged, the first slipped while an attempt was being made to position it, just as it had during construction in 1884! A case of history repeating itself!

The railway reserve and adjacent farmers' fields are not public rights of way. We recommend that lineside photographers use only public roads to follow our trains

Leaving Gemmells the line descends along the escarpment above the main road offering good photo opportunities from the roadside heading towards Strathalbyn. At 71km, however, the line then climbs over the ridge to the east away from the highway

Alternative photo opportunities are available by following Stirling Hill Road south from Gemmells station rather than returning to the main road. At the second Stirling Hill Rd crossing at 71.8km the southbound train emerges from a deep cutting, crosses the road and then winds around a horseshoe curve on a high embankment.

74.20km - Third Stirling Hill Road crossing. Then turn R into Highland Valley Rd and L again into Burnside Rd
76.75km - Burnside Road crossing (Panketyi station site) Then along Burnside Rd to main road and Strathalbyn.

81.5km - Line croses the Angas River on an impressive bridge and crosses South Terrace into Strathalbyn yard.