Indian Pacific Outback Christmas Train will bring Chocolate Starfish to Bathurst

The train’s path will span 4352 kilometres from Sydney to Perth in a journey that will take three nights and four days.

Bathurst organiser Tracey Bannon-Read said the train will arrive right on time at 7.30pm, and people are advised to arrive early with their folding chairs to ensure they have a good view of the performance. The group will play in the area near the Chifley Engine. 

Chocolate Starfish is probably best remembered for their highest charting single You’re So Vain, a cover version of Carly Simon’s 1972 hit. It appeared at number 11 on the ARIA Singles Chart in September 1993. 

Ms Bannon-Read said Bathurst is the first station in line for the Christmas celebration.

“Leaving Sydney mid-afternoon, the train will be following a strict schedule, so don’t be late,” she said.

Ms Bannon-Read said the group will be performing Christmas carols with children from the Assumption School. In fact, the children and members of Chocolate Starfish have already written a song together and this will be performed to an enthusiastic crowd tomorrow.

A tin will be passed around on the night to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 

Great Southern Rail will match the amount raised during the train’s journey across the continent.

From Bathurst, the train will travel to Watson, Rawlinna and on to Kalgoorlie as it makes its way to Perth.

Ms Bannon-Read said in some of the remote outback towns people travel for many miles to meet the train and enjoy a free concert.