Travelling long distances by train has been part of the Australian way of life for almost 150 years. CountryLink continues that tradition by carrying almost two million passengers every year to around 350 destinations in NSW, Queensland, the ACT and Victoria.

CountryLink is part of the government-owned Rail Corporation New South Wales which also operates CityRail which provides the passenger rail service covering the greater Sydney region.

Our XPT and Xplorer trains provide a safe, comfortable and relaxing way to travel while sitting back in air-conditioned comfort watching the magnificent Australian landscape roll by. Our trains connect with the largest network of coaches in Australia to service almost every corner of NSW and beyond.

XPT
Introduced to CountryLink service in 1982 the XPT, short for "express passenger train", travels between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Dubbo, Grafton and Casino. Its aerodynamic design and trademark "nose" make a distinctive impression as it cruises through the countryside.

The XPT power car features a Paxman VP185 12-cylinder, turbo-charged diesel electric engine boasting 1492 kW or 2000 horsepower. There's a power car at each end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.

The XPT is currently undergoing refurbishment with new seat covers, carpets, curtains and toilets. In addition, a striking new livery is being applied.

XPLORER
CountryLink's XPLORER trains have been taking people to some of the most scenic places in NSW since 1993. From Sydney, the XPLORERs links Armidale, Moree, Griffith, Broken Hill and the national capital, Canberra.

Built in Victoria by ABB Transportation, the XPLORER uses technology proven in both Australian and European rail services. It's quiet, fully air conditioned and environmentally friendly and can run as two, three, five or larger carriage sets as demand requires.

Unlike CountryLink's XPT where all electrical and tractive power is provided by the first and last carriages, each XPLORER carriage is fitted with independent traction and auxiliary engines which work in unison and are controlled by the driver. The engines are KTA-19-R 375 kW, 19 litre turbo-charged made by Cummins. Each XPLORER carriage can carry 1600 litres of fuel, enough for a 1600km trip.

CountryLink Coaches
If you are travelling to locations including Bourke, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Broken Hill, Surfers Paradise, Eden, Tumbarumba, Tenterfield, Mildura and Echuca, part of your journey will be on board a luxury CountryLink coach. The highest standards of comfort and safety are applied when we select local coach operators and our coaches boast the features listed below.

Lap/sash seatbelts
Reclining seats with headrests
Large windows
Air conditioning
Radio/tape player
VCR and television
Two-way radio system
Ample luggage space
Fully stocked first aid kit
Toilet compartment on coaches undertaking journeys longer than two hours
Easy access for the elderly or people with disabilities is provided by a "kneeling" device which reduces the height people need to step up onto the coach. There are also two wheelchair spaces on most coaches and handrails and steps are appropriately marked to assist the visually impaired.