TRAIN operator Queensland Rail has today confirmed a second weekly return service for the iconic Westlander, as reported in our LOCAL NEWS today.
Acccording to QR, the second weekly Westlander return service will resume from the first week of next month after fears the train could disappear altogther.
A similar outcome has been announced for the Inlander, which connects Mount Isa with Townsville and the rest of the QR network.
The announcement relating to the two regional trains follows ongoing industrial action, plus a level crossing accident involving the Westlander in July.
QR’s Head of Regional Scott Cornish says the return of the aforementioned services was welcome news for regional and remote communities.
“The resumption of the second weekly return services on the Westlander and Inlander is a significant milestone,” he says in a prepared statement.
“We know these disruptions have had an impact on the communities we serve and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”
At present, on a weekly basis, QR is operating one return service by rail and a second return service by coach.
In the case of the Westlander, commissioned in the 1950s, there are also connecting buses, as per usual, to Quilpie and Cunnamulla.
It was initially reported that ‘normal programming’ would return next Friday but QR, via that media release, has since set the record straight.
“Services will progressively resume from August, with the westbound Westlander returning on Tuesday 4 August,” Cornish explains.
“Followed by the eastbound Westlander and westbound Inlander on Wednesday 5 August, and the eastbound Inlander on Thursday 6 August.
“We’re pleased to be taking this final step towards reconnecting communities and look forward to welcoming customers back onboard next month.”
The Westlander finally returned to Charleville last Wednesday for the first time in almost three months, generating plenty of local interest.
PHOTO: The iconic Westlander, serving the South-West since the 1950s, between Charleville and Brisbane’s Roma St station.
POSTED: Tuesday, July 21, 2026