News & Media
7th May 2010
Tasmanian railway journey commemorated among greatest in Australia
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is being celebrated as one of Australia’s greatest rail journeys, being commemorated on an Australia Post stamp, released today.
The historic West Coast railway is recognised alongside The Ghan, the Indian Pacific and the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Queensland.
“We are thrilled to have the West Coast Wilderness Railway recognised in such a manner, marking it as one of the most important railways in Australian history,” Pure Tasmania Director of Tourism Bernard Dwyer said.
“The original pioneers of the railway had a motto, ‘We find a way or make it’, and this certainly still rings true in the ethos of the railway today.
“With thousands of visitors experiencing the authentic recreation of this rail journey every year, we aim to bring alive this spirit and maintain the pride and history of the original pioneers through story-telling and interpretation.”
The West Coast Wilderness Railway has twice been recognised nationally at the Australian Tourism Awards for Significant Tourism Attraction.
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 railway more than 100 years ago to carry copper concentrates for the Mt Lyell Mining Co.
This 35km journey includes stops at stations of the past – Lower Landing, Dubbil Barril, and Rinadeena – where your expert and passionate guides will bring to life the stories of these historic points on the railway.
The steam loco that runs on a rack-and-pinion track between Queenstown and Dubbil Barril is its own piece of history – one of only four such systems in the Southern Hemisphere. Invented by Dr Roman Abt from Switzerland, the “rack” in the centre of the railway is hooked into the “pinion” to help the loco make its way up the steep slopes – and slow it on the way down!
The West Coast Wilderness Railway departs daily from Strahan and Queenstown, with afternoon trips in peak season.
Bookings can be made at www.puretasmania.com.au or by phoning 1800 084 620.
The Australia Post media release can be found at: http://auspost.com.au/about-us/australia-post-all-aboard-to-celebrate-railway-heritage.html