The Experience

ARRIVAL

6:15pm

The Blues Train starts and finishes in Queenscliff. You’ll go on an incredible blues journey down the tracks, and at the end you’ll be safely deposited back on the historic Queenscliff railway platform.

We ask all patrons to arrive at 6.15pm. On arrival, you will present your tickets and move onto the platform (which is heated on cool nights). If it’s raining, you’ll be ushered straight onto the train.

Remember, your ticket displays your carriage order. You will spend time in each of the four carriages, changing during the intervals described later.

A range of merchandise, including drink buckets and stubby holders, will be available at the gate.

READ ON to find out more about the journey: the bar, the meal, departure and music, intervals and finale.

The Bar

6:15pm – 7:55pm

Our T-Bar is open from 6.15pm, operating from the guard’s van at the back of the train.

There is no access to the bar while the train is moving, so you need to purchase enough drinks to have with your meal and for the first 30 minute journey. The bar reopens at each of the three interval stops along the way.

We stock a range of great local wines, beer and cider, spirits and soft drinks. Click here for a full list of drinks and prices.

The bar is cash only and there’s NO BYO. There are ATMs at the Esplanade Hotel 200 metres from the station and on Hesse Street.
Naturally, responsible service of alcohol applies; please note our Terms and Conditions.

The Meal

7:00pm – 7:55pm

At 7pm, after Hugo’s official welcome, we will start calling you to come through for dinner in groups according to your start carriage.

Dinner is eaten before the train leaves the station. Depending on your start carriage, you will either eat in your carriage or at tables on the platform.

The meal is a delicious buffet comprising of baked chicken and roast beef, baked potatoes and steamed vegies or salads (depending on the season), with bread rolls.

Vegetarians and people with food allergies should give us prior notice to request a special meal.

Our menu changes seasonally, click below to read our menu and other information about the meals.

Departure & Music

7:55pm

At 7.55pm we blow the whistle and call ‘all aboard’ for an 8pm departure.

We advise you to stock up on drinks for the next half an hour and make a quick toilet stop before we leave, then board the carriage letter that is listed first on your ticket (A, B, C or D).

The journey includes four musical performances of 30 minutes each, with an interval and rest stop between each. You change carriages at each interval so that everyone gets to see all four acts.

In carriage A we usually have a duo playing in the centre of the carriage. In carriage B we have a solo musician in the same spot. In carriage C we usually have a trio playing up one end. Carriage D has seating along the sides and a dance floor in the middle with a small stage up one end for a full band. This is the one that tests your ‘sea legs’ and many think is the most fun.

Intervals

We have three intervals during the event, during which everyone changes carriages and has an opportunity to go to the loo, go to the bar (and smoke if you are a smoker).

We stop for intervals at Suma Park platform and then at Drysdale Station, where we turn around and head back towards Queenscliff via one more stop at Suma Park.

At Drysdale Station we shine floodlights on the train and there’s an official opportunity to have your photo taken in front of the steam engine (as with all trains there is a gap – mind the gap and stand well clear of the platform edge, and remember climbing on the engine is a big no no!).

Also at Drysdale Station the railway volunteers open the snack bar selling ice creams, chips and hot drinks.

Bean Cravin Coffee Van is onsite at Drysdale most nights serving a delicous selection of hot drinks.

We have security available throughout the evening to assist with boarding and ensure safety.

Finale

11:30PM

The last leg of the event, seeing your fourth act, is usually pretty lively and you’ll probably be up on your feet dancing!

We roll back into Queenscliff station between 11.15 and 11.30pm.
The toilets will be open and you’ll have another chance to purchase Blues Train merchandise on the gate as you exit.

Any remaining unopened drinks can be refunded at the gate; they may not be removed from the venue.

If you need a taxi or maxitaxi, we strongly recommend you prebook and reconfirm your booking. Understandably there’s a strong demand as soon as the event concludes.