The concept was promoted by Harold Clapp, Chairman of Commissioners of the Victorian Railways with the city leaders travelling on the train to various parts of the state.
The first train ran to Swan Hill and Mildura in August 1922.
[1] Tours ceased with the outbreak of World War II, before resuming in May 1947.
A typical itinerary is demonstrated by the 53rd journey of the train, in March 1959.
It left Melbourne on a five-day journey, with the passengers visiting the Hume Dam, Rutherglen Research Station, Mount Buffalo National Park, the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme, and the rayon and wool industries of Wangaratta.