[1][2] The history of Downer Rail began in 1867 when Walkers Limited opened a branch in Maryborough.

[3] In 1980 Walkers Limited was sold to Evans Deakin Industries and included in the merger with Downer EDi.

[4] In July 2014, Keolis Downer commenced operating the G:link light rail line on the Gold Coast.

[6] Downer Rail has manufactured items of rolling stock at its factories in Cardiff, Somerton, Maryborough and Port Augusta.

As the ex-licence holder for Electro-Motive Diesel products[7] it has also been involved in the procurement and maintenance of over 150 American built EMD SD70 series locomotives for BHP and Fortescue Metals Group's Pilbara operations.