A spokesman from the Australian Rail Track Corporation said that parts of the network were still without power and sizable repairs to signals and tracks would be conducted over the following week.

"There are still sections of track with high water levels around Wallis Creek, and this will be the key area of focus for our team after the flood gates come down," the spokesman said.

The ARTC advised that the repairs would involve heavy track repair machines working around-the-clock conducting track resurfacing and rail grinding.

"ARTC will continue to work with our customers and the Hunter coal chain on an operational start-up plan for coal, passenger and general freight that will take into account the need to meet passenger timetables, provide coal customers with access to the Port and above all, safety."

Buses will supplement the reduced train timetable until full service can resume.

Passengers are advised to go to www.nswtrainlink.info and www.sydneytrains.info for further information about timetabling and services.