Australian Rail Gauge Standards Explained: 1067mm, 1435mm and 1600mm
Australia operates three separate rail gauge standards: 1067mm narrow gauge, 1435mm standard gauge, and 1600mm broad gauge, each used across different networks and states. This guide explains what gauge is, why Australia ended up with three incompatible standards, which networks use which, and why it matters for anyone working in or procuring for the rail industry. Getting the gauge wrong when ordering track components or inspection tools is one of the most common and avoidable errors in Australian rail procurement.