Pedota et al,
For all you train enthusiasts, just have a look at the actual size of Australia, versus western Europe. Most of the "original EEC", western Europe plus UK and Ireland, with a few bits hanging out the edges, will fit in NSW and Victoria.
The whole of the UK, plus bits of France, Belgium and Ireland, fit on two "half million" charts.
Then have a look at the EU population density= potential train passengers.
The capital cost plus running costs, compared to any reasonable expectations of revenue, just doesn't fit. Not to mention the Ryanair or Easyjet fares compared to current EU train fares, despite outrageous taxpayer subsidies for rail in most European countries, and increasingly discriminatory taxes on airlines.
As the man from Boeing said:"3000m of rail line gets you 3000m, 3000m of runways gets you anywhere".
I rather think aeroplanes are going to be around in Australia for a while yet.
Tootle pip!!