CAN WE BYO
Sorry, but (as advertised) there is NO BYO on the Blues Train. It is a condition of entry, and is also printed on your ticket. We reserve the right to request you to display the contents of bags at any point during the event.
The no BYO policy includes all liquid beverages, i.e. bottled water, soft drinks, thermoses, coffee and tea, etc. We believe our bar prices are very reasonable, and income from the bar does help underwrite the cost of the event, thus keeping ticket prices as low as possible.
Also, we are unable to establish the contents of bottles brought to the train (even if it is only water). We aim to run a safe and responsible event, and unfortunately sometimes people go to great lengths to smuggle alcohol onto the train.
Regarding food, your ticket includes a hearty meal. Other snacks are available from the kiosk at the Drysdale Station (run by volunteers to support the Bellarine Peninsula Railway). If you really feel you need to bring extra snacks, it's ok.
CAN I BRING MY OWN WATER ON THE BLUES TRAIN
The Blues Train is a completely NO BYO event. This means you are not permitted to bring your own water, whether in your own container or in a commercial water bottle. No other drinks or beverages may be brought on the Blues Train. Empty cooler bags may be brought on board - ask the bar upon arrival if you need some ice, all baggage must be presented fro inspection by security upon entry and exit from the event. No alcohol may be removed from the platform at the conclusion of the show. Any unopened beverages will be refunded at the bar.
Due to health and safety regulations we need to ensure that all food and drinks consumed during the event are controlled by us, so we are unable to allow customers to bring their own soft drinks. We are committed to responsible service of alcohol and we keep our drinks prices at what we believe are reasonable prices, equivalent to that of a public bar.
WHERE DO WE BUY OUR DRINKS
The Blues Train operates a bar at each stop with a range of champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks at reasonable prices. There is strictly NO BYO.
NOTE: The bar is cash only. We do not have credit or EFTPOS. Our helpful and well-informed bar staff will be happy to supply you with a range of drinks or suggest a couple of top wines from our region.
Bar operating times: the bar opens at 6.30, the event begins at 7.00 and ends at 11.30pm.
CAN I PAY FOR MY DRINKS WITH CREDIT CARD OR EFTPOS
The T-bar on the train accepts CASH ONLY.
Sorry, but we are unable to process credit card or EFTPOS transactions on the train.
There are three ATMs located within 500 metres on the main street of Queenscliff (Hesse Street); Commonwealth, ANZ and one Bendigo Bank.There is also a ATM at the Gaming Room of The Esplanade Hotel diagonally across the road from the Train Station
CAN WE PUT SOME MONEY BEHIND THE BAR (RUN A TAB)
If you have a large group and wish to purchase some drinks on their behalf, you can organise to put some money behind the bar (by prior arrangement only).
For this situation, we require four weeks' notice, as we allocate a dedicated staff member to serve you. The money is payable in cash at the beginning of the night. (We will advise you during the night on the status of your credit, and you may or may not wish to put extra funds behind the bar if required.)
As a guide, we suggest $30 a head (plus GST) to cover beer, wine and soft drinks. For those wanting spirits included as well, we suggest $35 a head (plus GST). For an open bar we suggest $40 a head (plus GST). Wristbands will be supplied (at cost) to all of your group members so they can be clearly identified.
Please note we practice responsible serving of alcohol at all times. If a patron is intoxicated upon arrival, they will not be served. Putting money behind the bar in no way guarantees service of any patron. Some of our groups will start the function on beer, wine and soft drinks only and may open the bar to mixed drinks later in the night on the advice of our bar manager or the promoter, Hugo T Armstrong.
Contact us to enquire about running a bar tab
For further information, view our Terms and Conditions/Safety information