Australia: Difference between revisions

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==Ticketing==
==Ticketing==
DETAILS
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==Infrastructure==


==Infrastructure==
===Infrastructure Authority===
===Infrastructure Authority===
DETAILS


The [https://www.artc.com.au/ Australian Rail Track Corporation] (ARTC) is a federal government owned corporation that owns, leases, maintains and controls the majority of the inter-State main line standard gauge railway lines on the mainland of Australia. Each State has its own ‘infrastructure authority{s}’ for the lines that do not fall under ARTC ownership or lease.
*New South Wales [https://railsafe.org.au/maps-and-appendices Sydney Trains]
*New South Wales [https://www.uglregionallinx.com.au/ Countrylink Regional Linx]
*Queensland [https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forbusiness/the-regional-network Queensland Rail]
*Victoria [https://corporate.vline.com.au/Network-Access/Network-service-plan V-Line]
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===Gauges===
One of three gauges is normally used on main line railways. Each started in different parts of country, due to historic development precedents in gauge choice in particular states and because such state systems were initially isolated from one another.
*1,435 mm (4 feet 8½ inches) standard gauge
*1,600 mm (5 feet 3 inches) broad gauge
*1,067 mm (3 feet 6 inches) narrow [Cape] gauge
The programme to convert both broad and narrow gauge lines to standard gauge has been abandoned. Updated May 2025.
Narrower gauges of
*600 mm (2 feet)
*760 mm (2 feet 6 inches)


===Gauge===
were used on industrial lines and remain on some tourist lines.
DETAILS


===Electrification===
===Electrification===
DETAILS
Suburban networks can have electrification at either
*1,500 V DC
or
*25 kV AC.


*750 V DC is used on tramways.
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==Tourist Lines==
==Tourist Lines==
See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_heritage_railways_in_Australia Wikipedia]
See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_heritage_railways_in_Australia Wikipedia]
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==Metros==
==Metros==
DETAILS
Sydney is the only city in Australia with a rapid transit system. This currently consists of one 52 km driverless line, connecting Tallawong and Sydenham, and is scheduled to be extended to Bankstown in 2026. Map and journey planner [https://transportnsw.info/sites/default/files/document/2024/08/Sydney%20Metro%20Generic%20Brochure%20I%20Now%20Open%20I%20August%202024D%20Compressed.pdf here]. Note that the Sydney Metro brand name includes heavy rail, light rail and rapid transit (metro) services.
 
==Trams/LRT Systems==
In Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney. [https://urbanrail.net/au/oceania.htm Urban Rail] has basic maps.
 
Adelaide trams <br />
There are 3 tram routes. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Metro Details] [https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1386774/map_rail_network_25_08_24_web.pdf Map here]. Note that the Adelaide Metro actually comprises bus, tram and heavy rail suburban services but no rapid transit (metro).
 
Canberra light rail <br />
[https://cmet.com.au/frequency-guide/ Map and timetable here]
* Gungahlin Place to Alinga Street
 
Gold Coast light rail <br />
[https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables Timetable here] and [https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/timetables/180108-gold-coast-light-rail.pdf map here]
* G-Link operate from Helensvale to Broadbeach South
 
Melbourne trams <br />
There are 24 tram routes. Timetables [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/timetables here]. [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/maps/ Maps here]
 
Newcastle light rail
* Newcastle Interchange through the central business district to Newcastle Beach.


==Trams==
Sydney light rail <br />
DETAILS
[https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/light-rail/light-rail-services Maps and Timetables]
* Inner West Light Rail – serviced by L1 Dulwich Hill Line
* CBD and South East Light Rail – serviced by L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line
* Parramatta Light Rail - serviced by L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line


==Recent and Future Changes==
==Recent and Future Changes==
===Recent Changes===
===Recent Changes===
DETAILS
SOUTH AUSTRALIA <br />
* The Adelaide 1 km Port Dock Railway Line branch reopened on 25 August 2024 after decommissioning in 1981. It should be noted that the Port Dock branch does not serve the station (nor even its site) that closed in 1981, but runs to a new site alongside the National Railway Museum.
 
NEW SOUTH WALES <br />
* Parramatta's 12 km light rail from Carlingford to Westmead officially opened for commuters on Friday 20 December 2024. The section between Carlingford and Rosehill Gardens follows the alignment of the former Clyde to Carlingford suburban rail branch.
 
* Sydney: North West Metro line M1 Tallawong - Chatswood 36km, opened 26 May 2019
 
* Sydney: Chatswood - Sydenham Metro line M1 extension 15.5km  opened 19 August 2024 https://www.mysydney.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-metro


=== Future Changes===
WESTERN AUSTRALIA <br />
DETAILS
* Perth: Butler - Yanchep extension 14.5km, opened 14 July 2024 https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/yanchep-rail-extension
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==Obscure and Sparse Passenger Services==
See [http://www.psul4all.free-online.co.uk/wbe.htm#AU PSUL: World Beyond Europe]
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==Special Notes==
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[[Category:Countries in Oceania]][[Category:Countries]]


==='''New South Wales'''===
* Perth: Bayswater - Ellenbrook line 21.3km, opened 8 December 2024 https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/morley-ellenbrook-line


:===Concord West - North Strathfield Junction – Flemington NSW1===
* Perth: Whiteman Park heritage tramway extension 1.6km, opened 8 Dec 2024 (i.c.w. the Ellenbrook line)
Entry deleted - service withdrawn - see instead '''NSW13'''.


===Orange avoiding line NSW2===
* Perth: Thornlie - Cockburn South line 17.5km opened 8 June 2025. [https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/category/thornlie-cockburn-link/20k-locals-celebrated-thornlie-cockburn-line-opening details here]
''Indian Pacific'' trains serve a short platform on the avoiding line and do not serve Orange station. The weekly ''NSW TrainLink'' train Sydney ⇔ Broken Hill runs into Orange station and reverses both there and at Orange East Fork Junction (or vice versa on the return from Broken Hill), thus using the Orange Fork East Jn - Orange Fork West Jn curve, not the Orange station - Orange West Fork Jn curve (which has no regular passenger use); this is so that the train formation is not reversed at Orange. ''Report updated: February 2021''


===Cootamundra – Bethungra NSW3===
=== Future Changes===
The two tracks used by the Sydney - Melbourne and Sydney - Griffith trains are separated with the longer northbound track taking the Frampton deviation and the Bethungra spiral. ''Reported: January 2008''


===Unanderra – Moss Vale NSW4===
VICTORIA <br />
Under the name ''The Cockatoo Run'', [https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/ East Coast Heritage Rail (3801 Limited)] operate excursion trains Sydney Central ⇔ Moss Vale over this 61.44 km line as advertised. Prior to arrival at Moss Vale, the loaded outward train is expected to be turned on the Moss Vale north fork (triangle). The line itself (but not the north fork) is also used for diversions when engineering work blocks the Main South line between Glenfield and Moss Vale. ''Report updated: December 2022''
* Melbourne Metro Tunnel: 9km Footscray to Hawksburn, expected to open late 2025 https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel


===Picton – Thirlmere [ - Buxton] NSW5===
* Melbourne Airport Rail: from the airport at Tullamarine to run parallel to the Broadmeadows - Albion line and join the Sunbury line at Sunshine [thus also feeding into the above Metro Tunnel line]; ca.12km, projected opening 2029. [https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail Website here]
In addition to their regular trips Thirlmere ⇔ Buxton, very occasional excursions from the [https://www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/ NSW Rail Museum] (check the "What's on" details) at Thirlmere are operated over this 7.1 km line to the junction with the mainline as advertised . Trips "towards" Picton are advertised during the [https://www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au/ Thirlmere Festival of Steam] . Plans have been announced for extending the Thirlmere - Buxton service eastwards to a new platform short of the junction at Picton and westwards to Cole Vale. ''Report updated: February 2024''


===Sydney Central – Redfern – Erskineville Junction NSW6===
* Victoria regional lines: these are being upgraded. Details at [https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/regional-rail-revival this website]
Trains use these distinct routes:
Central terminal platforms 1 to 12 and Redfern 1/2: Illawarra Diveunder and Illawarra Lines. Usually denoted by an i note in timetables.
Central platforms up to 23 and Redfern 5/6/7/8: Illawarra Local Lines (main route for City Circle trains)
Central platforms 16 to 23 and Redfern 9/10: Illawarra Lines (used between Central and Redfern by City Circle trains entering/leaving service from/to Eveleigh Yard at Redfern; little used between Redfern and Erskineville Junction)
Central platforms 24/25 and Redfern 11/12 (sub-surface platforms}: Illawarra Relief Lines (Bondi Junction route trains).
Central platforms 13 and 14 are awaiting return to use; platform 15 has been eliminated; platforms 26 and 27 are sub-surface Metro platforms. ''Report updated: August 2024'


===Cootamundra – Stockinbingal – Goobang Junction (Parkes) – Narromine – Dubbo – Binnaway – Gap (Werris Creek) NSW7===
WESTERN AUSTRALIA <br />
Entry deleted - service withdrawn - see instead NSW10, NSW11 and NSW15.


===Farley (Lochinvar) – Telarah via Triangle Loop NSW8===
QUEENSLAND <br />
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
* Brisbane: Cross River Rail line, Exhibition - Dutton Park 10.2km, expected to open 2029 https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/about/project-overview/ [This would also see regular local services using much (but not all) of the Exhibition line which currently features as obscure line QLD1]


===Flemington – Flemington North Junction [ – Olympic Park] NSW9===
* Gold Coast: Construction of Stage 3 which is currently underway will see a 6.7km extension from Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads including eight new light rail stations. Construction of Stage 3 commenced in 2023, taking place across five distinct phases. Planning has begun for Stage 4, a 13km extension linking Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport. [https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/gold-coast-light-rail website].
This 2.65 km section of the former Homebush Bay branch provides a route direct to Olympic Park from the east. There is no regular service (all regular services at Olympic Park are shuttles from/to Lidcombe) but trains run Sydney Central ⇔ Olympic Park for special events (such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show). Check NSW Transport - events.
During engineering work west of Flemington, train services may run Sydney Central ⇔ Olympic Park, for connections with rail replacement bus services at Olympic Park station. Check NSW Transport - trackwork. ''Report updated: March 2023''


===Goobang Junction (Parkes) - Stockinbingal - Cootamundra North Junction NSW10===
NEW SOUTH WALES <br />
When planned major engineering work or other emergency blocks the regular route between Parkes and Sydney via the Blue Mountains, Journey Beyond Rail's (formerly Great Southern Railway) Indian Pacific trains may be diverted via this 199.5 km line and the Main South line, and intermediate stops at Parkes and east thereof omitted. Such diversion applied in November 2014 and January and February 2020; information may appear on their home - Alert webpage.
The 174.6km section between Stockinbingal and Goobang Junction is regularly used by Vintage Rail Journeys Riverina Rail Tour. ''Report updated: December 2022''


===Griffith - Stockinbingal - Cootamundra NSW11===
* Sydney: Sydenham - Bankstown Metro line M1 extension (by conversion of Sydney Trains T3 line which closed 30 September 2024) not now expected until [https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/south-west-metro-conversion-period-to-be-extended-into-2026 2026] see also https://www.mysydney.nsw.gov.au/projects/southwest-link-conversion-t3-bankstown-line
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular route between Griffith and Cootamundra, NSW TrainLink's once weekly service may be diverted via this 211km line, and intermediate stops such as Narrandera omitted. Such diversion applied in 2013; information may appear on their Travel alerts webpage. The 115m 60ch section between Griffith and Stocktockinbingal is regularly used by Vintage Rail Journeys Riverina Rail Tour. ''Report updated: December 2022''


===Sefton Park North Junction - Sefton Park South Junction NSW12===
* Parramatta light rail stage two [https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/projects/parramatta-light-rail/news/construction-on-parramatta-light-rail-stage-2-to-begin-2025-as-major-contract-signed construction begins in 2025].  This will add another 10 kilometres of track to extend it to Sydney Olympic Park (no date had been published for completion of construction works).
This 0.65km North Fork section of the Main South line between Regents Park and Sefton stations carries a limited service on Mondays to Fridays only: in Sydney Trains T3 Bankstown Line timetable see trains with column note SFD. ''Report updated: December 2022''


===Macarthur South Junction - Cabramatta - Chullora Junction West - Chullora Junction North - Flemington South Junction - Flemington - North Strathfield Junction – Concord West NSW13===
* Sydney: Other longer term Metro extensions - see https://www.sydneymetro.info/ or https://www.mysydney.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-metro
These sections of the South Sydney Freight Link and Metropolitan Goods Line route are used by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions (formerly Great Southern Railway) Great Southern Adelaide to Brisbane service which runs January and December each year, as may TRMS-operated railtours (check TRMS tours listing for dates) when running between Paterson and the south main line. South of Sefton Park, the line runs broadly parallel to passenger routes but with grade separation over-passes to avoid conflictions. At North Strathfield, southbound trains use a dive-under but northbound trains use a ground level connection there. See schematic plan. ''Report updated: March 2024''


===Turrella - Wolli Creek Junction NSW14===
VICTORIA/NEW SOUTH WALES/QUEENSLAND <br />
This 1.35km link between the Illawarra Local lines and the East Hills line is used by NSW TrainLink services between Central and the Main South line, and trains on Sydney Trains Table T8 calling at Sydenham and Redfern instead of running via the airport stations. ''Reported: December 2022''


===Dubbo – Binnaway – Gap (Werris Creek) NSW15==
* The Inland Rail project involves upgrades or enhancement works to approximately 1,000km of existing track and construction of 600km of new track passing through regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The sections of Inland Rail between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales are prioritised for completion by 2027.[https://inlandrail.com.au/ Project website]
This 108m 30ch route is regularly used by Vintage Rail Journeys Golden West Rail Tour. ''Reported: December 2022.''


===Wallerawang - Rylstone NSW16===
==Lines with Obscure or Sparse Passenger Services==
This 85.3km section of the Gulgong and Gwabegar line is regularly used by Vintage Rail Journeys Golden West Rail Tour. ''Reported: December 2022''.
See [[Australia - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services]].


===Hunter Valley Steamfest NSW17===
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Each April (2025 dates: 12-13 April) the Steamfest includes steam train and vintage railmotor trips from Maitland. Many of these are over regular passenger routes, but a limited number of trips cover routes not in regular passenger use although the advertised 'destinations' are not always reached in practice.
==Special Notes==
Warabrook crossovers - Hanbury Dive - Scholey Street junction - Waratah arrival road - Morandoo loop - Port Waratah No. 9 departure road - Waratah departure road - Hanbury Dive - Warabrook crossovers (13.4 km) (2023)
DETAILS
Islington Junction - Islington Arrival Road - Scholey Street junction - Waratah arrival road - Morandoo loop - Port Waratah No. 9 departure road - Waratah departure road - Hanbury Dive - Warabrook crossovers (9.5km) (2024)
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Camberwell junction - Camberwell balloon loop via coal loaders - Camberwell junction (4.3 km) (2023)
==See also==
Sandgate (west) crossovers - North Fork under Sandgate flyover - Kooragang branch - Holding Road B - Walsh Point line signal K14 (8.2km) (advertised as 'around Walsh Point Loop'; shown to Walsh Point in TAA; turned back at K14 exit signal from Walsh Point line) (2024)
{{Navbox Australia}}
Whittingham junction - Whittingham signal WM188B (2.1km) (advertised as 'the Mount Thorley line'; shown to Saxonvale Junction in TAA; turned back at the end of Whittingham branch loop) (2024)
[[Category:Countries in Oceania]][[Category:Countries]]
''Report updated: April 2024''

Latest revision as of 10:05, 26 September 2025

Country Details

See Wikipedia

Timetable

See Australian Rail Maps

Extensive information is available at the Man in Seat 61.

Summary timetables are available in some editions of the European Rail Timetable.

Maps

See Australian Rail Maps and Maps and Plans

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Authority

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is a federal government owned corporation that owns, leases, maintains and controls the majority of the inter-State main line standard gauge railway lines on the mainland of Australia. Each State has its own ‘infrastructure authority{s}’ for the lines that do not fall under ARTC ownership or lease.

Gauges

One of three gauges is normally used on main line railways. Each started in different parts of country, due to historic development precedents in gauge choice in particular states and because such state systems were initially isolated from one another.

  • 1,435 mm (4 feet 8½ inches) standard gauge
  • 1,600 mm (5 feet 3 inches) broad gauge
  • 1,067 mm (3 feet 6 inches) narrow [Cape] gauge

The programme to convert both broad and narrow gauge lines to standard gauge has been abandoned. Updated May 2025.

Narrower gauges of

  • 600 mm (2 feet)
  • 760 mm (2 feet 6 inches)

were used on industrial lines and remain on some tourist lines.

Electrification

Suburban networks can have electrification at either

  • 1,500 V DC

or

  • 25 kV AC.
  • 750 V DC is used on tramways.

Tourist Lines

See Wikipedia

Metros

Sydney is the only city in Australia with a rapid transit system. This currently consists of one 52 km driverless line, connecting Tallawong and Sydenham, and is scheduled to be extended to Bankstown in 2026. Map and journey planner here. Note that the Sydney Metro brand name includes heavy rail, light rail and rapid transit (metro) services.

Trams/LRT Systems

In Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney. Urban Rail has basic maps.

Adelaide trams
There are 3 tram routes. Details Map here. Note that the Adelaide Metro actually comprises bus, tram and heavy rail suburban services but no rapid transit (metro).

Canberra light rail
Map and timetable here

  • Gungahlin Place to Alinga Street

Gold Coast light rail
Timetable here and map here

  • G-Link operate from Helensvale to Broadbeach South

Melbourne trams
There are 24 tram routes. Timetables here. Maps here

Newcastle light rail

  • Newcastle Interchange through the central business district to Newcastle Beach.

Sydney light rail
Maps and Timetables

  • Inner West Light Rail – serviced by L1 Dulwich Hill Line
  • CBD and South East Light Rail – serviced by L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line
  • Parramatta Light Rail - serviced by L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line

Recent and Future Changes

Recent Changes

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

  • The Adelaide 1 km Port Dock Railway Line branch reopened on 25 August 2024 after decommissioning in 1981. It should be noted that the Port Dock branch does not serve the station (nor even its site) that closed in 1981, but runs to a new site alongside the National Railway Museum.

NEW SOUTH WALES

  • Parramatta's 12 km light rail from Carlingford to Westmead officially opened for commuters on Friday 20 December 2024. The section between Carlingford and Rosehill Gardens follows the alignment of the former Clyde to Carlingford suburban rail branch.
  • Sydney: North West Metro line M1 Tallawong - Chatswood 36km, opened 26 May 2019

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

  • Perth: Whiteman Park heritage tramway extension 1.6km, opened 8 Dec 2024 (i.c.w. the Ellenbrook line)
  • Perth: Thornlie - Cockburn South line 17.5km opened 8 June 2025. details here

Future Changes

VICTORIA

  • Melbourne Airport Rail: from the airport at Tullamarine to run parallel to the Broadmeadows - Albion line and join the Sunbury line at Sunshine [thus also feeding into the above Metro Tunnel line]; ca.12km, projected opening 2029. Website here
  • Victoria regional lines: these are being upgraded. Details at this website

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND

  • Gold Coast: Construction of Stage 3 which is currently underway will see a 6.7km extension from Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads including eight new light rail stations. Construction of Stage 3 commenced in 2023, taking place across five distinct phases. Planning has begun for Stage 4, a 13km extension linking Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport. website.

NEW SOUTH WALES

  • Parramatta light rail stage two construction begins in 2025. This will add another 10 kilometres of track to extend it to Sydney Olympic Park (no date had been published for completion of construction works).

VICTORIA/NEW SOUTH WALES/QUEENSLAND

  • The Inland Rail project involves upgrades or enhancement works to approximately 1,000km of existing track and construction of 600km of new track passing through regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The sections of Inland Rail between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales are prioritised for completion by 2027.Project website

Lines with Obscure or Sparse Passenger Services

See Australia - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services.

See also

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