Discover one of the world's great railway journeys! Now, after 40 years, the West Coast Wilderness Railway in Tasmania is running again. You're able to travel through one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas crossing 40 bridges, wild rivers, and climb over 200 meters on a fascinating journey between Queenstown and Strahan. You'll also have the opportunity to visit an old gold mining settlement, explore the mine by candlelight and pan for gold in the river.
- Conducted in English
The historic 35 kilometer railway of tight curves and spectacular bridges clambers through rugged wilderness, dense rainforest and steep gorges, a legacy to the engineering skills, determination and endurance of the early 19th century West Coast pioneers who built it. Since 1896, the railway has hauled copper concentrates from the Queenstown mines to the port of Strahan, providing the only access and lifeline for the communities along the way.
Join the train seated in Tourist or Premier cars that feature natural Tasmanian timbers. The train will meet at Dubbil Barril where Fettlers lunches or afternoon teas are available from the train, or why not try 'Dotties' coffee shop in Queenstown for a fine selection of light refreshments, before or after your journey.
Options:
- Ex Strahan or Ex Queenstown Rail - One way tourist class rail journey from Strahan to Queenstown or vice versa. Includes a packed lunch. (Rail without coach transfers only available to March 31, 2009)
- Strahan or Queenstown Tourist - One way Tourist class rail journey with coach transfers back to Strahan or Queenstown. Includes a packed lunch.
- Strahan or Queenstown Premier - One way Premier class rail journey with coach transfers back to Strahan or Queenstown. Includes lunch, snacks and beverages, dedicated guide/steward plus a souvenir guide book. (Premier rail option available from April 1, 2009)
Schedule details
Tasmania West Coast Wilderness Railway Tour
Departure Dates:
- Departs by train with coach return on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Departs by coach with train return on Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Unavailable Dates:
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
Railway Timetable:
May - September
- Rail departs Strahan 10:15am, arrives Queenstown 2:15pm
- Rail departs Queenstown 11:00am, arrives Strahan 3:15pm
October - April
- Rail departs Strahan 10:15am, arrives Queenstown 2:15pm
- Rail departs Queenstown 10:00am, arrives Strahan 2:15pm
Departure Point:
- Strahan: Departs from West Coast Wilderness Railway Office, located at Regatta Point
- Queenstown: Depart the Queenstown Railway Station
Pricing information
Additional information
Tasmania West Coast Wilderness Railway Tour
Inclusions:
- One-way West Coast Wilderness Railway
- One-way coach transfer (Strahan-Queenstown or vice versa) if option selected
- Lunch included with morning rail departures OR
afternoon tea included with afternoon rail departures. - Beverages, snacks, dedicated guide/steward plus a souvenir guide book included with the Premier rail class option
- Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Exclusions:
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information:
- This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
- Confirmation for this tour will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
King River Gorge:
King River Gorge provides a spectacular view across some of the most inhospitable wilderness in the world. The gorge's steep sides rise a total of 163 meters (500 ft), with trains travelling along an embankment about 65 meters (200 ft) above the King River. Critics in the 1890s predicted that the railway would slide into the river but failed to take into account the engineering excellence achieved. On the riverbank below is one of the most remote picnic grounds in Australia, established around 1900 but long abandoned except for century-old rhododendrons that still bloom.
The Abt Climb:
The Abt rack and pinion system was cutting edge technology in its day, used on the steep railway grades between Halls Creek and Dubbil Barril. Without it the original trains would have been unable to haul large loads or maintain their traction in wet weather. The incline from Halls Creek to the summit at Rinadeena is 1 in 16, becoming 1 in 20 for the section to Dubbil Barril. Construction of the Abt section occurred when railway grades beyond 1 in 40 had never been attempted in Australia. These steep sections have a third rail with overlapping teeth that are gripped by a pinion wheel under the locomotive - providing a form of 4WD power!
Locomotives:
Two of the railway's original five Abt locomotives operate on the restored railway. Abt locomotives No. 1 and No. 3 are believed to be the oldest, fully restored working locomotives in the world. Loco. No.1 is the railway veteran, steaming into Queenstown for the railway's official opening on 18 March 1897. The sturdy locomotives were purpose-built to operate on the revolutionary Abt rack and pinion system designed by Swiss engineer Dr Roman Abt.
- Infants aged up to 3 years not occupying a seat travel free of charge.
- Child prices are applicable to children aged between 3 and 14 years inclusive.
Local Operator Information:
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
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