The Overland

The Overland
The Overland at Geelong Junction
Overview
Service typePassenger train
StatusOperational
First service19 January 1887
Current operator(s)Journey Beyond
Route
TerminiMelbourne
Adelaide
Distance travelled828 kilometres
Average journey time10 hours 30 minutes
Service frequency2 × per week in each direction
Line(s) usedWestern standard gauge
Wolseley-Adelaide
Technical
Operating speed115 km/h
Route map
Adelaide
Murray Bridge
Bordertown
Nhill
Dimboola
Horsham
Stawell
Ararat
North Shore
Southern Cross

The Overland is an interstate passenger train service in Australia, travelling between the state capitals of Melbourne and Adelaide, a distance of 828 km (515 mi). It first ran in 1887 as the Adelaide Express, known by South Australians as the Melbourne Express.[1] It was given its current name in 1936. Now operated by private company Journey Beyond, the train undertakes two return trips a week.[2] Originally an overnight train that stopped at large intermediate stations, it now operates during the day, stopping less frequently.

The Overland was converted to standard gauge in the 1990s and now operates from Melbourne over the longer standard gauge line initially heading south to the port city of Geelong, before returning to its original route in Ararat. After departing Ararat the train stops in the Victorian towns of Stawell, Horsham, Dimboola and Nhill before crossing the South Australian border. The final stretch into Adelaide, after crossing the Murray River is over the scenic Adelaide Hills. The train contains Red Premium and Red seated accommodation and a bar/lounge car, Café 828.[3] [dead link]

  1. ^ Turner, Jim (2014). Australian Steam Locomotives 1855–1895. BookBaby. ISBN 9780992432683. Retrieved 7 December 2017.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ The Overland Archived 23 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine Great Southern Rail
  3. ^ "TrainReview's guide to The Overland".[dead link]