Our History

The Whitmore Group began with humble beginnings under the guise of 'Whitmores Bus Lines'. Reg and Hazel Whitmore purchased the Leaghur bus contract in Boort, Victoria, from Harry Frampton in 1964. This was followed by the purchase of a second school bus contract to Whychitella from Bert Rodgers three years later. In the successive years, the company was then to undertake gradual expansion with diversion into charter and touring. Later, the Quambatook run was purchased from Willis Nunn. In 2000, Whitmores Bus Lines was the first Northern Victorian operator to introduce both air conditioning and seat-belts, many years before any mandatory legislation was introduced. Tragically, in April 2002, Reg passed away suddenly. The business was carried on by Hazel and youngest son, Jamie, and it is still owned and operated by them both today.

In 2008, Manley's of Serpentine was purchased, meaning for the first time, the Whitmore family was operating vehicles from a second depot outside of Boort. The expansion brought the company into unchartered territory, and was a steep but enjoyable learning curve. Over the two years to follow, the Manley's operation was to undergo a full rebrand to a new entity 'Loddon Transit'. In addition, a rapid fleet replacement program was implemented, with the arrival of new seat belt equipped coaches, and a new depot was constructed. This enabled a 'rebirth' of the company, into what it is today.

In 2013, Strathfieldsaye Transit was purchased, signalling the entry into urban route bus operations for the Whitmore family, in addition to the creation of a third depot in Bendigo. It was at this stage that the 'Whitmore Bus Group' was formed as an umbrella organisation to oversee our diverse and steadily growing portfolio.

In 2017 the Whitmore Bus Group undertook its largest acquisition to date with the purchase of Castlemaine Bus Lines. The expanded fleet growth provides the company with endless opportunities, and the Whitmore Group would like to thank the Hansford family for this opportunity, and for their years of premier, first-class service to the Greater Castlemaine community. The Whitmore Bus Group looks forwards to a prosperous future, working with the communities in which we operate, to provide further premier, twenty-first century transport options.