The Andrews Labor Government will save the iconic Overland train service between Melbourne and Adelaide – providing certainty to regional jobs, tourism and travel for regional Victorians.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today confirmed the Labor Government has entered a new $11.5 million three-year agreement to fund the historic service, guaranteeing a future for the Overland train, which has run between Melbourne and Adelaide since 1887.

This Government investment will ensure the twice weekly service – which stops at Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Nhill, Dimboola, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and Geelong will continue to run for the next three years.

The move will support regional jobs and tourism as 2,000 passengers travel by Overland train each month.

The service first ran as the Adelaide Express in 1887, before becoming the Overland in 1926. It has been operated by Journey Beyond since 1997.

The Andrews Labor Government stepped in to save the iconic 828 kilometre route after the future of The Overland was put in jeopardy by the South Australian Liberal Government’s decision in 2020 to stop funding the service, which is used by 20,000 people each year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“We’re continuing our support of the iconic Overland train service – linking Melbourne and Adelaide and other regional towns in between, supporting regional jobs and tourism.”

“Since mid-2022, we’ve seen a strong passenger return to the Overland services. Our continued investment in these services will provide more certainty for the Overland to operate until at least 2027.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“The Overland has operated in various forms for more than 130 years and we’re proud to continue supporting the continued operation of this important train service.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora

“We’re not just saving an icon of Australia’s rail network – we’re supporting vital jobs and the wider economy in Wimmera.”