According to the Australian High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), Australia's first high-speed rail (HSR) line between Sydney and Newcastle could be in operation by 2037. The first contracts for the new line are expected to be awarded in 2027 and completion is likely to be up to 12 years later. Subsequent extensions north to Brisbane and south-west to Melbourne via Canberra are planned. Geological investigations carried out in 2024 on the proposed Sydney – Newcastle line have shown that ground conditions are very favourable for construction, which should complete the project relatively quickly.
