The Overland pioneered inter-capital rail travel between two of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities Melbourne and Adelaide, in 1887. The century old name was derived from the affectionate term, "Overlander"’ an adventurer who had travelled across the country.
Today, this historic train continues to provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two cities. The Overland offers a Daylight Service between Adelaide, the gateway to many of Australia’s best wine producing regions including the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale and Melbourne, home to may international sporting events, outstanding shopping and entertainment. The return journey is a daylight service from Melbourne to Adelaide.
The Overland provides a convenient connection in Adelaide with the Indian Pacific to Perth and The Ghan to Darwin, with a short stop over in Adelaide.
The Overland Journey Overview
for travel valid from 27/2/06 to 31/3/07
Route: Adelaide – Melbourne, Melbourne – Adelaide
Duration: Daylight Service in both directions
Distance: 828 kilometres
Frequency: Three times weekly in both directions
The Overland today remains a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two southern cities. Providing two levels of service Gold Kangaroo Service and Red Kangaroo Service.
The "New" Overland launching 1 April 2007
There’s no more relaxing way to enjoy the trip between Melbourne and Adelaide than on the newly refurbished Overland. The Overland provides a comfortable, relaxing way to travel between the cities or to ease into a great holiday in either Melbourne, Adelaide or their surrounding regions.
This historic train pioneered inter-capital rail travel way back in 1887, its name inspired by the historic ‘Overlanders’ who travelled the route on horseback. A century on and a $4 million refurbishment later, today’s train-travelling ‘Overlanders’ will enjoy the journey in relaxing comfort arriving at their destination in the early evening.
Throughout this interstate journey, guests can soak up a diverse range of landscapes from rugged mallee scrubland, to fields of golden crops, over vast open plains and through gently rolling hills.
The Overland passes through classic Australian country towns including Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Dimboola, Horsham, Ararat and Geelong. So whichever direction you travel, the journey is a wonderful opportunity to relax in comfort, mingle with fellow travellers and delight in the ever changing countryside along the way.
The Overland runs a daylight service between Adelaide and Melbourne in both directions, three times a week. Guests also have the opportunity to disembark from the train to explore the many regions and towns The Overland passes through along its route. These guests simply re-join The Overland on a scheduled service that suits their holiday timetable.
On board, The Overland guests have the choice of two levels of service; Red Service and Red Premium Service. Red Service offers a value for money option with all the comforts you need, while Red Premium gives guests more services and more personal space. Both service levels offer guests ample room to move around the train and stretch their legs. The licenced Café Carriage also provides the chance to meet your fellow travellers and socialise in a comfortable, friendly environment.
You’ll also find many great holiday packages for those planning a holiday from either Adelaide or Melbourne, including many touring and accommodation options that will allow you to discover each destination as well as regions and sightseeing highlights nearby.
The Overland links Melbourne with two of Australia’s great trains; the mighty Indian Pacific which traverses this huge continent between Sydney and Perth, via Adelaide, and The Legendary Ghan, travelling between Adelaide and Darwin. It means The Overland opens up exciting train travel all over Australia from either Adelaide or Melbourne.
With The Overland’s new levels of comfort and refurbished facilities, no matter what level of service you choose, travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne by rail is now a more comfortable, relaxing and unique experience complete with mesmerising views and the ability to move about the train as you wish.
