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The Overland

Journey Overview Facts and Figures Timetable - April 2007 to March 2008

The Overland - Journey Overview

Travelling Between Melbourne and Adelaide, The Overland began as the Intercolonial Express over 100 years ago.  The Intercapital rail link came to prominence on September 28, 1875, when the then South Australian Premier, Sir James Penn Boucat, rose in Parliament to expound his policy of economic expansion through public works.  His plan was to build 550 miles of railway to carry the wealth of the land from South Australia to the Port of Melbourne, Victoria.

The first meeting to discuss such a plan was held at Melbourne’s Spencer Street Station.  It was decided the service would be operated with rolling stock jointly owned by South Australia and Victoria.  The service was to be called the ‘Intercolonial Express’ and passenger traffic was primarily first class.  The journey time was expected to be 18 hours.

About 300 people witnessed the trains first departure from Adelaide at 3.30pm on January 19, 1887, among them the Postmaster General.  The railway pioneered inter-capital rail travel in Australia and was the first Intercapital standard gauge line.  However, it suffered from long journey times and operational difficulties.

In 1922, a rehabilitation plan was produced to make the railway more efficient and reduce the drain on state finances.  Trackwork and bridgework were required to enable bigger freight loads to be carried.  Signalling work and train control were also improved an more powerful locomotives purchased.  South Australia was rewarded with an operationally and mechanically sound railway that came to be known as the ‘Melbourne Express’.

The first diesel powered journey to Melbourne pulled out of Adelaide on November 29, 1951.

The century old name The Overland came from the affectionate term ‘Overlander’, an adventurer who had travelled across the country.  More than a century later, The Overland still provides an enjoyable and convenient rail service between Adelaide and Melbourne.

The original service ran overnight during the week, today The Overland operates daylight services to and from Adelaide three times a week.

The Overland - Facts and Figures

The Journey
Adelaide to Melbourne
Melbourne to Adelaide

Service
Three times weekly service in both directions

Length of Journey
10.5 hours / 828 km

Average speed of train
85km / hour (maximum speed 115km / hour)

Symbol
An Emu, this truly Australian bird is recognised for its speed and grace as it runs through wide open landscape.

Total No. of carriages
6 (plus locomotive)

Average length of train
165 metres

Average weight of train
288 tonnes (Excluding Locomotive)

Standard train for The Overland is based on a single consist.