Although the line still follows the original alignment, the standard of the track has improved by the use of heavier rail welded into long lengths, steel sleepers and better ballast.

[1] The last freight train left Hobart Station on 22 June 2014; afterwards the purpose-built Brighton Transport Hub became the terminus of goods services.

Serious constraints in the road network, along with low-frequency bus services, have led to ongoing discussion of introducing light rail to Hobart.

From here the often steep and/or twisty climb commences, with little respite for train crews until Rhyndaston and its 955m long tunnel is passed, some 28 km later.

North of Antill Ponds, the line roughly parallels the Midland Highway as they both follow the agriculturally rich valley's formed by the Macquarie and South Esk rivers.