Departs (and returns): Regatta Point Station, Strahan
On this full day steam train journey, you will travel the length of the West Coast Wilderness Railway in both directions, stopping at every station along the line and hearing the many stories of the resilient people and extraordinary events that brought the railway to life.
As you travel through impenetrable rainforest, climb rugged mountains and pass deep gorges, you will understand the huge challenges that were overcome to build the line that would eventually connect the region’s rich copper mines to the port at Strahan. The railway also connected people and communities, and throughout the day, you will pass through the camps, settlements, towns and farms that once thrived here.
You will stop at Lower Landing on the edge of the King River, and Dubbil Barril where there is a short walking trail through the rainforest to see Huon pine and other native forest species. And you will ascend the steepest section of track under the power of the Abt rack and pinion system to reach Rinadeena, where annual rainfall can be up to three metres! This is the only operating Abt rack and pinon railway in the Southern Hemisphere
Your tour includes a 90-minute lunch stop in Queenstown, where you will have time to explore this historic mining town and take an optional guided walking tour. Once you have stretched your legs, board the train and enjoy the experience in the opposite direction, with convenience stops at a number of the remote stations, before finishing at your port of origin in Strahan.
WCWR offers two types of carriage journeys for each departure. All carriages provide comfortable, upholstered booth seating with good air flow and heating and cooling.
Our entry level carriage is our Heritage carriage, offering a comfortable train journey and opportunity to purchase snacks and drinks at remote station kiosks along your journey.
Wilderness carriages provide a more luxurious experience, with a little more space and carriage balcony. Start your journey with a glass of Tassie sparkling wine or juice and enjoy a series of small meals served throughout your journey.
We welcome feedback from locals, passengers and our social media audiences to help us tap into any blind spots or areas we might have missed and suggestions for us to improve.
Yes. In line with our COVID Safety Plan, our carriages may be running at less than capacity to enable adequate social distancing between travelling parties. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment.
During one half of the journey you will face in one direction, but once the train travels in the opposite direction (on the way back to your original departure station), so will you. This means you will face backwards either during the first or second half of your journey. As the train moves quite slowly, motion sickness is exceptionally rare, however, should you have any concerns on this, please call our team directly at least 24 hours prior to your departure.
Only steam locomotives can journey along the rack and pinion system, so you will be assured of experiencing a steam locomotive for this component of the journey, if not for the entire line.
Yes, we can cater for vegetarians, vegans and other requirements, but please let us know your needs when you book so we can look after you.
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is closed on Christmas Day and the Queen’s Birthday public holiday, but operates on other public holidays.
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
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