The Blues Train
The Blues Train
4.4
Historical & Heritage ToursScenic RailroadsTheatre & Performances
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
6:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
Full view
About
Welcome to The Blues Train Australia’s Unique Music Experience Experience LIVE MUSIC ON A HERITAGE TRAIN as you travel along the scenic Bellarine Railway. Enjoy the journey through the carriages and dance the night away with 4 AMAZING LIVE BLUES & ROOTS ENTERTAINERS.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.4
701 reviews
Excellent
441
Very good
154
Average
58
Poor
24
Terrible
25
Kelly L
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
We had a great night out on the Blues Train! Food was tasty and plentiful and the artists were great, really got everyone in the mood to sing and dance along. Met lots of other lovely passengers along the way and the whole event had a warm, welcoming vibe. Parking was easy but if you can I’d recommend a stay in Queenscliff so you can have a few drinks and walk back to your accommodation. Jump on board with the aim to have fun and you won’t be disappointed!
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gavin L
Clifton Springs, Australia7 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We just celebrated our 10 year Anniversary on Blues Train with about 30 people and Hugo plus team made for an amazing experience (as always) with a yummy dinner included to get started (enough for seconds if still hungry), Friendly Staff, competitive bar pricing and amazing rocking Artists for the entertainment.
We met on the Blues Train, had our wedding at the station then started celebrations on the Blues Train and have been back many times and always have a rockin Goodtime either with a group or as couple !
Great work Guys and thanks for looking after us yet again!!!
Cheers
Gavin & Samara
We met on the Blues Train, had our wedding at the station then started celebrations on the Blues Train and have been back many times and always have a rockin Goodtime either with a group or as couple !
Great work Guys and thanks for looking after us yet again!!!
Cheers
Gavin & Samara
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad you had an incredible night Gavin. Thanks for choosing the Blues Train to celebrate your anniversary!
Written 9 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
garyrU7172XN
Melbourne, Australia417 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
The evening started with purchasing some drinks and obtaining our meals before boarding our first designated old but quaint carriage. Upon departure the performers began and entertained us with great upbeat music with a few of our crew dancing in the confined space. At our first stop we moved into the next carriage where another band had everybody engaged in their great performance. By the end we had travelled back and forth from Queenscliffe in 4 different carriages entertained by impressive performers. It was a brilliant and different nights entertainment which I can highly recommend.
Written 3 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased your enjoyed your experience with us, great times and great memories to share!
Written 8 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nomad696701
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
TERRIBLE. . . . This was out second time on the Blues Train and we will never go back. My husband was handed a bottle of water and told that he needed to get me to drink it as management had advised i was too drunk, he thought he was joking as this was not the case. At the next stop i spoke to the "manager" and asked what the issue was i was told it was a "miscommunication", by this time out night was ruined. We were then stuck on the train for another half an hour. I took my UNOPENED bottle of wine back to get a refund at the end of the night and again spoke to the "manager" who was rude and unapologetic.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Naturally we are disappointed that the night did not meet your expectations. However, we also note that we’ve received no correspondence post event via the website prior to posting this review. Therefore we would like to provide the following feedback and response.
The Blues Train has always practiced responsible serving of alcohol in line with Victorian Government regulations and whilst evaluating potential in intoxication is by no means an exact science, security and staff take into account many factors in checking on and/or evaluating the welfare of our patrons, especially in very hot weather.
When there is hot weather, we hand out free bottles of water to many patrons, not just because of responsible serving of alcohol, but this is also as a health and safety protocol, on top of the free water, which is available from the bar. Our security guards in each carriage are equipped with extra bottles of water every night, and just because someone is handed a free bottle of water, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re intoxicated. It may just mean that we are checking on their welfare
What we can establish is that you were provided with a safe journey, that included responsible serving of alcohol and the provision of free water. We also can confirm that you were provided with a full refund of any unopened drinks as per our policy and procedures. Clearly, you are disappointed in the way this was handled, and we can assure you that we make every reasonable effort to manage people’s health, safety and well-being, including potential levels of alcohol consumption and heat exhaustion to the very best of our abilities. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as “perfect” service of alcohol; however we make no apology for checking on a patron's well-being and making every effort to communicate our health and safety policies and procedures on a heritage steam train on a very hot night.
Written 25 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
caramar
Beaumaris, Australia7 contributions
Mar 2023
How Disappointing!.. ! ...! Food was appalling, chat potatoes stone cold, rolls stale, pulled meat inedible,(what was it) chicken was offcuts not breasts, no honey/mustard sauce in sight. No steam locomotive, no photo opportunities, alcohol overpriced.
Having said that the bands were pretty good, and watching the patrons engage in their own personal alcohol induced "slow train wrecks" as the night wore on, was in itself entertaining.
Go for the music, not the food.
Having said that the bands were pretty good, and watching the patrons engage in their own personal alcohol induced "slow train wrecks" as the night wore on, was in itself entertaining.
Go for the music, not the food.
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mounty
Portarlington, Australia1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
What a great night. Four different performers/groups - all terrific. Dinner was simple but good and plenty of it. Also of note was the crowd it attracted - you could tell it was going to be fun long before we pulled out of the station.
It's a much bigger operation than you'd think. Hugo runs it and believe me, it's not just the train that's well oiled!
It's a much bigger operation than you'd think. Hugo runs it and believe me, it's not just the train that's well oiled!
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad you had a great night!
Written 9 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gavin F
Sydney, Australia37 contributions
Oct 2022
I went with a group of people and we had a ball!! We stayed at a walking distance Air B'n'B, had drinks at the Queenscliff Brewhouse (Beer tastings and Gin Tastings in the same room!), lunch at the Trident Fish Bar (You can tell why they've won Best Fish & Chips in Victoria in 2017, 2019 and 2021!) Even the Queenscliff Bakery has won Australia's Best Meat Pie for 2022! I had one, the chunky beef, and I totally agree!!!.
So, its not just the Blues Train that's so special about Queenscliff! However, once you start, with Marshall Hugo, in his large hat, telling everyone how the system works then its onto your carriage you've been assigned. Its time to grab some drinks - I recommend the ones in the souvenir ice bucket. Then each carriage is called out to dinner, with three salads and two meats - love that mustard chicken!! Then the train starts rolling and the bands start rocking. At every stop there's time to refill drinks, go to the toilet and change carriages. So, you get to see each act for half an hour before you go to another carriage. People were dancing, singing along and digging the music!! After four changes everyone comes off the train with big smiles on their faces and vowing to do this again real soon! Hugo even told us about a great place for breakfast, Ocean View Kiosk which overlooks Shortland Bluff - the food was Yum! and the view was Yum! as well! I flew down from Sydney just for the Blues Train and it was well worth it!!!
So, its not just the Blues Train that's so special about Queenscliff! However, once you start, with Marshall Hugo, in his large hat, telling everyone how the system works then its onto your carriage you've been assigned. Its time to grab some drinks - I recommend the ones in the souvenir ice bucket. Then each carriage is called out to dinner, with three salads and two meats - love that mustard chicken!! Then the train starts rolling and the bands start rocking. At every stop there's time to refill drinks, go to the toilet and change carriages. So, you get to see each act for half an hour before you go to another carriage. People were dancing, singing along and digging the music!! After four changes everyone comes off the train with big smiles on their faces and vowing to do this again real soon! Hugo even told us about a great place for breakfast, Ocean View Kiosk which overlooks Shortland Bluff - the food was Yum! and the view was Yum! as well! I flew down from Sydney just for the Blues Train and it was well worth it!!!
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you had a ball with us! Fly down any time and enjoy so more memories with us on the tracks!!
Written 8 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William B
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Friends
Being on the blues train is like a mini festival. Everyone is excited from the minute you walk through the gate and the mood is contagious. All the staff are welcoming and happy to be apart of show, this really was apparent when asking questions about how the night would proceed. The food was great, the bar had a diverse range of drinks to choose from and even non alcoholic beverages. The band's and musicians were first rate. Listening to music on an old steam train was very enjoyable and everyone in our group can't wait to to do it again.thank you blues train for a most memorable night out and see you again down the track.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheers for the review J5866WQwilliamb, we look forward to hosting you again soon!
Written 24 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RACHEL P
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Friends
I brough this as a gift for my parents who organised to go with a group of friends, It was the worst experience that they had encountered.
Firstly they had over booked by about 20 people so people had to stand up which meant that when dinner was served people had to stand up and eat. The menu advertised certain alcohol only to not have it on board or it was hot. There were people on the train busting to go to the toilet to which they refused to stop so they were forced to pee in the buckets that you got your alcohol in and had to tip it out of the window, now we are talking about people in their 60 and 70's, then the train broke down and they had to wait and hour and half to have it fixed. Now its called the Blues train so you would think you would be listening to blues music, not on this train, they had a heavy metal band playing which was loud, deafening not enjoyed at all. The people running the train should be absolutely ashamed and embarrassed that this happened and should be giving people their money back that's how bad it was.
Firstly they had over booked by about 20 people so people had to stand up which meant that when dinner was served people had to stand up and eat. The menu advertised certain alcohol only to not have it on board or it was hot. There were people on the train busting to go to the toilet to which they refused to stop so they were forced to pee in the buckets that you got your alcohol in and had to tip it out of the window, now we are talking about people in their 60 and 70's, then the train broke down and they had to wait and hour and half to have it fixed. Now its called the Blues train so you would think you would be listening to blues music, not on this train, they had a heavy metal band playing which was loud, deafening not enjoyed at all. The people running the train should be absolutely ashamed and embarrassed that this happened and should be giving people their money back that's how bad it was.
Written 4 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger G
Queenscliff, Australia4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
From Hugo T’s warm welcome through to rocking and rolling in each carriage the whole experience is simply a great. Each of the performers really delivers and are masters of their craft. The renovated carriages and that magnificent steam train presents a unique world class experience.
It was nothing but smiles from those on board.The Blues Train is a must do experience and deserves its iconic reputation.
It was nothing but smiles from those on board.The Blues Train is a must do experience and deserves its iconic reputation.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review rogergC7747VF, so pleased you enjoyed your night out and thanks for being a part of our Revival Concert Series.
Written 24 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I know there is no byo drinks but can l bring my own wine glasses
Written 5 October 2019
TheBluesTrain
Queenscliff, Australia
Hi,
You are welcome to BYO plastic wine glasses to the Blues Train. NO GLASS though, please.
Written 29 October 2019
To all those reading these reviews be careful....A lot of the positive reviews here are probably fake.....The music is a joke most nights...The food is always aweful...The train is not a nostalgic steam train...The toilets are 3rd world....you have been warned.....do anything else in that area...not this rubbish.
Written 12 March 2019
We had the best night on the blues train great music good food plenty to eat and more offered later in the night great people we would do it all again
If you didn’t have the best fun it’s your own fault!
Written 12 March 2019
Looking for recommendations for lovely accommodation for a coupe within walking distance to the blues train ??
Written 8 October 2018
For a stay in historic Queenscliff it would be hard to go past the old world charm of either The Vue Grand at 46 Hesse St. (Reception
Call 03 5258 1544 hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm)
or for a more intimate setting Athelstane House 4 Hobson St. call 03 5258 1024.
We’ve stayed at both and we’re warm welcomed and enjoyed our stay and the entire local experience.
Written 8 October 2018
I agree with this review. When dancers are up you cannot see the performers and it was these same four people who caused problems on the rest of the carriages. Talking over the performers and being obnoxious while security watched it happen. Did anyone else experience this behaviour
Written 26 April 2017
All good on the night we attended, no problems.
Written 28 April 2017
Will the train be running in September
Written 12 March 2016
There are no trains in June and July and it re-starts in August. Check out the website!
Written 14 March 2016
Hi. We are having a girls week end to Queenscliff. The week end of the 2/9/2016--5/9/2016
will the Blues Train be running that time of the year.
Written 12 March 2016
My understanding is that they run every Saturday night.
FYI - a few of the hotels down there offer a courtesy bus. Go on The Blues Train website and it has links to the affiliated establishments. Word of warning for your group, no high heels/stilettos, particularly if you like dancing to Blues music or you'll roll an ankle trying to keep your balance. You'll have a ball.
Enjoy your weekend!! 🚂🚂
Written 14 March 2016
rederbby
Melbourne, Australia
where can I find information as to when the performances are...time days....?
Written 3 August 2015
TheBluesTrain
Queenscliff, Australia
Hi there our website has all the details - check our listing for more information
Written 4 August 2015
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