Frequently Asked Questions

​The Blues Train runs most Saturday nights between October and May, and some Friday nights during December. Please see the Show Dates page for shows on sale.

​Whilst we would love to operate a steam train on every show, it is at the discretion of the Bellarine Railway as to the type of engine that is used at any given time.

Generally a steam locomotive will be used if available, however due to the nature of heritage machinery mechanical issues, restoration and scheduled maintenance will impact on the ability to utilise steam.

On a day of total fire ban, a heritage diesel engine will be in operation.

Please note that should a diesel engine be used, no prior notification will be given and refunds do not apply.

All the locomotives and rolling stock used on The Blues Train is maintained by the dedicated volunteers of the Bellarine Railway.

For more information on the locomotives and rolling stock used on The Blues Train, to learn more about the Bellarine Railway, or to volunteer your services please visit www.bellarinerailway.com.au

You can wear whatever you like on the Blues Train (almost)!

Dress for a celebration, or just wear your favourite old jeans.

It is important to note:

• Smart/Casual clothing is recommended
• No workwear (hi-vis, boots, drill pants etc)
• No thongs,  sandals, Birkenstock style footwear, Crocs
• No singlets or board shorts
• No Club colours (at any time)
• No sportswear
• No football jumpers
• No logos or artwork that may be deemed offensive to others
• Open-toe shoes are acceptable as long as the heel has a strap, and the foot is secure in the shoe, high heels & stiletto’s are not recommended

Keep in mind that you will be out until almost midnight, so it will be much colder when you are going home than when you leave the house. Also keep in mind that during the stops (three times during the evening, when you change carriages, refill at the bar, have a smoke and use the toilets) you will be outdoors for about 15-20 minutes while our security staff check and clean carriages.

Even on the coldest night, the carriages get quite warm and on the hottest night, the carriages can be very hot, as they are not air-conditioned. Layers are a good idea! Please note that there is limited cover at Drysdale platform and almost none at Suma Park platform, so if it’s a rainy evening, waterproof jackets are a good idea.

Gates open at 6:30pm. The event commences at 6.45pm and concludes at approximately 11:30pm.​

Subscription to The Blues Train VIP Members List is free, with a range of benefits available to members:

• 5% discount on any ticket purchase
• 5% off gift card purchases all year round
• Group Booking discounts on groups of 10+
• Artist Announcements, Special Offers & Blues Train Events

So what are you waiting for – Join now!

The Queenscliff Railway Station is located at 20 Symonds Street, Queenscliff at the intersection of Hesse Street (bottom of the main street).

There is ample parking in the grass area opposite the railway station adjacent to the brick community building.

Disability parking access is outside the main gate. Security staff can assist regarding parking location and any specific needs or assistance.

All vehicles are parked at the vehicle owners risk.

Coach and bus parking is available at the boat ramp after drop off.

The Blues Train departs and returns to the Queenscliff Railway Station located at 20 Symonds Street, Queenscliff VIC 3225 (on the corner of Hesse and Symonds Street, Queenscliff).

Following are a range of transportation options you may consider:

MyBus Geelong
Based in North Geelong
P:1300 1 MYBUS (03 5277 7900)
E:[email protected]

Bellarine Peninsula Taxi’s
The Bellarine Taxi Network is a locally based taxi service.
Regular taxis can be unreliable on a Saturday night. Bookings essential.
P : 13 22 11
W : bellarinepeninsulataxis.com.au

Queenscliff Chauffer Cars
Pre-booking advised. To carry more than four passengers, or for wheelchair accessible taxis, call the Geelong Maxi Fleet.
P : 1300 972 066
W : chauffeurgeelong.com.au

Bellarine Rideshare
Servicing the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong
P :0414 414 731 or 0409 577 108
W : bellarinerideshare.com

Portarlington Beach Motel / Transport
Affordable accommodation and transport a short drive from Geelong and Melbourne.
P : 03 8533 4868
W : portarlingtonbeachmotel.com/

Explore Australia
Site Seeing, Food & Wine Tours, Melbourne Tours & Day Trips
P : 03 5257 4588
E : [email protected]
W : exploreaustraliatours.com.au

Geelong Maxicab Fleet
Pre-booking advised. Capacity for four passengers, or for wheelchair accessible taxis, call the Geelong Maxi Fleet.
P : 03 5278 5785
W : geelongtaxis.com.au

Geelong and Surfcoast Limo Bus
Geelong and Surfcoast Limo Bus provides you with a luxury service at a most affordable price. Its not like the traditional limousine, however for a bus it comes very close.
P : 0466 498 663
W : limotours.com.au

Greater Geelong Limousines
P : For a quote or to book, call Dominic on 0418 526 752 
W : greatergeelonglimousines.com.au/

Surfcoast Transfers
Wheelchair accessible vehicles will be available starting 3rd of May 2024. Capacity for 4 passengers and 1 wheelchair.
P : 03 5294 0399 or vehicle direct on 0492 367 056.
W : www.surfcoasttransfers.com.au

Coastal Chauffeurs Geelong
Torquay-based chauffeur service.
P : 0408 501 975
W : coastalchauffeurs.com.au
E :[email protected]

Franscene Bellarine Tours & Transport
Personalised tours and packages on The Bellarine Peninsula.
Private luxury vehicle  (Mercedes Viano) for up to 7 guests.
P : 0427 664 888
W : franscenebellarine.com.au
E : [email protected]

Murrell Group
Wide variety of transport options for small and larger groups.
P : (03) 5278 9699
W : murrell.com.au
E : [email protected]

Go Roam Tours
P : 0488 008 159
E : [email protected]

Geelong Tours
P : 0412 066 000
W : geelongtours.com/
E : [email protected]

Ballarat Gold Bus
Ballarat-based bus service.
Phone: (03) 5335 5005
Web: goldbus.com.au 

Bayside Coaches (services travelling from Melbourne)
Melbourne-based Bayside Coaches specialise in providing the very best in modern, safe, flexible and accommodating coach travel for  groups of various sizes.
P : 03 9532 2115
W : baysidecorporate.com.au

Christians Bus Company
Christians has been operating for 30 years and has a local base in Ocean Grove.
P : (03) 5255 5800
W : christiansbus.com.au
E : [email protected]

Note: The Ballarat Gold Bus service terminates at Geelong Station to which you will then have to seek alternate transport to Queenscliff

Getting to Queenscliff on public transport
If you want to take public transport, you can catch a train to Geelong and then a connecting bus from Geelong to Queenscliff.
You’ll need to make arrangements to stay overnight in Queenscliff or nearby as services don’t run late enough for you to get all the way back to Melbourne on public transport after the event.

Take a train

V/Line operates rail services from Melbourne and regional Victoria to Geelong. A connecting bus service to Queenscliff is then required. Timetable and ticket information are available from V/Line.
Phone: (03) 5226 6491
Web: www.vline.com.au

Connecting bus service

A regular bus link operates between Geelong train station and Queenscliff.
Timetable and ticket information are available from Public Transport Victoria
Call 1800 800 007 and select Option 1.
Open from 6am to midnight daily (all night Friday and Saturday).
www.ptv.vic.gov.au/

Getting to Queenscliff by Ferry

The car and passenger ferry from Sorrento is the best way to get to Queenscliff from the Mornington Peninsula. Ferries depart every hour on the hour from each side between 7am and 6pm and the journey takes 40 minutes.
Costs vary according to the type of vehicle and number of passengers.
Once you arrive in Queenscliff, it’s a short 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal to the Queenscliff train station.
If walking is not an option, prebook a taxi or charter bus.

Peninsula SeaRoad Transport
Phone: (03) 5258 3244
Web: www.searoad.com.au

Click here to read our full terms and conditions for Gift Cards.

Gift Cards each have a set value, determined by the Gift Card purchased, this may or may not be equal to, higher or lower than the ticket price.

Your Gift Card may be used to make purchases up to the Card Value. If you wish to make a purchase for an amount that exceeds the Remaining Card Value, you must pay the excess using another payment method.

Any remaining balance on the card can only be used in whole or part against future ticket purchases. Any remaining balance may be used up to the expiry date printed on your gift card. Remaining Card Value may not be used to purchase items at the event (ie beverages or merchandise).

Standard Gift Cards are valid for 3 years.

Vouchers for Sponsored Partnerships are generally valid for the current Blues Train season.

Expiry dates are clearly printed on your card. Please redeem prior to your expiry date.

You DO NOT need to travel on The Blues Train by the expiry date printed on your gift card(s). HOWEVER, you MUST have redeemed your gift card for a specific show before the expiry date.

BLUES TRAIN GIFT CARD

If you have a Blues Train Gift Card (see below), simply visit the Show Dates page, select your tickets and enter your redemption code in the box on checkout. The value on your gift card will be deducted from the total amount owing.

Our VIP Members can access group bookings all year round.
Not a VIP Member yet? Join HERE!

Discounts starting from 10%* for 10+ guests in a single booking.  Want to know more? Call our customer service team today! 1300 885 993

*Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

We encourage and even recommend that you bring individual cupcakes should you wish to celebrate with your guests.

If you plan to bring cupcakes for a birthday celebration, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly — either contact us or call 1300 885 993.

Please also note that the Blues Train is a fully licensed event and there is NO BYO.

You can check the Artist page for artists’ websites if you want to buy a CD of one of our fantastic Blues Train musos. Many artists offer a mail-order service from their websites.

Many of the musicians also have CDs for purchase on the night, please see the artist direct for CD/Merchandise purchases.

There is a range of Blues Train souvenirs available during the event, including Wine Glasses, Stubby Holders and Ice Buckets.

VICTORIAN, INTERSTATE AND INTERNATIONAL ACTS:

The Blues Train aims to bring together all styles of blues and blues adjacent genres to an engaged audience who have gathered for the ultimate live music experience. We want our acts to provide high quality entertainment through a mix of original and cover songs. There is no blueprint for music, the theme is blues, but the assignment is fun!

Applications to perform on The Blues Train can be made via email to [email protected]

Please supply the following –

• Your EPK including links to your social media pages, quality youtube clips and other relevant materials for our consideration.
• Advise if you are a listed artist on Spotify and include link or reference. NOTE: It is highly preferable that applying artists have at least one song on Spotify, so we can include you in our ‘upcoming artists’ and ‘all time, past and present artists’ playlists.
• Tell us where you have been playing lately and/or regularly.
• Tell us what percentage of your performances are free to view and what percentage are ticketed events.
• Tell us where a Blues Train representative could come to see your next gig.

NOTE – All acts must have public liability insurance to be considered to play on The Blues Train.

Follow this link to read our Terms and Conditions

Security staff will be on site and are clearly identifiable.

The Blues Train provides safety ramps as a courtesy and they are available on each carriage, although this is not a prerequisite of railway operations, so you may need to mind the gap when embarking and disembarking. We have security guards on all carriages during travel. Please ask for assistance from security personnel if required and follow their instructions.

View Terms and Conditions/Safety information

And finally, if your question hasn’t been answered here, please email us for an answer

We do have wheelchair access however mobility inside carriages can be limited, due to fixed seating and the width of door-ways as a result of the age of the train.

The following are measurements of door and aisle widths of carriages used for The Blues Train:

• Carriage A
  Door: 0.65m wide
  Aisle: 0.4m wide
• Carriage B
  Door: 0.65m wide
  Aisle: 0.4m wide
• Carriage C
  Door: 0.65m wide
  Aisle: 0.4m wide
• Carriage D
  Door: 0.65m wide
  Aisle: 2.1m wide

Please get in contact with us on phone 1300 885 993, or email [email protected], or via our contact us page to let us know about your access requirements and we will do our very best to ensure you have an enjoyable Blues Train experience.

RAMPS – The Blues Train provides safety ramps as a courtesy for all patrons and these ramps are available on each carriage for use at each station, although this is not a prerequisite of railway operations.

ASSISTANCE BOARDING & DISEMBARKING – Please ask for assistance from our security personnel if required when boarding and disembarking from the train. Security personnel can also assist with your mobility needs while in the carriages.

COMPANION & CARER CARDS – For people who are accompanied by a companion or professional carer, we can organise a discount ticket for the accompanying carer (but not the person being accompanied). Information on this can be obtained by contacting us.

TOILETS – There are accessible toilets at all stops, however there are no toilets on the train. There is a 30 minute train ride between each stop.

The Blues Train is a licensed event, you must be 18 or over to attend. Photo ID is required to be produced upon request.

It is not suitable for babies or children of any age and/or people younger than 18 years of age will not be admitted.

Whilst there is no reserved seating on The Blues Train, each carriage has seats for every patron. The exception is Carriage D (the dance carriage) which has seating for 35 along the sides.

Your ticket gives you an allocated start carriage, and your subsequent carriage order after that.

The carriage orders are as follows:
Start Carriage A – B, C end in Carriage D
Start Carriage B – C, D end in Carriage A
Start Carriage C – D, A end in Carriage B
Start Carriage D – A, B end in Carriage C

Please note these are General Admission tickets. It is vital to book all your tickets in the same start carriage! Booking all tickets under one name in one transaction is your best bet. So remember if you want to be together, book tickets in one hit! As per our terms of sale, there are no refunds or exchanges available once tickets have been purchase (outside of those required by law).

Whilst individual seats in the carriages themselves are not allocated, the start carriage is allocated at the time of purchase. Therefore, it is essential that when booking, if you want to travel with family or friends, you must know which carriage they are starting in (i.e. A, B, C or D, indicated on their ticket) and also that you ensure that you buy tickets for that carriage.

Your ticket will indicate the carriage in which you will begin the journey. Everyone swaps carriages at each platform stop.

The carriage orders are as follows:

Carriage A, moves to B, C, D during the event

Carriage B, moves to C, D, A during the event

Carriage C , moves to D, A, B during the event

Carriage D, moves to A, B, C during the event

Pre-arranged bar tabs are available for our corporate clients or group bookings of 20 or more patrons.

To organise your bar tab please call our office on 1300 885 993, a minimum of 7 business days prior to your travel date to set this up with our team. Photo ID and credit card is required upon your arrival to start your Bar Tab.

As a guide, we suggest allocating $50/head (plus GST) for an all inclusive bar including beer, wine, non-alcoholic and spirits.
Wristbands will be supplied to all of your group members so they can be clearly identified. Please note this is not a drinks package, but a guide to an approximate bar tab spend.

Putting money behind the bar in no way guarantees service of any patron under RSA Regulations.

This is a consumption tab, where you are charged only for what you consume – ie. not an “all inclusive package”.

Payment can be made at the bar by either cash or EFT payment option.

Please note we would recommend you bring cash along, as it may be required in the case of an emergency or system/network errors due to the nature of travelling on a heritage railway.

There is no cash out available and no ATM on site. AMEX and Diners Club cards are not accepted.

As a fully licensed event, there is no BYO on The Blues Train, this includes all liquid beverages, i.e. bottled water, soft drinks, thermoses, coffee and tea, etc.

All bags must be presented for inspection to security upon entry and exit from the event. No alcohol may be removed from the platform at the conclusion of the show (ie. you can’t take it home with you). 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. We are committed to responsible service of alcohol.

Under the current liquor licensing act, a free glass of water is available at the bar upon request.

BEERS – $10

• Furphy
• Hahn Super Dry
• James Squire Alcoholic Ginger Beer
• Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon

WINE – BY THE GLASS

First Glass includes a Blues Train souvenir wine glass – $17.50 / Refills $10.50

• Squealing Pig Prosecco
• 821 South Sauvignon Blanc
• Morgan’s Bay Cabernet Merlot

WINE – SPARKLING

• Upside Down Prosecco – $44

WINE – WHITE

• Little Berry Pinot Grigio – $42
• 821 South Sauvignon Blanc – $42

WINE – RED

• Little Berry Shiraz – $42
• Scotchman’s Hill Pinot Noir – $65
• Devils Lair Cheeky Devil Cabernet Sauvignon – $42
• Morgan’s Bay Cabernet Merlot – $42

SPIRITS – $13

• Jack Daniel’s & Cola
• Jack Daniel’s & Dry
• Isla Lime & Soda
• Gordon’s Gin & Tonic
• Captain Morgan Rum & Cola

NON-ALCOHOLIC – $4

• Water
• Sparkling Water
• Lemon, Lime & Bitters
• Coke No Sugar
• Solo

Please note bar menu’s are subject to change.

A meal is included in the event ticket.

We are happy to provide an alternative meal for guests who require a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, coeliac or specific allergen diet upon request, or to those who may have a medical condition precluding our standard menu items.

To avoid any disappointment, please submit any special dietary requirements to our caterers a minimum of 7 days prior to the show via our online Dietary Request Form. Be ready to give your travel date and your start carriage (indicated on your ticket). There’s no extra charge for alternative meal requests.

In the event you arrive on site and refuse to eat a meal (unless agreed in writing with the promoter), the promoter reserves the right to restrict or refuse consumption of alcohol as part of the event’s Responsible Service of Alcohol policy, as this is a promoted dinner and show event.

Guests starting in Carriages B & D – your carriages will be ready for meal service starting from 6.30pm. There are tables and seats for 35 guests in Carriage D, whilst guests in Carriage B have lap tables available for meal service. Please note there is additional seating available on the platform for guests from either of these carriages during meal service.

Guests starting in Carriages A & C – your carriages will be ready for meal service starting from 7.00pm.

If you have any dietary requirements we are happy to provide an alternative meal choice. Please view our current menu here first, and if required, submit your alternative meal option via the online form a minimum of 7 days prior to your event date.

We are happy to provide an alternative meal for guests who require a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, coeliac or specific allergen diet upon request, or to those who may have a medical condition precluding our standard menu items.

To avoid any disappointment, please submit any special dietary requirements to our caterers a minimum of 7 days prior to the show via our online Dietary Request Form. Be ready to give your travel date and your start carriage (indicated on your ticket). There’s no extra charge for alternative meal requests.

The Blues Train Menu

• Slow-cooked Cajun inspired Beef Brisket (GF)
• Chargrilled Chicken with Tarragon and White Wine sauce (GF)
• Tuscan buttered potatoes or Chive Mash Potato (GF & Veg)
• Fresh Seasonal Garden Salad with Feta & Olives (GF & Veg)
• Honey Glazed carrots (GF & Veg)
• Dinner rolls or Cornbread with easy spread butter (GF rolls available upon request)

Condiments include a range of medium and hot BBQ sauces, tabasco hot sauce, seeded mustard, mango chutney, sour cream, assorted pickled vegetables and salt & pepper.

Our meals are accompanied by fresh dinner rolls or cornbread (GF rolls available upon request) with easy spread butter and served on China plates with stainless steel cutlery. Two-ply napkins are provided.

We are happy to provide special meals for people on a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, coeliac or specific allergen diet upon request, or to those who may have a medical condition precluding our standard menu items. To avoid any disappointment, please submit any special dietary requirements to our caterers a minimum of 7 days prior to the show via our online Dietary Request Form.

Note –
We confirm there are no nuts in any of the meals provided, however the commercial kitchen preparing the meals do have nuts on the premise and other ingredients have ‘may contain nuts’ on their packaging, so we cannot guarantee there is no contact on our menu with nuts.

Our current season of show dates for January to May 2025 are now on sale.

Check out BOOK A SHOW for all available event dates.

Tickets for October to December 2025 Blues Train events will be on sale mid 2025.

See our Show Dates page for ticket availability.

We understand that sometimes events collide or can be double booked, it’s life, it happens to the best of us!

Where possible we will try to transfer your event tickets to another date within the same season.

Simply contact our customer service team to discuss – 1300 885 993.

Please note only one transfer is available per ticket order. Tickets must be transferred to a date within the same event season.

Follow this link to read our Terms & Conditions

For people wishing to ride on the Blues Train who require professional carers, we can offer a discount ticket* for one accompanying carer (Companion Card holder) per booking.

The primary ticket purchaser needs to purchase their ticket at full price. This discounted rate is only for the companion. Both tickets must be booked together. These must be booked via the Blues Train booking line on 1300885993 or contact us. We do advise to contact our customer service team the month prior to your booking date to make arrangements for each of entry and assistance if required.

We have wheelchair access on the Blues Train, however due to the age of the heritage train carriages and the width of the doorways and arrangement of fixed seats, mobility can be limited. Please refer to our FAQ specifically about wheelchair access.

*Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional code or offer.

The Blues Train runs rain, hail or shine and is only cancelled under extreme circumstances.

In the event of a show cancellation we will make every attempt to contact patrons prior to the date to advise. It’s important to leave a contact phone number and email address when making your ticket purchase.

Please also see our Terms & Conditions for full information.

​There are no toilets located on The Blues Train during travel. Toilets are are located every 30 minutes at each platform stop.
​There are modern private toilets at the Queenscliff Railway Station; public toilets and clean private portaloo’s at Suma Park platform; and public toilets at Drysdale Station.
​Wheelchair-access toilets are available at Queenscliff, Suma Park and Drysdale stations.

In the event of a total fire ban, The Blues Train is pulled by a diesel engine.

Be Prepared – you won’t be cold in the carriages, but you may need a jacket when you exit the train during the breaks. Throughout the winter months, you will be seated in your starting carriage upon arrival and cafe style heaters are placed along the Queenscliff platform to keep the chill at bay whilst receive your meal, visit the bar and depart the show.

Check the weather forecast and bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Please note that there is limited cover at Drysdale and almost none at Suma Park, so if its a rainy evening, waterproof jackets are a good idea. Keep in mind that you will be out until almost midnight, so it will be much colder when you are going home than when you leave the house. Also keep in mind that during the stops (three times during the evening, when you change carriages, refill at the bar, have a smoke and use the toilets) you will be outdoors for about 15 minutes while our security staff check and clean carriages. Even on the coldest night, the carriages get quite warm and on the hottest night, the carriages can be very hot, as they are not air-conditioned. Layers are a good idea!

You can wear whatever you like on the Blues Train (almost)!

Dress for a celebration, or just wear your favourite old jeans.

It is important to note:

• Smart/Casual clothing is recommended
• No workwear (hi-vis, boots, drill pants etc)
• No thongs,  sandals, Birkenstock style footwear, Crocs
• No singlets or board shorts
• No Club colours (at any time)
• No sportswear
• No football jumpers
• No logos or artwork that may be deemed offensive to others
• Open-toe shoes are acceptable as long as the heel has a strap, and the foot is secure in the shoe, high heels & stiletto’s are not recommended

Keep in mind that you will be out until almost midnight, so it will be much colder when you are going home than when you leave the house. Also keep in mind that during the stops (three times during the evening, when you change carriages, refill at the bar, have a smoke and use the toilets) you will be outdoors for about 15-20 minutes while our security staff check and clean carriages.

Even on the coldest night, the carriages get quite warm and on the hottest night, the carriages can be very hot, as they are not air-conditioned. Layers are a good idea! Please note that there is limited cover at Drysdale platform and almost none at Suma Park platform, so if it’s a rainy evening, waterproof jackets are a good idea.