The rail tracks from Ararat to Hamilton were laid in 1876-77 and opened for commercial business on 24 April 1877, “amid great pomp and ceremony”.  Wickliffe Road (Willaura) became the stopping point for traffic to the Mafeking gold fields – unemployed Melbourne people were issued with free rail passes to the Mafeking gold fields by the Government.  

In 1902, revenue from Wickliffe Road Railway Station was 2113 pounds, in 1904, 6059 pounds and 1906 13,000 pounds, mainly from grain freight.   

As well as freight, the station provided a thriving passenger service, was the first official Post Office and private citizens used the telegraph services. 

In 1977, steam locomotive K153, hauling seven passengers cars, steamed through Willaura commemorating the centenary of the line.   

Crossing loops and line upgrades have been completed in recent years. 

The railway station closed in 1986 and trains no longer stop here.  The disused station building was renovated in 2017 through the Victrack Community Use of Vacant Buildings Program.   

Willaura Modern, a community based arts organisation supervised this renovation and it is now a beautiful art gallery