About The Overland
For over 130 years, The Overland has been a fan favourite for people travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne.
With a daylight service between the two great cities, enjoy a relaxing and unique journey, while savouring the creature comforts and romance of rail.
There is nothing quite like travelling by rail, and The Overland operates a daylong service running between Melbourne and Adelaide in both directions. On board, you’ll experience a comfortable journey as you watch the diverse landscapes outside your window, from rugged mallee scrub to fields of green and gold.
With semi-reclining seats, generous legroom, up to 60kg of luggage, a range of dining options, and dedicated hospitality attendants, whether you choose to travel Red Standard or Red Premium service, you’re choosing an effortless and relaxing way to embark on your interstate adventure.
history of the overland
1887
The Overland began life as the Intercolonial Express in January 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.
1926
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.
1950s
In the 1950s, the traditional steam engines were replaced with diesel.
Today, The Overland operates twice-weekly daytime journeys between Adelaide and Melbourne. Red Standard 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.
the overland in numbers
| average length | 189m |
| average weight (exl. locomotive) | 322 tonne |
| length of track | 828km |
| length of journey | 10.5 hours |
| symbol | an emu - this truly australia bird is known for it's speed and grace as it runs through the wide open lands. |
| number of carriages | 7 - plus a single locomotive (standard train for the overland is based on a single consist) |
