Funding deal to keep The Overland rolling

Wednesday, 19 July 2023

The South Australian Government has signed a four-year funding deal for The Overland passenger rail service between Adelaide and Melbourne.

The service is operated by Journey Beyond and runs between Adelaide and Melbourne twice weekly.

The $1.4 million commitment over the next four years will ensure the train continues to provide an alternative to air travel between Adelaide and Melbourne and a vital connection to regional towns along the route.

About 18,000 passengers have already booked travel on The Overland this year, up from about 17,388 for the whole of last year, and just over 4000 in 2021. Many passengers use the service to travel to regional towns such as Murray Bridge, Ararat, Bordertown and Geelong.

The Overland first operated as the Intercolonial Express in 1887 as a daily overnight sleeper between Adelaide and Melbourne. It was renamed The Overland in 1936 and was operated by the Victorian and South Australian Railways and Australian National Rail until 1997, when it was taken over by Great Southern Rail.

Increased private car travel from the 1950s resulted in a progressive reduction in demand, which accelerated following deregulation of domestic airlines in 1990.

In 2013, it became a daylight service operating twice a week, offering a relaxing day long voyage between Adelaide and Melbourne with options such as all-inclusive dining, comfortable reclining seats and generous luggage allowances.