Home Travel News

The Overland is back in time for Christmas and kids travel free

After being off the tracks for several months, The Overland will resume its rail journeys between Adelaide and Melbourne from Sunday 12 December 2021, with free travel for children, connecting South Australia and Victoria as well as regional communities—just in time for Christmas.

After being off the tracks for several months, The Overland will resume its rail journeys between Adelaide and Melbourne from Sunday 12 December 2021, with free travel for children, connecting South Australia and Victoria as well as regional communities—just in time for Christmas.

Operating for more than 130 years, The Overland’s future was solidified last year with a new agreement between the Victorian Government and Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, guaranteeing its operation for the next three years.

Journey Beyond‘s Chief Commercial Officer Peter Egglestone said The Overland’s return was much anticipated, following its suspension due to the impact COVID-19 and border closures have had on travel.

The Overland
The Overland

“The Overland provides a full day scenic daylight journey between South Australia and Victoria, delivering guests to Adelaide Parklands Terminal—only five minutes from the Adelaide CBD—and into the heart of the Melbourne CBD,” Mr. Egglestone stated.

“Vitally, the train also provides an important link between regional communities, including Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Dimboola, Horsham, Stawell, Nhill, Ararat and Geelong.

“We hope by resuming The Overland’s service, we will help families come together for the festive and summer holiday season, which is in keeping with our vision to ‘share special places and shape lasting memories’.

“Up until 30 January 2022, there will also be free travel for children up to age 16 in Red Service. One paying adult can bring two children for free or two paying adults can bring four children for free, which is great for families travelling over the festive season,” Mr. Egglestone concluded.

The Overland
The Overland

The Overland departs Adelaide for Melbourne on Sundays and Thursdays and departs Melbourne for Adelaide on Mondays and Fridays each week.

Guests can travel in Red Service or upgrade to Premium Red Service, which includes breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, reclining seats with ample legroom and an increased luggage allowance.

As an added benefit, Journey Beyond has confirmed its introductory Ready Rail fares have been extended for bookings made through 31 December 2021.

Earlier this month, Journey Beyond also announced that travel advisors can get exclusive access to Journey Beyond’s 2023 season until 15 January 2022.

So if you have clients that haven’t been able to travel on their Journey Beyond Rail Expedition, now is the perfect time to rebook them for the 2023 season with Future Travel Vouchers.

Click here or visit your local travel agent for more information and to book.