- More than 3,500 competition entries received to name four new Australind trains
- Trains to be named Marley, Kwilena, Koombana and Linda, with multiple entries received for each
- Australind train service to resume from Monday, 29 June 2026
- Cook Labor Government committed to delivering reliable and affordable public transport across Western Australia
The names of the four new Australind trains have been revealed ahead of the service’s return on Monday, 29 June 2026.
The WA-made three-car trains will be rolled out in stages and are set to provide passengers a more comfortable and convenient journey between Perth and Bunbury.
The Public Transport Authority put the call out to the community to help name the new trains, with more than 3,500 entries received.
The four winning names were selected based on originality, cultural connections and their reflection of the spirit and heritage of the South West.
The four winning names include:
- Marley – paying tribute to a much-loved alpine dingo that arrived in Bunbury from the Pilbara and later lived at the Bunbury Port. Marley became a local icon and was cared for by the Bunbury Sea Rescue group;
- Kwilena – the Noongar word for dolphin. Dolphins are an important totem for Noongar people and an enduring symbol of Bunbury, with the Dolphin Discovery Centre one of the city’s premier tourist attractions;
- Koombana – named after Koombana Bay, the focal point of the city; and
- Linda – a name affectionately given to the Australind train by many in the train enthusiast community.
The Australind will continue to operate under its service name, with each train bearing a unique name commemorated by an installed plaque.
Everyone who submitted a name will go into the draw to win a trip on the Australind’s first service.
The first of the four new Australind train sets will enter service from Monday, 29 June, reconnecting Perth, Peel and Bunbury with a modern, reliable rail service.
The remaining trains will be reintroduced in stages over the following months with some coach services to operate until the second train comes online.
The four new Australind trains represent a significant upgrade on the older fleet, featuring contemporary interiors with LED lighting, in-seat USB-C charging, improved accessibility, an onboard buffet and dedicated storage for 14 bicycles per train.
A community event to celebrate the return of the Australind will be held on Sunday, 28 June 2026 from 11am to 3pm at the Bunbury Passenger Terminal.
For more information, visit https://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/about-transwa/news/clickety-clack-your-australind-train-is-coming-back .
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The Australind has been part of the South West for nearly 80 years, so we wanted to give the community the opportunity to help shape its new chapter.
“These names pay tribute to the history, culture and spirit of the South West and are something the community can be proud of.
“We are so excited to be bringing the Australind service back very soon and to be delivering four new modern trains that will deliver better journeys for all.
“It’s part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to delivering high quality public transport across our State to keep communities connected and grow opportunities for Western Australians.”
Comments attributed to South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
“The return of the Australind is fantastic news for Bunbury and communities across the South West.
“It is a project that I have championed for many years, and I am pleased the Cook Labor Government has delivered this important service for the region.
“Passengers will once again be able to travel by train between Bunbury and Perth, benefiting from a significantly improved experience with greater comfort, modern amenities and enhanced accessibility on the carriages.
“These new trains have been named to reflect the rich history and identity of the South West, and I thank everyone who contributed suggestions as part of the community naming process.”
Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“The return of the Australind train service is a massive moment for our community that will restore a key link between the South West and Perth.
“We’re delivering four new trains and rolling out increased frequencies, providing more opportunities for locals travelling for work or study and for visitors to our region.
“The Cook Labor Government is proud to be bringing back a modern and reliable service that will support our growing community for years to come.”
