The Wave - Stage 1 Greenfield Package | Sunshine Coast, QLD
The Wave is a key part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Delivery Plan and, alongside the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade, represents the largest ever investment in infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.
Client:Department of Transport and Main Roads / Queensland Rail
Consortium: CoastalTraX (ACCIONA, Georgiou, Mott MacDonald, Aurecon, Grimshaw, Aspect Studios)
Location: Bells Creek & Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, QLD
MODE Expertise: Architecture, Urban Design
MODE Team:Greg Barker, Blake Appana
Completion Date: Expected 2032
The Wave - Stage 1 Greenfield Package | Sunshine Coast, QLD
MODE, as part of the CoastalTraX consortium, has successfully been awarded the Design and Pre-Construction contract for The Wave - Stage 1 Greenfield package - a major new rail connection for the Sunshine Coast.
Working alongside ACCIONA, Georgiou, Mott MacDonald, Aurecon, MODE will work with Grimshaw and Aspect Studios, MODE will contribute to the design of station environments, public realm and corridor-wide urban design.
The Sunshine Coast is one of South East Queensland's fastest growing regions and the largest urban area in Australia without a direct passenger rail connection to its nearest capital city. The Wave will address this by delivering a modern, high-capacity rail line that connects coastal communities to the broader South East Queensland network, providing a reliable and competitive alternative to driving.
Stage 1 Scope
The Wave - Stage 1 will deliver 19km of new dual-track heavy passenger rail between Beerwah and Caloundra, including:
a new station at Bells Creek (Aura) located west of Bells Creek Arterial Road, featuring a bus interchange, park 'n' ride, ticket office, public toilets, cycle and scooter storage, CCTV and lighting
a new station at Caloundra, located on the corner of Caloundra Road and Pelican Waters Boulevard, with lifts, park 'n' ride, kiss 'n' ride, bus bays, cycle storage and amenities
approximately 7km of viaduct between Bells Creek and Caloundra
active transport provisions including new pathways and connections to surrounding local networks
local road upgrades
recreational parkland adjacent to Bells Creek (Aura) Station
Both stations will embrace the natural beauty, local character, heritage and history of the area in their architectural design.
Broader Context
The Wave is a key part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Delivery Plan and, alongside the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade, represents the largest ever investment in infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast. Once operational, the new rail line will provide the fastest and most reliable way for Sunshine Coast residents to travel to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond, saving passengers over 45 minutes compared to driving in peak times.
The project will also support regional growth by accelerating the delivery of more than 3,000 affordable and diverse homes around new rail stations over the coming decade.
The Wave connects to the existing North Coast Line north of Beerwah station, with trains continuing to Moreton Bay, the Brisbane CBD and beyond.