The Mount Gambier railway line, a part of the South Australian Railways network, opened in stages from 1881 and was constructed to narrow gauge. It connected Mount Gambier railway station to Naracoorte, where it linked to another narrow gauge line running to Kingston SE, and to the broad gauge Adelaide-Wolseley line at Wolseley. The Mount Gambier railway station served as the junction station for the Naracoorte–Millicent and Mount Gambier-Heywood lines, with the station building being restored to its original condition by the City of Mount Gambier Council in 2020.
Today, the Mount Gambier Railway Lands have been transformed into a unique public space named "The Rail." Situated in the heart of the city, this project, initiated by the City of Mount Gambier, aims to support the community and promote various activities. The Rail project team has engaged in over 80 site meetings and tours to gather ideas and feedback from the community. This public space is now open for all to enjoy, and visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts and concepts using the hashtag #therail5290.