West Coast Wilderness Railway is a heritage rail experience on the West Coast of lutruwita/Tasmania. We operate a 35km railway between the townships of Queenstown and Strahan and originally opened in 1896 as a means to transport copper from mines in Queenstown to the harbour port of Strahan.
We now operate a series of experiences along the railway, which travels deep into the Tasmanian rainforest. Whilst not a part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area (TWHWA), the rainforest is linked via its flora and environment to this incredible region, which is a UNESCO protected, meeting 7 of the 10 criteria for heritage and importance of place. Only one other place on earth meets that many criteria!
WCWR provides a comfortable and historically significant experience into the incredible Western Wilderness.
Details of the two experiences currently on offer by WCWR are as follows:
LYNCHFORD EXPRESS
Departs
Station stops
Returns
Duration
Highlights
Queenstown
Lynchford
Queenstown
1.5 hours
Heritage steam locomotive
Pan for gold
Visit the Pioneer’s Room
Live commentary
Choice of carriages
TEEPOOKANA & THE KING
Departs
Station stops
Returns
Duration
Highlights
Regatta Point, Strahan
Lower Landing
Regatta Point, Strahan
2.5 hours
Travel along Macquarie Harbour
Experience the rainforest
Take a guided flora walk
Taste endemic species honey
Live commentary
Choice of carriages
Each experience operates two carriage types for passengers to choose from:
HERITAGE CARRIAGES
Enjoy a comfortable train journey onboard these enclosed carriages with booth seats. Heritage carriages are replicas of our original carriages, using original heritage frames with updated internal fittings.
Passengers may face forward or backward during half their journey, and will then face the opposite direction on their return.
Passengers are encouraged to either bring their own drink bottle and snacks onboard or purchase snacks and drinks at remote station kiosks along the journey.
WILDERNESS CARRIAGES
Wilderness carriages provide a more luxurious experience, with a little more space and a carriage balcony. Catering is included on the Wilderness Carriage but differs on each journey with shorter journeys offering a morning or afternoon snack, while longer journeys may include up to four short courses served throughout your journey.
Whatever journey your clients choose, they will always start off with a glass of Tassie sparkling wine or juice though, just like any luxury heritage rail experience.
Passengers may face forwards or backward during half their journey, and will then face the opposite direction on their return.
