Underground and inside the sleek, futuristic interior of Gadigal Metro station in Sydney CBD.
I have been a regular passenger on trains in the Greater Sydney metropolitan area for over 15 years. CityRail was the brand name under which the trains operated. In 2013, this brand was refreshed and changed to Sydney Trains.
11 years later in August 2024, the New South Wales government opened 6 new stations which are part of the Sydney Metro network. These stations stretch from Chatswood in Sydney’s lower North Shore to Sydenham in Sydney’s inner-west. They are: Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal, and Waterloo.
Technically, there are 8 new stations if we include the new Metro stops in the pre-existing stations of Central and Sydenham.
Got a question? Message me on Instagram, our Sydney travel concierge is here to help.
I’m loving every trip on the train these days. They feel efficient and well-guided. The route you see above the doors inside each train displays a digital tracker which moves as the train does between stops.
If you catch the service which runs from Tallawong to Sydenham, your journey starts at Sydney’s far north-west and travels to the CBD. You’ll go through a tunnel dug underneath Sydney Harbour (and the CBD) and arrive at Sydenham station after you have emerged on the other side of Sydney CBD.
The speed of the train makes it more thrilling. Contemplate that you’re flying underneath downtown Sydney!
If you want the shortest experience of hurtling through an underground blackness in a driverless train, get onboard at Victoria Cross station in North Sydney CBD. This train will go underneath Sydney Harbour, fly for around 3 minutes, and arrive at Barangaroo.
Alight here for one of the most scenic outdoor walks in Sydney. Barangaroo Reserve features 75,000 native plants and public artworks in its wide, green landscape. The grassy areas are perfect for picnics! To capture sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and its glittering waters, go on the Wulugul Walk. Barangaroo Foreshore, near Crown Casino, is a must-visit destination particularly for photo opportunities.
I’m a big fan of the regularity of these new Metro trains. They arrive every 4 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during other times. They are fully automated and driverless, which means that you won’t hear the iconic whistle of a traditional Sydney Trains train conductor signalling before the doors close.
If you alight at Martin Place Metro station during 12pm to 2pm on weekdays, you will see Australia’s historic financial centre at its busiest. Surrounded by the tall, commanding buildings of the Reserve Bank, General Post Office, Challis House and MLC Tower, workers in suits will be taking a breath of fresh air outside their high-rise corporate offices.
I highly recommend visiting the interior of the General Post Office (Google Map link) – construction began in 1866. Today, it’s one of the largest sandstone structures in Sydney and a remarkable representation of Victorian Italian renaissance architecture.
While appreciating the value of Sydney Metro trains, my thoughts go to the speedy bullet trains in Japan. Hurtling between cities, the shinkansen can reach 320 km per hour! On the topic of Japan, check-out the Hokkaido Scallop ramen I had at Shinmachi in Newtown (Map link). Buttery broth, chewy noodles and gently seared hotate (scallop). Heavenly.
The second picture below are the market stalls at Chatswood. The six new Metro stations mentioned in this article belong to what’s formally called the M1 “Metro North West” Line. This line actually opened in 2019, enabling trains to run between Tallawong and Chatswood. In August this year, the six new stations (along with two renovated ones) extended the line, enabling passenger trips all the way to Sydenham.
For international cuisine and outdoor dining, visit Chatswood for its Market Stalls on Thursday and Friday nights. You’ll smell their delicious fragrance before you arrive at their cluster right next to the train station. I enjoy the Taiwanese meat buns (gwa bao) at the “Bao Dao” stall.
If you’re planning to visit Hyde Park, then Gadigal Metro station should be your stop. Australia’s oldest park is less than 5 minutes’ walk away. The platform designs at Gadigal remind me of the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) system in Hong Kong. Spaces feel seamless, efficient, and clean.
Did you know that “MTR Australia” is a subsidiary of the “MTR Corporation” based in Hong Kong? MTR Australia played a major role in shaping Sydney Metro North West and its infrastructure. So if you see resemblances in details like each train’s interior seating or the robotic gates on platforms, you won’t be the only one 😉
Below are photos inside Central Railway station. You descend via long escalators to reach Platforms 26 and 27, which serve the Metro. The design looks futuristic and interstellar!
In 2025, it is expected that the Sydney Metro North West line will extend all the way to Sydney’s south west, arriving at the suburb of Bankstown. This will be super exciting. Bankstown is known for delicious Vietnamese food! See my recent Sydney Local Guide for pictures of Pho An. It’s an iconic restaurant.
I’m Garry Ho, founder of Koalamate.
If our website has helped you, please consider supporting us.
Payment can be made via all major cards.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience.
By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
