Armstrong to hand over Blues Train

THE Blues Train is on the market for the first time in its 29-year history.

Queenscliff business figure Hugo T. Armstrong has announced he will be stepping away from the Blues Train after close to three decades in charge, declaring now as the “right time to hand over the baton”.

The Blues Train has been a staple of Queenscliff since 1994 and provided locals and visitors with an opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Bellarine Peninsula while indulging in fine food and wines, and the best live blues and roots performers.

The music experience operates from October till May and welcomes 7,000 people annually, bringing an estimated $3.1 million into the area each year.

Mr Armstrong said his tenure at the Blues Train had plenty of ups and downs, including surviving two global financial crises and the COVID pandemic.

“This is a business in 1994 which didn’t have a website, we didn’t have anything, we just had a few pieces of A4 paper.

“Somewhat it feels like a lifetime ago, but 29 years has come around really quickly.

“This was a business that was always worth saving, particularly during COVID where we could have just all walked away.

“When we finally got it back up and going after the two-and-a-half-year hiatus in April-May 2022, people just turned up in their droves.

“I felt it was too significant and unique to tourism and live music to let go during those difficult times.

“It brings around $3.1 million into the town a year.

“The patrons I’ve met, the friendships, the staff, the incredible musicians and the volunteers who keep the railway going, everything has just grown, the highlights have been incredible.”

Mr Armstrong said steering the Blues Train forward was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, particularly with it approaching its 30th anniversary in January 2024.

“Hopefully there will be new owners who can take it further for another 30 years and why not? It’s the longest running blues and roots music venue in Australian history and people love it.

“We are certainly not winding down; we are winding up to our 30th year.

“The new owners could be someone who might want to make a lifestyle choice and do a sea change.

“It’ll be someone who is keen to be a curator of the business moving forward, because there are too many people who rely on it as one of our hero tourism experiences.

“We are working to figure out the right mix.”

Expressions of interest are being sought and are open to anyone with a passion for hospitality, caterers, tourism, accommodation or entertainment.

For more information, head to crebrokers.com/properties/hotels-bars/queenscliff-vic