WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAY

History that moves you

DISCOVER BOOK NOW

WELCOME ABOARD

Step back in history and take a breathtaking train journey deep into the heritage of the Tasmanian wilderness and hear tales of resilience and triumph over rugged terrain, hardship and adversity. Much more than a railway journey within a wilderness setting, the West Coast Wilderness Railway is a heritage experience that will touch your soul.

Rainforest track

Join us for an unforgettable railway journey along 35km of wild rainforest track between Queenstown and Strahan

Railway Museum

Discover the deep links between the railway and the development of Tasmania's West Coast at our Museum - entry is free

Historic rolling stock

Get up close with our historic engines and carriages, and the people who keep them rolling

Cafe and Gift Shop

Enjoy great coffee and refreshments and shop for unique mementos of your railway adventure

Explore the attractions

DISCOVER TOURS

Rack and Gorge

Take a half-day steam journey from Queenstown through ancient rainforest to Dubbil Barril and return.

Queenstown Explorer

Full day return steam train journey from Strahan to Queenstown through ancient wilderness.

River and Rainforest

Take a half-day diesel journey from Strahan's harbourside port to Dubbil Barril, deep in the rainforest, and back again.

Raft and Steam

Epic half-day from Queenstown combining a raft and steam journey through the rainforest. Regular departures available.

Steam Hydro

Full day exploration of Queenstown's industrial heritage at a great package price. Regular departures available.

Footplate Experience

Journeys currently suspended. An unforgettable morning working alongside the crew of our historic steam locomotive.

Steam Hydro

Full day exploration of Queenstown's industrial heritage at a great package price. Regular departures available.

Queenstown Explorer

Full day return steam train journey from Strahan to Queenstown through ancient wilderness.

Rack and Gorge

Take a half-day steam journey from Queenstown through ancient rainforest to Dubbil Barril and return.

River and Rainforest

Take a half-day diesel journey from Strahan's harbourside port to Dubbil Barril, deep in the rainforest, and back again.

Footplate Experience

Journeys currently suspended. An unforgettable morning working alongside the crew of our historic steam locomotive.

Raft and Steam

Epic half-day from Queenstown combining a raft and steam journey through the rainforest. Regular departures available.

DISCOVER STORIES

SEE ALL STORIES

Not just a steam train,
It’s a heritage to explore

The Kerrisons

Dairy farmers at Dubbil Barril

The Kerrisons

Railway fettler Cecil Kerrison supplemented his income by starting a dairy farm deep in the rainforest at Dubbil Barril

EXPLORE THIS STORY

Not just a steam train,
It’s a heritage to explore

James Crotty

The man who discovered the west's riches

James Crotty

it was said that if you pulled grass up by the roots at Iron Blow, the gold would sprinkle out of it.

EXPLORE THIS STORY

Not just a steam train,
It’s a heritage to explore

Dr Roman Abt

Inventor of the Rack and Pinion Railway

Dr Roman Abt

Dr Carl Roman Abt was a Swiss engineer, inventor and entrepreneur who would have a profound impact on the people of Tasmania’s west coast.

EXPLORE THIS STORY

Not just a steam train,
It’s a heritage to explore

Anthony Edwin Bowes Kelly

Father of the Railway

Anthony Edwin Bowes Kelly

In 1891, Bowes Kelly saw an advertisement from a fellow Irishman who was seeking an investor for his gold mine at Iron Blow in Tasmania

EXPLORE THIS STORY

The Kerrisons

Dairy farmers at Dubbil Barril

Railway fettler Cecil Kerrison supplemented his income by starting a dairy farm deep in the rainforest at Dubbil Barril

James Crotty

The man who discovered the west's riches

it was said that if you pulled grass up by the roots at Iron Blow, the gold would sprinkle out of it.

Dr Roman Abt

Inventor of the Rack and Pinion Railway

Dr Carl Roman Abt was a Swiss engineer, inventor and entrepreneur who would have a profound impact on the people of Tasmania’s west coast.

Anthony Edwin Bowes Kelly

Father of the Railway

In 1891, Bowes Kelly saw an advertisement from a fellow Irishman who was seeking an investor for his gold mine at Iron Blow in Tasmania

FEATURED NEWS

The story of Abt No. 1

February 16, 2021

On 11 November 1896, Abt Locomotive No. 1 started her long career on the Mt Lyell Mining and Rail Co line

Locomotive No. 2 Restoration Project - The skeleton

January 6, 2021

As we restore Abt Locomotive No. 2 to her former glory, follow along in a series of blog posts.

Once upon a train... The story of Abt Locomotive No. 2

December 23, 2020

As we restore Abt Locomotive No. 2 to her former glory, follow along in a series of blog posts.

Back on Track

September 1, 2020

The engines are polished, the boilers are primed, the stations have been rejuvenated and we're getting back on track.

What did we get up to?

Find out what we've been up to at the railway in the last few months and learn about some ongoing projects.

Tracks Cafe, Queenstown

Learn more about Tracks Cafe; a great place to stop for a quick bite, a delicious dessert or a hearty meal.

Gift vouchers available

November 17, 2019

We can arrange gift vouchers for any value, which can be emailed and printed as a last-minute gift.

Railway is Tasmania’s Top Tourism Attraction

November 11, 2019

West Coast Wilderness Railway named state's best Tourist Attraction at the 2019 Tasmanian Tourism Awards.

The story of Abt No. 1

February 16, 2021

On 11 November 1896, Abt Locomotive No. 1 started her long career on the Mt Lyell Mining and Rail Co line

Tracks Cafe, Queenstown

January 11, 2021

Learn more about Tracks Cafe; a great place to stop for a quick bite, a delicious dessert or a hearty meal.

Locomotive No. 2 Restoration Project - The skeleton

January 6, 2021

As we restore Abt Locomotive No. 2 to her former glory, follow along in a series of blog posts.

Once upon a train... The story of Abt Locomotive No. 2

December 23, 2020

As we restore Abt Locomotive No. 2 to her former glory, follow along in a series of blog posts.

Back on Track

November 17, 2020

The engines are polished, the boilers are primed, the stations have been rejuvenated and we're getting back on track.

What did we get up to?

August 31, 2020

Find out what we've been up to at the railway in the last few months and learn about some ongoing projects.

Gift vouchers available

November 25, 2019

We can arrange gift vouchers for any value, which can be emailed and printed as a last-minute gift.

Railway is Tasmania’s Top Tourism Attraction

November 13, 2019

West Coast Wilderness Railway named state's best Tourist Attraction at the 2019 Tasmanian Tourism Awards.

GETTING HERE (BY CAR)

FROM:

HOBART

LAUNCESTON

DEVONPORT

CRADLE MT

Cradle Mountain to Queenstown

110km | 1hr 30 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

Devonport to Queenstown

181km | 2hrs 35 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

Hobart to Queenstown

260km | 3hrs 40 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

Launceston to Queenstown

296km | 3hrs 30 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

INSTAGRAM