the line was well known for its sharp curves and spectacular scenery and was also one of the last lines to offer a 'mixed passenger and goods' service in victoria. the section from yarram to woodside was closed on 26 may 1953, with the section from welshpool to yarram closed on 26 october 1987 when the superphosphate freight services ceased. from this point until 30 june 1992, the track beyond agnes, referred to as barry beach junction received minimal usage, although a short branch leading from agnes to barry beach was used extensively for goods traffic to serve the oil platforms in bass strait. after the withdrawal of this freight service the railway line beyond leongatha was booked out of use for all rail traffic. this section of track was then dismantled in 1994, in which required the strengthening of the line's derelict trestle bridges in order to allow the track removal machine to dismantle the tracks.