The Queenscliff Heritage railway experience adds day shows and fresh lineup to The Blues Train three-decade legacy.
The Blues Train rolls back into action this spring with some serious upgrades to shake things up.
Victoria’s most unique live music experience has been chugging along the Bellarine Peninsula since 1994, and after three decades of hosting over 300,000 punters, they’ve decided it’s time for a refresh. Starting Saturday 4 October, The Blues Train is adding day shows to the mix alongside their legendary evening services, plus throwing in locally-sourced grazing boxes and drinks as part of the ticket price.
For anyone who’s never experienced this musical oddity, picture this: you’re on a heritage train rolling through coastal Victorian countryside, but instead of just sitting in your seat like a regular commuter, you’re moving between four different carriages catching four separate live acts when you stop and swap along the way. It’s part gig, part scenic railway journey, part progressive festival; and there’s genuinely nothing else like it anywhere.
The Blues Train
- Where: 20 Symonds Street, Queenscliff
- Season: October 2025 to May 2026 (weekends)
- Times: Day and evening services available
- Bookings: here
- Age restriction: 18+ only
- Includes: Four live acts, heritage train journey, local grazing box, drinks
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The Blues Train departs from and returns to Queenscliff, taking passengers on a roving music experience along the Bellarine Railway line. Guests rotate between carriages throughout the journey, ensuring everyone gets up close with each performer. Think of it as speed dating, but with blues musicians instead of potential romantic disasters.
Those daytime services are a game-changer for the 2025-2026 season. Management has timed these specifically to work with SeaRoad Ferries, making it super easy for Mornington Peninsula folk to hop over for the experience and catch the ferry back. Day shows mean more sunshine streaming through those heritage carriage windows and better views of the countryside rolling past, plus it opens things up for people who prefer their live music a little earlier.
Blues Train is launching a one-off Rockabilly show on 31 January, timed to coincide with the Queenscliff Rod Run. Part of the new Blues Train Presents series showcasing different genres, the day service features Mustang Col & the Stunned Mullets, Atomic Hi-Tones, Louis King and Luke Greenhatch performing Elvis, The Stray Cats, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison hits. Passengers are encouraged to dress in theme for prizes, with tickets at $175 including drinks and nibbles.
Season headliners include some serious talent across the blues and roots spectrum. Jungle Jim Smith returns as a crowd favourite, bringing his trademark energy that’s kept audiences coming back year after year. Safari Motel, described as blues-soul powerhouses, will be laying down their groove in the dancing carriage, while music virtuoso Anna Scionti promises to showcase why she’s earned the title of slide guitar queen.
Beyond the big names, Blues Train is committed to showcasing emerging talent alongside established acts. This mix of fresh faces and returning favourites creates an atmosphere where discovery happens naturally, you might stumble across your new favourite band just by wandering into the next carriage.
Nibbles and drinks are now bundled into ticket prices, removing the hassle of separate purchases. Ocean Grove’s family-run delicatessen The Olive Pit creates locally-made grazing boxes for each passenger, available in single, double and vegan options. These gluten-free selections feature curated mixes of cheeses, salami, prosciutto and accompaniments; proper sustenance for a musical journey.
Beverage selection spans regional beer, wine and spirits, plus mocktails and other non-alcoholic options. Having everything included means less queue time and more music time, which feels like the right priority for an experience built around live performance.
What makes The Blues Train particularly appealing as an alternative night out is its complete departure from standard venue experiences. Instead of fighting for sight lines in crowded rooms or dealing with overpriced drinks, passengers get guaranteed close encounters with every act, comfortable seating, and that unique sensation of watching live music while literally moving through the landscape.
Managing director Daniel Kay emphasises that recent changes represent an evolution rather than a revolution. The Blues Train maintains its core identity while expanding accessibility and enhancing the overall experience. Those three decades of operation have created a cult following, but the refreshed format aims to attract newcomers alongside longtime devotees.
October through May weekend services ensure plenty of opportunities to experience this musical journey. Whether you choose afternoon sunshine or evening atmosphere, the fundamental concept remains unchanged: four carriages, four acts, one unforgettable ride through Victoria’s coastal countryside.
For more information, head here.
This article was made in partnership with The Blues Train.
