The Legendary Blues Train - How it works

Nothing captures the spirit of the blues quite like a steam train. Listening to the train whistle and the clickety-clack you can imagine the old blues masters jamming it up on Mississippi freight trains as they were “ridin’ the blinds” around America’s Deep South.

Click here to see other stories       Find out how to get there      Virtual tour

Download/print a flyer        Watch the Blues Train movie (MPEG, 4MB)

Victoria’s historic coastal town of Queenscliff is home to the world’s one and only Blues Train. It is a unique experience that combines four of Australia’s best live blues performers and the beautiful scenery of the Bellarine Peninsula on the Drysdale railway line whilst aboard a real moving vintage steam train. It is one of Australia’s most spectacular entertainment experiences.

You might not think you know blues music, but you don’t have to know the blues to love The Blues Train. They say that the blues had a baby and they called it rock and roll so anyone who’s ever tapped their toes to the Rolling Stones or The Blues Brothers will have a great time getting up close and personal with The Blues Train’s four fantastic acts. It’s a music festival in one night and a progressive party you’ll never forget.

The tickets include a delicious meal from our Blues Train caterers, four fabulous blues acts and train ride.
Drinks are extra. No BYO.
Please note. OVER 18's ONLY & NO HENS OR BUCKS NIGHTS (see FAQ's for info)

Dates: The Blues Train runs in January, February, March, May, October, November and December. It departs from and returns to Queenscliff Railway Station. Look for show dates.

Time: The bar opens at 6.30pm. The event begins at 7pm sharp and ends at 11.30pm when the train returns to Queenscliff Railway Station.

Price: $76 per person (inc. GST) plus booking fee ($3.50) 
Ticketek transaction fees may apply

See our bookings page. Group booking discounts may apply.
Bookings: phone Ticketek on 132 849 or for internet sales go to www.ticketek.com.au

The Blues Train leaves Queenscliff Railway Station after guests have enjoyed a delicious meal, complemented by fine Australian and local wines. The steam train then makes its way along 16 kilometres of track, gently rocking from side to side, seemingly in beat with the music.

At each of the stops, Suma Park and Drysdale, revellers swap carriages to see another of the four great blues acts performing on the train. Drinks are available from the mobile bar that miraculously appears on each platform (it’s a converted guard’s van). You can sit back, relax and listen to the music with a drink in one of the seated carriages or get up and boogie the blues away in one of the dance carriages.

The Blues Train has hosted many great musicians since its inception including Aussie blues legends Jimi Hocking, Chris Wilson and Lloyd Spiegel; Aria Award winners Collard Greens and Gravy and Mia Dyson; the award-winning Ash Grunwald and Kerri Simpson; local artists Chubby Rae and the Elevators, Stringybark McDowell and Dave Steel; and newcomers to the Victorian scene Sweet Felicia and the Honeytones, Jaimi Faulkener Band and Dallas Frasca.

The 10th anniversary of The Blues Train in 2004 was commemorated with a CD featuring all The Blues Train artists of that first 10 years. It is available on board, online and at specialist music retailers. Volume 2, released in mid-2007, is also out now!