Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park & Railway will become the base for the operation of a new tourist train, the Ozback Explorer, due to commence service in late 2004. The outback rail adventure is being established by the founder of South Africa's Shongololo Rail Safaris, Mr George Milaras.

The Ozback Explorer will travel between Sydney and Darwin via Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Alice Springs and would differentiate itself from rival journeys by travelling relatively short distances overnight and carrying air-conditioned mini-buses to take passengers on a choice of day trips at each stop. Ozback plans to operate seven journeys between Sydney and Darwin and seven in the reverse direction between February 20, 2004 and April 1, 2005. The train will be also available for charter outside scheduled journeys.

The company will offer a 19 day package aimed primarily at travellers who want the complete journey, but Ozback said it would also sell a limited number of sectors, ranging from seven to 12 days. The air-conditioned train will carry fewer than 90 guests, offering four types of accommodation from double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities, video player and fridge to twin and single cabins with shared shower/WC facilities at the end of the carriage. The train will have a buffet car, non-smoking lounge with a small library and a selection of Australian videos and a bar and will be staffed by a crew of 15.

It is believed that Mr Milaras has spent more than $1.5 million refurbishing local rolling stock. The Board of SMHP & R has offered him an area at the State Mine site for the establishment of a compound to facilitate both the internal refurbishment and mechanical maintenance of the carriages by certified tradesman. After the service commences in February 2004 with completion of the Alice Springs to Darwin rail link the Ozback Explorer will be serviced and maintained in Lithgow.

The project took an important step forward in late January when eight vintage carriages arrived in Lithgow from Junee. After being delivered to Eskbank yard by Pacific National, they were hauled along the museum siding to the State Mine Heritage Park & Railway to await restoration.

The Chairman of the SMHP& R, Michael Wilson said they were delighted to be involved with this exciting and innovative project. We have some of the infrastructure required and see a synergy between ourselves and Ozback Explorer being very beneficial not only to the State Mine project but to Lithgow as a whole. Apart from the usual tourist activities we see the project bringing employment, increased retail spending and will put Lithgow under the international spotlight. In general it will be very good for regional tourism.