Initially diesel-hauled trains will operate between periods of network restoration.

As repairs are completed, operation of diesel and electric-hauled trains will return to full service, according to a QR spokesperson.

About 20 wagons on the QR train derailed between Aroona and Edungalba, about 150 kilometres west of Rockhampton.

Nobody was injured in the incident, which is being investigated.

“QR staff have inspected damage to the track and overhead wires and begun the recovery task, which is affected by the difficulty of accessing the site,” the QR spokesperson said.

“The derailment has blocked both lines and stopped rail traffic between the coal mines in the Blackwater coal rail system and the port of Gladstone.

“QR's coal business QR National Coal has been keeping customers informed about the derailment.”

The Spirit of the Outback passenger train will continue to operate between Brisbane and Rockhampton, and will link with buses for the journey between Longreach and Rockhampton while the track is closed.