The Wave – Stages 1 and 2 (Rail) (previously Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line)

We’re directly connecting the eastern communities of the Sunshine Coast to South East Queensland’s passenger rail network, making it easier to travel locally, and to and from the Sunshine Coast.

On 25 March 2025, the Queensland Government announced its commitment to deliver The Wave, which includes a passenger rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya, with new stations at Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra, Aroona and Birtinya. This service will integrate with an express, sustainable metro-style service, The Wave Stage 3 (Sunshine Coast Metro), connecting to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore CBD.

The Government unveiled this project as part of its 2032 Delivery Plan, which focuses on infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

The Sunshine Coast is one of South East Queensland's fastest-growing regions. It is also the largest urban area in Australia without a direct passenger rail connection to its nearest capital city. A direct rail connection will boost local and regional connectivity, offering a reliable and competitive alternative to driving.

Once operational, The Wave will be the fastest way for Sunshine Coast residents to reach Moreton Bay, Brisbane, and beyond. Rail passengers could save over 45 minutes during peak travel times compared to driving.

The Wave – Stages 1 and 2 will run from the North Coast Line at Beerwah to Birtinya, via Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra and Aroona.

This new rail line will:

provide faster, more reliable and sustainable connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane regions
connect people to jobs, study, health services and key tourist destinations
reduce congestion on the road network and provide more accessible and inclusive travel options.

Delivery of this rail line will also help the Sunshine Coast to prepare for population growth by accelerating the delivery of more than 3,000 affordable and diverse homes around new rail stations over the coming decade.

Register for updates and learn more ( https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/direct-sunshine-coast-rail ) about station designs, the corridor location, the environmental referral, preliminary works and the Project Information Centre.

Benefits

Improves safety
Increases capacity
Improves network efficiency
Increases car parks
Accessibility
Reduces travel time
Contributes to economy
Contributes to regional growth
Better active transport
Reduces peak hour congestion

Key features

A dual-track rail extension between Beerwah and Birtinya to increase public transport opportunities.
New stations along the corridor.
Park 'n' rides and associated facilities to increase accessibility.
Active transport provisions along the corridor to improve safety and encourage these transport modes.
Maintenance access, stabling and operational facilities.

Funding

The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $2.75 billion each in funding to deliver Stage 1 (Beerwah to Caloundra). Investment ID 3024759

The Queensland Government has committed an additional $40 million to accelerate planning and market readiness for The Wave (Stage 2 and 3). Investment ID 3557421

Stage 1 is expected to cost between $5.5 billion and $7 billion. The funding envelope takes into consideration learnings from local and international mega-projects and recognises that cost estimates for a project of this size and scale cannot be confirmed until further detailed investigations and industry engagement activities are undertaken.

Stage 2 between Caloundra and Birtinya is subject to funding approval.

Total investment: ^$5.5 billion

Australian Government: ^$2.75 billion

Queensland Government: ^$2.75 billion

Delivery

Progressive delivery means that passengers will start using this rail line sooner, with major construction activities for Stage 1 of this new line expected to commence in 2026.

Stage 1 includes:

delivery of a dual-track rail line (and associated infrastructure, including 1 upgraded and 2 new stations) from Beerwah to Caloundra
planning, design and market engagement to confirm delivery costs and timeframes to deliver the rail line to Birtinya
protection of the revised alignment.

Stage 2 includes:

delivery of 7km dual-track rail line (and associated infrastructure, including 2 new stations and approximately 1km tunnel) from Caloundra to Birtinya.

An enhanced bus network is also included in delivery of The Wave – Stages 1 and 2, to ensure communities around the Sunshine Coast have convenient and reliable connections to their nearest rail station along with new active travel options, meaning people can also choose to walk or ride to their nearest station.

Pre-delivery activities for The Wave - Stages 1 and 2 (Rail) are now underway.

It is expected that Stage 1 and 2 of the project will support 3,300 jobs in the region.

Current status

Pre-delivery activities such as further site investigations, development of the reference design and procurement are now underway.

Interface with The Wave Stage 3 (Sunshine Coast Metro)

The rail line is proposed to interchange with The Wave Stage 3 (Sunshine Coast Metro) at the Birtinya station to increase public transport opportunities for the growing Sunshine Coast community, as outlined in the Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy.

The rail line also considers future-proofing for key road and rail interfaces along the proposed rail corridor.

Sustainability

Sustainability principles will be linked to specific targets and objectives within the Infrastructure Sustainability Management Plan to optimise environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes.

The project will be using the Infrastructure Sustainability Council Rating Scheme Version 2.1 for both design and as built phases of construction.