West Coast Wilderness Railway

Take a trip back in time to where men slaved through mud, rain and treacherous landscapes to forge a link between the mining town of Queenstown and the port of Strahan.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway forms a gateway for visitors to explore Tasmania's unique rail heritage, discovering the inspiring story of the pioneers who built the original west coast railway more than 100 years ago.

Along the 35km journey you will stop at stations of the past - Lower Landing, Dubbil Barril, Rinadeena - where your trained guides will bring to life the stories of these historic points on the railway.

Marvel at the tenacity of the West Coast Wilderness Railway and its pioneers as it passes over bridges towering above the rivers below, through massive hand-hewed rock cuttings, under the protective canopies of ancient rainforests and along the edge of plunging gorges.

Amazing feats of engineering and the human spirit of the pioneers who built the original west coast railway are seen in lasting tributes along the journey. All rock cuttings along the railway were completed by the pioneers using only hand tools, the largest having more than 80,000 barrow loads of rock removed. A rock wall holds up the banks of the King River as the train passes teeteringly close, built one piece at a time by early engineers with local rocks, using barges on the river as their "scaffolding".

Six years ago, when the west coast railway was being restored, modern-day engineers discovered this 100 year old rock wall still standing in the wilderness - one of the only pieces of railway to survive the test of time and ageing. Another is the Iron Bridge, which stands proud in bright orange. Hundreds of original rail workers were needed to position the Iron Bridge, 43 metres in length weighing 110 tonnes. The bridge was so large, it was brought up in two halves on barges. The spirit of these pioneers is reflected in the original west coast railway motto 'we find a way or make it.'

Premier Class carriage

Take in the journey from the West Coast Wilderness Railway Premier Carriage - where your every desire, from sparkling at breakfast to pastries for morning tea and local cheeses in the afternoon, is cared for by your carriage attendant.

From your comfortable seating and glassed-in rear doors with balcony, the view of the Tasmanian wilderness is spectacular. Watch the railway winding away behind you as the ancient trees close in, holding their secrets close.

Strahan has always been a working fishing port, and its underwater delights are featured on-board the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Passengers change trains at Dubbil Barril, where they also stop for a sumptuous lunch (included as part of the ticket price) of a choice of soup, hot pastry, or gourmet rolls. In the Premier Class carriage, a selection of fine Tasmanian cool climate wines and beers is also available.

Stopping at Lower Landing, passengers have the unusual treat of tasting Tasmania's leatherwood honey, from the Tasmanian Honey Company, while listening to our guides explain the honey-making process going on above at Teepookana Plateau.

Rainforest

By far the most amazing sight along the journey is the Tasmanian King River Gorge, which plunges spectacularly from the railway tracks straight down to the river below. Huge native trees cling to the gorge's sides like resolute soldiers - an indication of how those workers 100 years ago must have felt. You can almost reach out and touch Tasmanian native rainforests of this area - myrtle, blackwood, sassafras and the high-demand Huon Pine, found only in Tasmania and a protected species in this State. No-one is allowed to fell this majestic beauty, which takes hundreds of years to grow to maturity.

Coats, jumpers, sturdy shoes and, in winter, gloves and scarves, are all recommended to ensure you get the best out of this wild wilderness, for getting out amongst the elements is one of its most charming attractions.

To find more about the West Coast Wilderness Railway rates and availability, try our holiday planner.