Search
West Coast Wilderness Railway (Queenstown)
Things To Do Queenstown, West Coast, Tasmania
Cultural and Theme Tours
Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway is a unique railway journey through the ancient rainforest that relates the history and heritage of the region and 120 year old railway. Disembark at remote wilderness stations and engage in a diverse array of things to do, such as honey tasting or panning for gold, or just drink in the rainforest on one of the short walks.
When booking your rail journey, you are offered a choice of two comfortable carriage types. Heritage Carriages provide upholstered seating and snacks available for purchase along the way, whilst Wilderness Carriages offer fully inclusive catering and a welcoming glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine onboarding and access to the carriage balcony.
As you pass breath-taking scenery, only accessible by the heritage railway, you are invited to breathe and soak in the ancient rainforest. Onboard guides provide live commentary and will share fascinating stories of the hardships of the railway’s construction and the men, women, and children that called the surrounding wilderness their home.
Services
From $120 to $189
Join our half-day (5 hours) Rack and Gorge journey onboard a steam train departing Queenstown and journey deep into Tasmania’s western wilderness and ancient rainforest. Climb the southern hemisphere’s steepest steam rail track under the unique power of the Abt rack and pinion rail system.
Journey through the cool, temperate rainforest and along the incredible King River Gorge and watch the locomotive being turned by hand at Dubbil Barril before returning to Queenstown.
Three station stops along the journey provide the opportunity to pan for gold, watch the train be rewatered from above the track and take a short walk through the rainforest. Hear tales of rogues and rivalry from your onboard guide and marvel at how nature has prevailed through the area’s tough mining history.
Disabled Access
Carpark Family Friendly Pet Friendly - EnquireFrom $185 to $259
This full-day experience takes you along the entire length of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, through ancient rainforest and along the spectacular King River Gorge, returning onboard your train in the opposite direction. You will also travel along the Abt Rack and Pinion system, ascending the steepest steam rail journey in the Southern Hemisphere.
Station stops along the journey include: Lower Landing – On the edge of the King River with a short walk to the river’s edge, Dubbil Barril – take a short wilderness walk through the rainforest, Rinadeena – View the rack and pinion system from the bridge over the railway, Lynchford – pan for gold and wander through the museum dedicated to our mining history and Queenstown – grab a spot of lunch and take a guided walking tour of this historic town.
Return by train to Strahan in the afternoon, stopping at many of the stations to stretch your legs.
Disabled Access
Carpark Family FriendlyFrom $120 to $189
This half day (5 hour) journey takes you from the shores of Macquarie Harbour into the ancient rainforest and mountains of Tasmania’s rugged west coast.
Hear stories of the landscape and wilderness from your onboard guide and wonder how the men and women of the rail once carved their life out of this harsh environment. Admire the extraordinary engineering achievement as you cross Iron Bridge, and see the remains of the 244-metre trestle bridge at Quarter Mile.
Stop at remote stations and take in the western wilderness. A short walk through the cool, temperate rainforest at Dubbil Barril station is a must before returning to Strahan.
Disabled Access
Carpark Family Friendly
