The Overland

The Overland offers a relaxing way to enjoy the trip between the two cities of Melbourne and Adelaide.

Bookings for 2019 are now open.

The Overland provides the ideal way to travel between Melbourne and Adelaide. With a daylight service running between Adelaide and Melbourne in both directions, you’ll enjoy a relaxing, comfortable journey between these two great cities, taking in a diverse range of landscapes from rugged mallee scrubland, to fields of green and gold. Why not travel in comfort & give all-inclusive Red Premium a go? Similar to in-flight service, this makes the day-long journey so much more enjoyable with all meals included. Click here for more information.

The Overland Stats

Average length of train:	189m
Average weight of train:	322 tonne (excluding locomotive)
Length of track:	828km
Length of journey:	10.5 hrs
Symbol:	An Emu – this truly Australian bird is recognised for its speed and grace as it runs through the wide open lands.
Total number of carriages:	7 - plus locomotive (Standard train for The Overland is based on a single consist)

The Overland began life as the Intercolonial Express in October 1887 when the Victorian and South Australian rail lines were joined at the state border. The train travelled between the Victorian capital city of Melbourne and the South Australian capital city of Adelaide, stopping at a number of regional townships along the route.

Originally, the Intercolonial Express operated a luxury overnight service complete with dining cars. The train became known as The Overland in 1926. Following World War II, The Overland moved into the modern era, introducing air-conditioned carriages and earning the unusual honour of being the first train in the world to generally offer showers in its sleeper cabins.

In the 1950s, the traditional steam engines were replaced with diesel. Today, The Overland operates twice-weekly daytime journeys between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Red and Red Premium Services make it the easiest and most relaxing way to embark on your interstate adventure.
With comfortable, semi-reclining seats, generous legroom, 60kg of luggage allowance and dedicated Hospitality Attendants to tend to your every need, The Overland offers service that really is in a class of its own. So why put yourself through the stress of airports or a fatiguing drive when you can kick back and arrive in style!

Join our All Aboard Club for our latest offers. More info