LOOP LINE UPGRADE PROJECT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Last updated 21 May 2025
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Who is Transport Heritage NSW?
Transport Heritage NSW (THNSW) is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich transport history of New South Wales. Established in 2013, THNSW manages and operates heritage transport assets and attractions across the state as part of an ongoing partnership with the NSW Government.
You can read more about THNSW here.
What is the Loop Line?
The Loop Line is an historic railway corridor owned by the NSW Government, stretching from Sydney’s Southwest to the Southern Highlands.
Originally built in the 1860s, the line extends from Picton through to Mittagong via Thirlmere and Colo Vale. It once formed part of the Great Southern Railway, connecting Sydney and Melbourne.
While the line was bypassed in 1919, regular train services continued until 1978. The line has since been used in preservation between Picton and Buxton, with the remainder falling out of service.
Today, the line is leased by THNSW to provide regular heritage train experiences attached to the NSW Rail Museum and to allow THNSW’s operating heritage fleet to access the broader NSW rail network.
You can read more about the history of the Loop Line here.
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What is the Loop Line Upgrade Project?
The Loop Line Upgrade Project is a significant initiative by THNSW aimed at revitalising the historic Picton–Mittagong Loop Line for exclusive heritage train operations.
The project focuses on restoring the 18.3-kilometre section between Buxton and Colo Vale, which has been out of service for over 40 years.
The project has been made possible thanks to $21.7 million in funding by the NSW Government.
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What is being delivered as part of the Loop Line Upgrade Project?
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Reactivation of the Buxton–Colo Vale Section: Restoring this segment will enable heritage trains to operate along a route that has been dormant for decades.
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Upgrades between Picton and Buxton: Enhancements to this existing operational section aim to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable heritage train services, improving connections with the main line.
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Support for the NSW Rail Museum: By expanding operational routes, the project seeks to enhance the financial sustainability of the NSW Rail Museum, allowing for a broader range of heritage train experiences.
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What infrastructure will be delivered as part of the Loop Line Upgrade Project?
The project encompasses several infrastructure upgrades:
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Track renewal: Rerailing of 8kms of track and replacement of over 18,000 sleepers and installation of new ballast to ensure track stability.
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Bridge replacement: The 110-year-old Ligar Street railway bridge at Hill Top has been replaced to accommodate heritage train operations.
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Level crossing upgrades: Five level crossings between Buxton and Hill Top are being reactivated. Works include upgrades to enhance safety for both rail and road users.
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Station precinct enhancements: Minor upgrades will be carried out at the existing Buxton, Hill Top, and Colo Vale station precincts to ensure the safe and efficient access, boarding and alighting of heritage train passengers.
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Geotechnical rectification works: Various geotechnical rectification works will be undertaken, including at Big Hill Cutting, to ensure the safe passage of heritage trains.
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Upgraded fencing: New fencing in keeping with the local environment to deter unauthorised access to the rail corridor.
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What type of heritage train operations will be offered with the extended Loop Line?
THNSW is working to introduce a regular premium heritage train experience to Colo Vale, departing from the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere.
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A mix of vintage steam and diesel hauled trains will operate along the line, as well as railmotors.
This will complement the existing 40-minute heritage train rides currently offered every weekend between the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere and Buxton.
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More details on the types of products and experiences being offered will be shared closer to the launch.
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What will this mean for local communities?
The NSW Rail Museum at Thirlmere will remain the hub of the Loop Line, with all services originating from and returning to Thirlmere.
The extension will attract more visitors to the region and provide opportunities for local businesses in the longer term.
In addition, the extension of the Loop Line opens opportunities for THNSW to support future local events through the presence of heritage trains at stations along the line, including at Buxton, Hill Top and Colo Vale.
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Why isn’t the line being extended to Mittagong?
A business case to assess the feasibility of reopening the last remaining section between Colo Vale and Mittagong was undertaken in late 2024.
While the feasibility study assessed potential options, reinstating this section of the line is more complex and costly and no funding is currently committed to reactivating this remaining non-operational section of the line.
For now, THNSW remains focussed on completing the current project of upgrading the line between Buxton and Colo Vale.
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Will the line be used for regular passenger or freight trains?
No. The Loop Line Upgrade Project is focused on upgrading the heritage rail line between Picton and Colo Vale for the exclusive use of heritage trains and associated operations.
Engineering specifications for freight or other rail traffic have not been factored into the project and therefore eliminate the potential for use by commercial operators.
Some level crossings near Balmoral have been closed. What plans exist to ensure access to and from Balmoral village?
Several illegal level crossings existed across the Loop Line near Balmoral.
Following consultation with Wingecarribee Shire Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service, Transport Heritage NSW took steps to close the illegal crossings in order improve safety for both road users and rail traffic in Balmoral.
All legal rail crossings remain open. As part of the Loop Line Upgrade Project, THNSW is upgrading five level crossings to ensure they remain of high standard for the community.
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THNSW is working hard to balance safety in and around the rail corridor, as well as concerns raised by local residents regarding adequate emergency access. THNSW will continue to work with the appropriate authorities to ensure residents have safe passage in emergencies.
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Can I walk, ride a bike, or motorbike inside the Loop Line rail corridor?
No. The Loop Line is classed as an active rail corridor and therefore cannot be accessed for walking, biking or any other recreational purposes.
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With construction well underway and track vehicles now regularly using the line, THNSW has permanently removed several access points to the rail corridor to prevent risk or injury to the community.
Any unauthorised access to the rail corridor will be reported to the NSW Police.
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When will the extension from Buxton to Colo Vale open?
The project was originally delayed to allow an extensive review of environmental factors by Transport for NSW. While no date has been finalised, with the review complete and works back underway, we anticipate opening the extension in 2026.
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When and what time of day will heritage trains operate?
As Picton is where THNSW accesses the broader rail network, regular train movements from the NSW Rail Museum to Sydney will continue to occur as they do now.
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Most THNSW heritage train experiences along the Loop Line will operate during daylight hours, between Thirlmere, Buxton and Colo Vale when the NSW Rail Museum is open to the public.
Occasional train services/movements will occur after hours, subject to operational requirements as they do now.
How can I stay updated on the project?
If you are interested in receiving regular updates, please register on the Loop Line Upgrade Project page here.
THNSW will be regularly posting project updates on this website, and on its social media channels.
Alternatively, you can call Transport Heritage NSW on 1300 11 55 99 for further information or email loopline@thnsw.com.au.
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