The roomette cars had a zigzag corridor instead of a straight one, and the compartments had the shape of a trapezium. [13] In 1936 the train was renamed The Overland, and the original deep red livery was replaced by green and yellow with black horizontal lining. For times, click on Australian Train … During this daylight journey we travel in Red Premium Service, which offers passengers comfortable reclining seats and complimentary orange juice or water on boarding the train. The train contains Red Premium and Red seated accommodation and a bar/lounge car, Café 828. [43][44] In July 1998, the Wednesday and Saturday night journeys in each direction were cancelled, leaving the service operating five times per week in each direction. Click here to begin chatting with us. Please don’t fall into that beginners’ trap. Overland is basically a standard regional destination train. Time-wise, we're talking 4-5 weeks one-way, minimum. Sit back and relax with more leg room, in-seat dining and a trolley service. Have a question? [47][48], In May 2007, Great Southern Rail re-timetabled the service to operate three times weekly in daylight after the passenger cars had been overhauled with a new blue, purple and green livery applied and interiors renewed. +61 8 8213 4401 (Outside AU). [63][64], Media related to The Overland at Wikimedia Commons, This article is about the Australian passenger train also known as the Adelaide Express. The future of the Overland train between Adelaide and Melbourne is on shaky ground with the South Australian Government axing any future funding for the service. In June 2020, the Victorian Government committed to a three-year funding agreement to support The Overland, providing $3.8 million per year until June 2023. Sadly, due to changing transport modes and the withdrawal of government funding, the service looks set to close. "An experience second to none. If you're new to the threat to The Overland train commuter service between Adelaide and Melbourne, read the stories below - then come back here to hear an interview conducted by the ABC 891's Breakfast presenter Spence Denney with the CEO of the South Australian Council for the Ageing (COTA), Jane Mussared, on New Year's Day. The service near runs at a loss with just Adelaide to Melbourne commuters, except for … It has a different livery and the carriages and Locomotives are all quite distinct. Have a question? Following World War II, the VR and SAR agreed that a major upgrade of The Overland service was needed. The train was later called the Adelaide Express, and ran overnight with opulent Mann Boudoir sleeping cars. [62] In that month, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated all "Journey Beyond" train services to be suspended, restarting in September 2020. Version 1.2. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date (s) you selected. At the same time, the number of seats available on V/Line fares was increased to 64 per train. Whichever direction you travel, both depart during daylight hours meaning that you get to enjoy the diverse scenery from the city skyline to rolling fields of green and gold. The interiors of these new cars were of a more modern design than the older cars. Great Southern Rail announced the South Australian Government has decided to pull its financial assistance for 'The Overland' train service between Adelaide and Melbourne. Fares valid for rail travel from 3 January 2021. As both railways were 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) broad gauge, a through service commenced on 19 January 1887[4][5] using jointly owned rolling stock. A beginner's guide to train travel in Australia, with train times, fares, photos & info for train travel around Australia, including the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Adelaide & Perth, The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs & Darwin, the Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide, Countrylink trains from Sydney to Melbourne, Sydney to Brisbane, Sydney to Canberra, and Queensland Railways trains from Brisbane to Townsville … ReadyRail bookings can only be made on Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions website and full payment will be required at the time of booking. 103 Reviews. It first ran in 1887 as the Adelaide Express, known by South Australians as the Melbourne Express. From 1949 the train moved into the modern era, with new air-conditioned Corten steel carriages gradually entering service, in maroon with a fluted stainless steel panel on each side and a black roof. Home » Train Schedules » Australian Train Schedules Australian Train Schedules Timetables valid for travel from 1 April 2016. [41], In November 1997, Australian National was sold and the passenger cars passed to Great Southern Rail Limited, which contracted National Rail to haul the services with NR class locomotives. The carriage portion was externally painted in green and black with yellow. [60][61] The service was again threatened with withdrawal in December 2019 before a last-minute agreement for the Victorian government subsidy to continue until March 2020 was reached. An Introduction to the Overland Story Rowland, E.C. [17] The maroon sleeping cars from 1949 onwards were 16 in number, later 18, and were given Aboriginal names that were painted on the sides of the cars. For the latest travel updates and border crossing requirements please click here. Where the journey is more valued than the destination. Great Trains specialise in arranging luxurious rail journeys on The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin), the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and the Great Southern (Brisbane to Adelaide) The Ghan Expedition travels from Darwin to Adelaide over four days from March to October inclusive visting Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy along the way. [note 1], In 2018, 20 years of subsidies from the two state governments appeared likely to cease: although the Victorian Government renewed its subsidy for 15 months in August, the South Australian Government announced in November that it had decided not to renew its subsidy beyond the end of the year. [20][21][22] The superior acceleration of the latter allowed 70 minutes to be shaved off the journey time without exceeding the 60 mp/h limit. For the US Army vehicle, see, "Journey Beyond" is a business name of Experience Australia Group Pty Ltd ABN 56 614 713 003. Service was absolutely impeccable, meals superb. The Overland has been running the 800 kilometres rail journey between Adelaide and Melbourne since 1926. [2] From August 2008, 12 seats per train were made available to passengers within Victoria at V/Line fares. The Overland uses the oldest rolling stock of any of the GSR's service. -The Overland is an Australian passenger train service between Melbourne and Adelaide. Red Service offers a value for money choice, and Red Premium provides all-inclusive dining- whatever your choice, you’ll have plenty of room to move and the chance to meet fellow travellers in a comfortable, friendly environment. Great Southern Rail Journeys are only available in January and December. [35] At this time the Melbourne to Adelaide line was converted to standard gauge, and a new route via Maroona and Geelong introduced. The IP and the Ghan are events ! The Overland links Melbourne with two of Australia's great trains; the mighty Indian Pacific which traverses this huge continent between Sydney and Perth, via Adelaide, and The Legendary Ghan, travelling between Adelaide and Darwin. [36] Australian National began operating their CLP class locomotives. The much-loved Overland train has a new lease on life and is now once again making its way between Adelaide and Melbourne. The Overland train is a more traditional train that, whilst luxurious, is a more traditional train for travellers between Melbourne and Adelaide and intermediate stations along the way. It means The Overland opens up exciting train travel all over Australia from either Adelaide or Melbourne. For The Ghan, Indian Pacific and the Overland schedules click here.. To find other times and up to date train information contact us.