All Aboard the Elvis Express for Regional Tourism!

During the 365-kilometre train service, passengers will engage in a little less conversation as they’re treated to singalongs and live performances by Elvis tribute artists, and taking in the beautiful scenery through the Blue Mountains and central western NSW farming country.

The Parkes Elvis festival runs from 8 to 12 January and is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of The King with over 350 events, including at Parkes Leagues Club and Parkes Services Club. Many events are free entry.

Since the first event in 1993 the Parkes Elvis, this regional festival has grown to attract over 11,000 people to the NSW town of Parkes and inject $11 million into the local economy.

The Minns Labor Government is backing the Parkes Elvis Festival through Destination NSW event funding, the Transport for NSW Open Streets program and the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express service. 

Events like the Parkes Elvis Festival are a key part of Minns Labor Government’s plan to grow the NSW visitor economy by supporting communities to host events that reflect the local character and create authentic experiences that attract visitors and drive expenditure for local businesses.

“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,” says John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism.

“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.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Council, Neil Westcott, says the Elvis Festival is becoming bigger and better every year.

“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,” Neil says. 

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

Tourism Research Australia figures from the year ending September 2024 show regional NSW contributed a record $26 billion (49 per cent) of the overall NSW visitor economy. A key strategy for continuing growth in regional tourism is supporting events like the Parkes Elvis Festival.

In 2024/2025 Destination NSW is investing in more than 85 regional events, including: 

• Tamworth Country Music Festival 
• Great Southern Nights 
• Bluesfest 
• Narooma Oyster Festival 
• Mundi Mundi Bash 
• Bathurst 1000 
• Deni Ute Muster 
• Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko.

In October 2024, the Government released its review into the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and committed to a new 2035 target of $91 billion in annual expenditure, a 40 per cent increase on the previous goal. The review projected that regional NSW tourism will account for $44 billion of that 2035 state-wide target.