The Blues Train finds new owner

THE Blues Train will soon be pulling out of the station under a new owner, with Daniel Kay taking over from founder Hugo T. Armstrong.

The transition marks the end of a 12-month search and the end of an era, as Mr Armstrong, a Point Lonsdale local, bids farewell.

Mr Armstrong is incredibly appreciative about the three decades he has had at The Blues Train and the hundreds of thousands of patrons, musicians and railway volunteers who have contributed to making the Blues Train a premier tourism and music destination.

“I’m extremely happy to announce Daniel as the new business owner,” he said today (Tuesday, May 21).

“We first met Daniel in January and last week we were able to finalize what has been a lengthy and rewarding process of appointing the right person to take The Blues Train into the future, not
only for our visitors and musicians but also to ensure the support and income that it provides for the incredible volunteer-run Bellarine Railway.”

Orginally from Arizona in the US, Mr Kay is now an Australian citizen and Bellarine resident.

He brings considerable experience to the business, having managed high profile overseas attractions including The Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona and Clip ‘n’ Climb in Canada, as well as local attractions The Otway Fly near Lorne and Treetops Adventure nationally.

“I am honoured to have been entrusted at the helm to continue the legacy of the legendary Blues Train and look forward to working with Bellarine Railway and the Queenscliff community to script another era of success,” Mr Kay said.

“Hugo and his team have built an outstanding operation which I intend to keep running well and truly on the right track.”

Since its establishment in 1994, The Blues Train has played host to more 300,000 patrons and injects more than $3.1 million a year directly into the Queenscliff visitor economy.

The attraction has also played a significant role in the development and sustainability of live music both in Victoria and throughout Australia, holding the title of Australia’s longest running contemporary blues and roots music venue.

Bellarine Railway acting president Adam Sandry said his organisation had an excellent relationship with Hugo and the Blues Train, developing the original concept more 30 years ago.

“While we will miss Hugo’s huge personality, we are delighted and enthusiastic to welcome Daniel and his team to our beautiful railway and look forward to the next iteration of the shake rattle and roll Blues Train
journey.”

The next season of The Blues Train begins in October and runs through until May 2025, with tickets on sale now.

For more information, head to thebluestrain.com.au