Short-Term Rail Disruptions to Affect Caboolture, Redcliffe and Shorncliffe

Residents in Caboolture, Redcliffe and Shorncliffe are set to experience short-term but widespread rail disruptions, with train services suspended across key northern lines during early April as part of major network works across South East Queensland.



From April 3 to April 11, multiple train lines including the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Shorncliffe lines will be impacted while large-scale infrastructure works are carried out across the rail corridor. During this period, rail replacement buses will operate to keep passengers moving.

Northern lines affected in early April

The closures are part of a coordinated shutdown across the network to allow several major rail projects and maintenance works to be completed at the same time. These include Cross River Rail supporting works, upgrades on the Sunshine Coast line, improvements to the Logan and Gold Coast corridor, new digital signalling systems and general track maintenance.

While the disruptions on the northern lines are shorter than those affecting the southside, they will still impact daily commutes for thousands of passengers travelling between outer suburbs and Brisbane’s CBD.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0

Longer travel time for commuters

For commuters in Caboolture, Redcliffe and Shorncliffe, the changes will mean replacing train journeys with buses for several days in early April. This is likely to result in longer travel times and possible transfers depending on the route.

Transport authorities have advised that both express and all-stops rail replacement buses will be available, along with regular bus services. In some cases, regular bus routes may provide a more direct option for passengers heading into the city.

DatesLines ImpactedWhat It Means for You
3–11 AprilCaboolture, Redcliffe, Shorncliffe and other linesTrain services replaced by buses
After 11 AprilMost northern lines return to normalServices resume, fewer disruptions

After April 11, services on these northern lines are expected to return to normal, while closures continue on other parts of the network, particularly on the southside.

Plan ahead for travel

Transport authorities are encouraging commuters to plan ahead, check journey options before travelling and allow extra time during the closure period. Changes may vary across different lines and days, so passengers are advised to stay updated through official transport channels.



Although the disruptions are limited to just over a week for northern suburbs, they form part of a broader program aimed at improving the reliability and capacity of the rail network across South East Queensland.

Published 31-March-2026

Featured Image Credit: Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0

Spot Santa in Redcliffe: Queensland Rail Brings Holiday Cheer to the Tracks

Get ready for some holiday magic! Santa Claus is making his way back to Queensland Rail’s Santa Express, bringing festive cheer to train passengers across the state.


Read: Redcliffe Lights Up for Christmas Twilight Market


From December 16-20, commuters on select lines will have the opportunity to meet the jolly man in red himself, complete with candy canes and photo opportunities for all.

Photo credit: Queensland Rail/Facebook 

This Tuesday, December 17, Santa will be traveling along the Redcliffe and Shorncliffe lines, making stops at key stations throughout the day. The full schedule includes:

  • Central Station: 8:00 AM – 8:49 AM
  • Mango Hill East: 9:59 AM – 10:09 AM
  • Strathpine: 10:39 AM – 11:06 AM
  • Northgate: 11:27 AM – 11:37 AM
  • Sandgate: 12:48 PM – 1:09 PM
  • South Bank: 1:57 PM – 2:09 PM

This beloved tradition, known as the Santa Express, has been delighting passengers for over a decade. Neil Backer, Queensland Rail’s Head of SEQ, emphasized the importance of spreading joy during the festive season. “We love sharing festive cheer, and we know the Santa Express is a much-loved tradition for many of our customers,” he said.

Photo credit: Queensland Rail/Facebook 

Santa will be visiting a different rail line each day, ensuring that children—and the young at heart—have a chance to deliver their Christmas wish lists in person.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the season and make some magical memories on the go! For a detailed schedule of Santa’s appearances across the rail network, visit the Queensland Rail website.

Pro Tip: Arrive Early

Photo credit: Queensland Rail/Facebook 

Santa’s visits are always popular, so arrive early at your station to secure the perfect spot for photos and ensure you don’t miss him!


Read: Redcliffe Sleepbus Seeks Volunteers to Provide Safe Sleep


Hop aboard the Santa Express this holiday season—it’s the most festive train ride of the year! 

Published 13-December-2024

Extra 32 Weekly Services to be Added to Redcliffe Peninsula Line and Across SEQ at Peak Times

A total of 32 peak-time weekly services will be coming to Redcliffe Peninsula and six other QR lines beginning 13 May 2019.

To help reduce the waiting time for customers in South East Queensland, Queensland Rail is set to add extra train services at times when they are needed most. This means that an extra 14,000 seats will be added during certain peak periods across SEQ.

In response to customer feedback, Queensland Rail analysed patronage data, wait times, and operational efficiencies, and identified 32 priority weekly services which are needed to be added during morning and afternoon peak hours.

Those who will benefit from this initiative are customers on Shorncliffe, Cleveland, Redcliffe Peninsula, Ferny Grove, Springfield, Gold Coast and Airport lines.



​Monday to Friday additions
  • Redcliffe Peninsula – (Morning) to depart from Kippa-Ring station at 7.10 a.m. and to arrive at ​Central station at 8.05 a.m.
  • ​Cleveland – (Morning) to depart from Cleveland station at 6.39 a.m. and to arrive at ​Central station at 7.34 a.m.
  • Cleveland – (Afternoon) to depart from Central station at 5.09 p.m. and to arrive at Cleveland station at 6.05 p.m.
​Monday to Thursday additions to the services already running on a Friday
  • ​Springfield – (Morning) to depart from ​Springfield Central station at 6.51 a.m. and to arrive at ​Central station at 7.32 a.m.
  • Shorncliffe – (Morning) to depart from ​​Shorncliffe station at 7.39 a.m. and to arrive at ​Central station at 8.16 a.m.
  • Shorncliffe – (Morning) to depart from ​​Central station at 6.58 a.m. and to arrive at Shorncliffe station at 7.35 a.m.
​Friday additions to the services already running Monday to Thursday
  • ​Ferny Grove – (Morning) to depart from ​Ferny Grove station at 7.25 a.m. and to arrive at ​Central station at 7.56 a.m.
  • Gold Coast – (Morning) to depart from ​​Varsity Lakes station at 5.55 a.m. and to arrive at ​Central station at 7.14 a.m.
  • Airport – (Morning) to depart from ​​Central station at 7.16 a.m. and to arrive at ​Domestic Airport station at 7.40 a.m.
  • Airport – (Morning) to depart from ​​Domestic Airport station at 7.49 a.m. and to arrive at Central station at 8.13 a.m.
  • Cleveland – (Afternoon) to depart from Central station at 5.32 p.m. and to arrive at Cleveland station at 6.35 p.m.

Queensland Rail is set to announce further timetable improvements later in the year.