New South Wales is the most rail-served state, with Sydney Trains operating 178 stations across the Sydney metropolitan area. NSW Trainlink operates intercity and regional services to the Hunter Valley (Newcastle), Blue Mountains (Bathurst and Orange), South Coast (Wollongong and Goulburn), and Country services to Dubbo, Broken Hill, and Wagga Wagga. The MetroConnect tunnels opened under Sydney CBD in 2024 as a fully automated driverless metro line distinct from the existing Sydney Trains heavy rail network.
Victoria's metropolitan rail is operated by Metro Trains Melbourne across 16 lines from Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central. V/Line operates regional trains from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour, Traralgon, and Warrnambool, using a combination of diesel and electric VLocity trainsets. Queensland Rail operates both suburban trains in South East Queensland and long-distance trains including the Tilt Train to Cairns and the Spirit of Queensland. The Aurizon rail freight network also carries some passenger trains in Queensland under contract.
The long-distance transcontinental trains of Journey Beyond are some of the most celebrated rail journeys in the world. The Indian Pacific operates from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide, covering 4,352 kilometres in 65 hours, the longest rail journey in Australia. The Ghan runs from Adelaide to Darwin through Alice Springs (2,979 km, 54 hours), crossing the Australian outback through landscapes that include desert, gorge country, and the tropical Top End. The Overland connects Melbourne and Adelaide three times weekly. These trains carry Platinum (private sleeping suites), Gold (shared sleeping suites with dining), and Red Service (coach seating) classes.