All aboard the Elvis Express for regional tourism | Australian Markets

At this time over 250 Elvis Presley followers, many wearing blue suede sneakers, are climbing aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Specific embarking on the seven-hour pilgrimage to the annual Parkes Elvis Competition.

In the course of the 365km practice service, passengers will have interaction in a little much less dialog as they’re handled to singalongs and stay performances by Elvis tribute artists, and taking within the stunning surroundings by means of the Blue Mountains and central western NSW farming nation.

The Parkes Elvis pageant runs from, January 8 – 12 and is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest celebration of The King with over 350 occasions, many with free entry. Because the first occasion in 1993 the Parkes Elvis, this regional pageant has grown to draw over 11,000 people to the NSW city of Parkes and inject $11 million into the native economic system.

The Minns Labor Authorities is backing the Parkes Elvis Competition by means of Vacation spot NSW occasion funding, the Transport for NSW Open Streets program and the NSW TrainLink Elvis Specific service.

Occasions just like the Parkes Elvis Competition are a key half of Minns Labor Authorities’s plan to grow the NSW customer economic system by supporting communities to host occasions that mirror the native character and create genuine experiences that entice guests and drive expenditure for native companies.

Tourism Analysis Australia figures from the 12 months ending September 2024 show regional NSW contributed a file $26 billion (49%) of the general NSW customer economic system. A key strategy for persevering with growth in regional tourism is supporting occasions just like the Parkes Elvis Competition.

In 2024/2025 Vacation spot NSW is investing in more than 85 regional occasions, together with:

•Tamworth Nation Music Competition
•Nice Southern Nights
•Bluesfest
•Narooma Oyster Competition
•Mundi Mundi Bash
•Bathurst 1000
•Deni Ute Muster
•Extremely-Path Kosciuszko

In October the Authorities launched its review into the NSW Customer Financial system Technique 2030 and dedicated to a new 2035 goal of $91 billion in annual expenditure, a 40% increase on the earlier objective. The review projected that regional NSW tourism will account for $44 billion of that 2035 state-wide goal.

For more details about travelling to occasions in regional NSW with NSW TrainLink go to https://transportnsw.data/regional or call 13 22 32.

John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism stated:

“This Parkes Elvis Festival is a cracking example of a NSW regional town doing its own thing and creating a multi-decade success story that attracts thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world.

“Regional communities will play a vital role in growing our state’s visitor economy. Of our 2035 $91 billion growth target, regional NSW will attract a very large proportion of that spending.

“Visitors Can’t Help Falling In Love with regional NSW which is why the government is backing towns like Parkes to host events that put their communities on the map and drive expenditure for local businesses.

“The Elvis Express is one of the most scenic and hilarious train journeys in the country. We wish all the hound dogs a great trip.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads stated:

“The NSW Government is very proud to provide a fun-filled transport option for Elvis fans heading to the festival. The NSW TrainLink Elvis Express offers fans the chance to immerse themselves in Elvis culture from the moment they board.

“This event is a key tourism event in the Central West and it’s great to support it through our regional rail services.

“The festival’s global reach and the enthusiasm it inspires highlight the power of regional tourism to bring people together while supporting local communities and businesses.”

Impartial Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP stated:

“Now in its 32nd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival has grown beyond founders’ Bob and Anne Steele’s wildest imagination, and it’s now a permanent fixture in our state’s marquee event calendar.

“NSW Trainlink’s Elvis Express is unique element of the festival, and this themed travel service enriches the experience for those travelling by rail from Sydney to attend this 5-day event.”

TrainLink Chief Government, Roger Weeks stated:

“Passengers can enjoy the live entertainment all while travelling in comfort, with access to amenities such as air-conditioned carriages, comfortable seating, our buffet car service and onboard toilets.”

Elvis Specific Driver, Peter White stated:

“The Elvis Express is truly a one-of-a-kind journey because it’s not every day that you’re at the helm of a train filled with hundreds of passengers singing, laughing, and dressed like Elvis.

“The atmosphere is always ‘next level’ especially when you come into Central, and you see everyone from all over the world and from different backgrounds dancing and enjoying themselves.

“I absolutely love this time of year because as someone who was born and raised in Parkes, I really enjoy the atmosphere that both the festival and the train bring to our community.”

Quote attributable to Mayor of Parkes Shire, Council Neil Westcott:

“The Parkes Elvis Festival continues to go from strength to strength, and we are excited to be presenting an action-packed 354 shows throughout the five days.

“There is also a lot of excitement building as thousands head down to Parkes Railway Station to welcome the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express.”

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