The Outback Xplorer is an Australian passenger train service operated by NSW TrainLink between Sydney and Broken Hill via the Main Western line. Commencing in March 1996, it was initially a locomotive-pulled service. It ceased in early 2000 due to the poor state of the passenger carriages, but resumed in May 2000 using Xplorer railcars.[1]
 The Outback Xplorer leaving Broken Hill on the morning of 10 March 2020. Note the special coupler covering used for protection against wildlife strikes. | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Passenger train |
| Status | Operational |
| First service | March 1996 |
| Current operator(s) | NSW TrainLink |
| Former operator(s) | State Rail Authority Countrylink |
| Route | |
| Termini | Sydney Broken Hill |
| Stops | 15 |
| Distance travelled | 1,125 kilometres |
| Average journey time | 13 hours |
| Service frequency | weekly |
| Line(s) used | Main Western Broken Hill |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | First class & Economy |
| Seating arrangements | 2x2 configuration |
| Catering facilities | On-board buffet |
| Baggage facilities | Overhead racks |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | Xplorer |
History
editCountryLink 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.[2]
Unofficially known as the Outback Express, it was initially formed of 1940s vintage locomotive-hauled HUB/RUB carriages, usually hauled by a Clyde Engineering built 81 class locomotive.[3] In April 2000, the service ceased due to the condition of the carriages.[4]
In May 2000, 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.[5]
References
edit- ^ "CountryLink Loco-Hauled Services Cancelled" Railway Digest May 2000
- ^ "The Official Last Comet" Railway Digest February 1990 page 55
- ^ "Countrylink's 'new' Daylight Express cars" Railway Digest February 1996 page 40
- ^ "CountryLink Loco-Hauled Services Cancelled" Railway Digest May 2000 page 7
- ^ "Western timetable". NSW TrainLink. 7 September 2019.