AS thousands of country music fans begin descending on Tamworth, more 250 Elvis Presley fans – many sporting blue suede shoes – today climbed aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express for the seven-hour pilgrimage to the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

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

The Parkes Elvis festival runs from January 8-12 and is regarded the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of The King of rock ‘n’ roll.

There are more than 350 events, many with free entry. Since first held 1993, the Parkes Elvis Festival has grown to attract around 25,000 people and injects $11 million into the local economy.

The Parkes Elvis Festival is supported through Destination NSW event funding, Transport for NSW Open Streets program and NSW TrainLink Elvis Express service.

Elvis Express Driver Peter White the train trip is truly a one-of-a-kind journey.

“It’s not every day that you’re at the helm of a train filled with hundreds of passengers singing, laughing, and dressed like Elvis,” Mr White grinned.

“The atmosphere is always ‘next level’ especially when you come into Central, and you see everyone from all over the world and from different backgrounds dancing and enjoying themselves.

“I absolutely love this time of year because as someone who was born and raised in Parkes, I really enjoy the atmosphere that both the festival and the train bring to our community.”

The annual Parkes Elvis Festival kicks off this week.

Parkes Shire mayor Neil Westcott said the Parkes Elvis Festival continues to go from strength to strength.

“We are excited to be presenting an action-packed 354 shows throughout the five days,” Cr Westcott said.

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

Events like the Parkes Elvis Festival and the Tamworth Country Music Festival are a key strategies to grow the NSW visitor economy by supporting communities to host events that reflect the local character and create authentic experiences to draw visitors and drive expenditure for local businesses.

Tourism Research Australia figures from the year ending September, 2024 show regional New South Wales contributed a record $26 billion (49 per cent) of the overall New South Wales 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; and

Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said the Parkes Elvis Festival is a “cracking” example of a New South Wales regional town doing its own thing and creating a multi-decade success story that attracts thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world.

“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,” Mr Graham said.

“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.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express offers fans the chance to immerse themselves in Elvis culture from the moment they board.

“This event is a key tourism event in the Central West and it’s great to support it through our regional rail services,” Ms Aitchison said.

“The festival’s global reach and the enthusiasm it inspires highlight the power of regional tourism to bring people together while supporting local communities and businesses.”