After 44 years of proposals, reports, business cases, funding announcements, funding withdrawals, further reports, and at least one very expensive study into the feasibility of commissioning another study, the Australian government has made a decision on high-speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle.

They're skipping it entirely.

In a move that surprised absolutely nobody who has been paying attention since 1984, the federal government has announced it will bypass the $61.2 billion high-speed rail project and proceed directly to what transport experts are calling "a much better idea anyway" - a 194-kilometre dedicated cycling rail trail from Sydney to Newcastle. 

 

We at Australian Cycle Tours could not be more thrilled.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision on Tuesday, noting that after four decades of planning, the most shovel-ready option was, in fact, a rail trail. 

 

"Australians love the outdoors," he said. "The more people exploring Australia by bike, the better."

 

 

 

On the new Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail, a fit cyclist will complete it in around six hours, but we recommend taking the more leisurely two-day option with an overnight stop on the Central Coast. We have already identified excellent accommodation options along the way. Natually, luggage transfers will be available.

 

 

 

 

The government's broader ambition remains that by 2060, a connected corridor will link Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. We think this is an outstanding idea and have already begun drafting self-guided cycling itineraries.

Sydney to Melbourne is currently the world's sixth busiest aviation route. It is also, we would argue, one of the world's great potential cycle touring routes - through the Southern Highlands, across alpine country, down into Victoria with options to connect with the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and Great Victorian Rail Trail. 
 

 

 

 

As always, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the riding.

• Daily luggage transfers
• Comfortable, handpicked accommodation
• An easy-to-use navigation app, adapted for extended periods without mobile coverage (particularly useful in tunnels)
• E-bike hire for the full 194-kilometre route

 

 

While the Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail works its way through the planning process (we expect the first report to land sometime around April 1, 2031), we want to celebrate the brilliant rail trails Australia already has.

We are currently running our Vote for Australia's Favourite Rail Trail promotion, and we want to hear from you. Australia is home to some of the world's best rail trails - relaxed, scenic cycling through regions rich in history, food and local character - and we want to know which ones you love most.

Cast your vote for up to three of your favourite Australian rail trails and you will go in the draw to win a $2,000 Australian Cycle Tours voucher, redeemable on any cycling holiday of your choice in 2027. The Sydney to Newcastle Rail Trail is not yet on the list, but watch this space come April 1, 2031.

 

 

 

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