Outback Xplorer

The Outback Xplorer is an Australian passenger train operated by NSW TrainLink between Sydney and Broken Hill via the Main Western line.

The Outback Xplorer leaving Broken Hill on the morning of 10 March 2020. Note the special coupler covering used for protection against wildlife strikes.

Outback Xplorer
CountryLink Xplorer in Goulburn
in March 2012
Overview
Service typePassenger train
StatusOperational
First serviceMarch 1996
Current operator(s)NSW TrainLink
Route
StartSydney
EndBroken Hill
Distance travelled1,125 kilometres
Average journey time13 hours
Service frequencyweekly
Line(s) usedMain Western
Broken Hill
Technical
Rolling stockXplorer

History

CountryLink commenced operating the service in March 1996 honouring a commitment by the Carr State Government to reintroduce a rail service to Broken Hill which had lost its rail service when the Silver City Comet was replaced by a road coach service in November 1989.[1]

It was initially formed of 1940s vintage locomotive-hauled HUB/RUB carriages, usually hauled by a Clyde Engineering built 81 class locomotive New South Wales 81 class locomotive.[2] In April 2000, the service ceased due to the condition of the carriages.[3] Although not its official name, it was known as the Outback Express.

After a couple of years, the service resumed with Xplorer railcars, operating as a set of three with carriage numbering A (first class and buffet car), B (economy) and D (economy with disability access seating area/toilet facilities). Since the introduction of Xplorer railcars, the service runs to Broken Hill on Mondays, returning to Sydney on Tuesdays.[4]

References
  1. "The Official Last Comet" Railway Digest February 1990 page 55
  2. "Countrylink's 'new' Daylight Express cars" Railway Digest February 1996 page 40
  3. "CountryLink Loco-Hauled Services Cancelled" Railway Digest May 2000 page 7
  4. "Western timetable". NSW Trainlink. 7 September 2019.
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