The Overland Train

The Overland (often referred to as the Overlander colloquially) is a historic interstate passenger train service operating between Adelaide, South Australia and Melbourne, Victoria. First launched in 1887 as the Intercolonial Express, it’s one of Australia’s oldest named rail services, making it a cultural icon in Australian rail history. Operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, the Overland covers roughly 828 kilometers of track, offering passengers a scenic journey through rolling countryside, Mallee scrublands, and the Grampians foothills. Traditionally known for its comfort and classic rail charm, the service includes reclining seats, panoramic windows, and onboard dining, blending nostalgia with relaxed modern travel.

Despite its legacy, the Overland has faced several challenges in recent decades, especially with increasing competition from air travel and highway upgrades. The service was once daily but now runs twice weekly in each direction, with its continuation often subject to state government subsidies. In 2020, it was briefly suspended due to funding uncertainties, only to be revived after public pressure and renewed financial support. While it doesn’t offer the luxury of services like The Ghan or Indian Pacific, the Overland appeals to those seeking a budget-friendly, environmentally-conscious alternative that still carries the romance of old-school train travel across the southeastern Australian plains.

Advertisement:

Bestseller No. 1
Overland from London to Sydney:travelling around the world by train: travelling around the world by train
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Lynch, Peter (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 2
Travelling Rough on the Hippie Trail: Drugs Danger and Dysentery (Journeys)
  • Gray, Asta (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 209 Pages - 12/08/2016 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Greenland: Survival At The Edge Of The World
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Stewart McPherson (Actor)
  • Stewart McPherson (Director) - Stewart McPherson (Producer)
Bestseller No. 4
Journey to the West
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Felicity Moir, Jasmine Uddin (Actors)
  • Zoe Coldham (Director) - Sibyl Coldham (Writer) - Sibyl Coldham (Producer)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • All
  • The Overland Train