The iconic Overland train service between Melbourne and Adelaide will resume from January, with tickets now available for its first journey since the Andrews Labor Government stepped in to secure the train’s future.
The first service will travel the 828-kilometre route from Adelaide to Melbourne on 3 January, before the Melbourne to Adelaide service heads off on 4 January 2021.
In July this year the Government announced it would enter into a new three-year agreement to fund The Overland – guaranteeing its future and supporting regional jobs, tourism and travel across western Victoria.
The service also stops at Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Nhill, Dimboola, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and Geelong’s North Shore.
The Government stepped in to save The Overland after the South Australian Government’s decision to stop funding the service, which is used by around 20,000 people each year. The investment means the service will continue to run until at least December 2023.
The service first ran as the Adelaide Express in 1887, before becoming The Overland in 1926. It is now operated by Australian tourist experience operator Journey Beyond.
Tickets for the first 2021 service are on sale now on the Journey Beyond website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“For more than 130 years, The Overland train service has been connecting Melbourne to Adelaide – and that will continue for another three years thanks to our investment in this iconic service.”
“After South Australia walked away from this iconic service – we’ve continued our support to back jobs, tourism and travel across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“We know there is demand for the service and that people are eager to book, so we look forward to seeing The Overland’s journeys in the new year.”
“The resumption of this service is a big boost for communities throughout western Victoria and will draw thousands of tourists to towns along the route.”
Reviewed 10 December 2020