Gauntlet track is a way of routing two parallel tracks without actually combining them into one single track (with turnouts, etc.) through a location where two parallel rights of way can't fit because of space restrictions.

Operationally a gauntlet section has to be treated as a single track since there is no physical way for two trains to travel over the same section at once. Look at the diagram below to see why:

The most well-known gauntlet section in NSW was the track between Sydney Yard and Ultimo under Broadway, however the first railway bridge over the Georges River at Como here in Sydney (closed in 1970 when the existing structure was built next to it) also had gauntlet track, as did some other places in other states.

Since the Sydney Light Rail company constructed it's line on the former goods line right of way from Darling Harbour around to the Wenthworth Park this part of the goods network has been off limits to any trains except for occasional workings (over one line only - the other one has been mostly removed) to the siding owned by the Powerhouse Museum.

Below are some gauntlet track pictures from around Australia:

Gauntlet Track Images
Como in Sydney, NSW, Australia
DEB set coming off Como bridge	Como Bridge - Sydney NSW	Old Como station in 1986 facing old bridge
Image by Ken Cranfield	Image by Harold Chambers	Image by Graeme Skeet