Overland passenger train returns next month

The return of the Melbourne to Adelaide Overland passenger train comes as welcome news to many in the rural communities along its 828km route, including many residents and visitors of Horsham.  

The resumption of the service comes after the Victorian State Government announced it would help fund the iconic service for three years until at least December 2023, after many municipalities and communities along the service route rallied in support to keep it going. 

Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline said HRCC, along with other groups and individuals, had advocated for the service to continue since 2018, when the South Australian Government withdrew the subsidy it paid to former private operator Great Southern.

“It’s a credit to the ongoing advocacy undertaken by many, particularly my predecessor, former Mayor Mark Radford,” Cr Gulline said.

“Council also appreciates the support received from the Victorian Government’s Transport Department.

“As the only passenger rail service in Western Victoria, it is crucial that it continues to serve the people of the Wimmera,” she said.

Along with Horsham, the Overland includes stops at Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Nhill, Dimboola, Stawell, Ararat and North Shore (Geelong).  

The service departs Mondays and Fridays from Adelaide, and Tuesdays and Saturdays from Melbourne.  

The first train back will depart on 4 January 2021. Tickets for the service are available now on the Journey Beyond website.