[3] Operationally in the WAGR era, the line was considered to be between Northam and Kalgoorlie, despite historical material extending the name to Perth.

[11][17][18][19] The first official standard gauge iron ore train from Koolyanobbing arrived at Kwinana on 10 July 1967.

[20][21] In November 2005, funding was announced to extend eight crossing loops to accommodate 1,800-metre-long (5,900 ft) trains at Bodallin, Darrine, Wallaroo, Lake Julia, Grass Valley, Bungulla, Booraan and Seabrook, and replace the final 76 kilometres (47 mi) of timber sleepers with concrete sleepers.

[22] Transwa's MerredinLink and Prospector services from Perth to Merredin and Kalgoorlie traverse the line[23] as does Journey Beyond's Indian Pacific to Sydney.

Intrastate and interstate freight services are operated by Aurizon, Mineral Resources, Pacific National and SCT Logistics.