New tourist train to stop in Stawell

Tourism in the northern Grampians region is set to gain a boost by the addition of another major train route through Stawell starting Friday.

Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, which operates interstate rail trips such as the Ghan, Indian Pacific and Overland, announced an initial eight-week run for a new Great Southern rail route between Adelaide and Brisbane would start on Friday and continue through January.

The three-day rail journey will include a stop at Stawell Railway Station, where guests will disembark and travel to Halls Gap for a range of guided activities.

Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions’ Overland service between Melbourne and Adelaide also stops in Stawell, but passengers remain on the service.

Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Murray Emerson said expectations were that about 230 guests would disembark each time the Great Southern stopped in Stawell, bringing new tourism opportunities to the region.

“The Great Southern is very welcome in Stawell and will be a fantastic addition to the tourism opportunities on offer in northern Grampians,” he said.

“We know that the kinds of journeys that come through and stop in the region encourage return visitors.

“Tourists get a taste for the area and often return to experience it time and again.

“This, in turn, strengthens our out-of-region tourism and increases our overall visitors, this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our region to new people and travellers.”

Cr Emerson said the length of the Great

Southern train meant there would be extended stoppages at Seaby Street and Sloane Street rail crossings while guests disembarked.

He said the train would stop across the Seaby Street rail crossing for three to five minutes at 3.48pm each Friday before pulling forward and stopping at Sloane Street crossing for a further three to five minutes.

The train will then depart eastbound 4.03pm.

“Drivers in Stawell are asked to take note of the changes to the rail crossings, obey the directions of the crossing signs and warnings, and to be patient; three to five minutes isn’t a long time to wait,” Cr Emerson said.

Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions’ chief operating officer Luke Walker said the company was looking forward to bringing its new rail journey to Stawell.

“We’re excited to be able to showcase a new route for guests from around Australia, and indeed the world,” he said.

“The Great Southern’s stop in Stawell will provide guests the chance to experience the spectacular Grampians and enjoy the region’s amazing produce and generous hospitality.”

“The Great Southern is very welcome in Stawell and will be a fantastic addition to the tourism opportunities on offer in northern Grampians. We know that the kinds of journeys that come through and stop in the region encourage return visitors” – Murray Emerson

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