Departs (and returns): Queenstown Station
Join our half-day (4.5 hour) Rack and Gorge tour and take a heritage steam train journey through remote rainforest to the incredible King River Gorge, turning at Dubbil Barril before returning to Queenstown.
As you travel through the west coast’s cool temperate rainforest, you will climb one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest tracks under the unique power of the Abt Rack and Pinion system. This system was designed in the seventeenth century and transformed the fortunes of the west coast during the late nineteenth century, and the only operating Abt rack and pinion railway in the Southern Hemisphere.
Stop at remote train stations, traverse the deep chasm of the King River Gorge, and see the places where early west coast pioneers lived and worked to create this extraordinary railway.
During your experience, your guide will share stories of the determined and visionary people who carved out their fortunes in one of the most difficult and remote landscapes imaginable. Hear tales of the rogues and rivalry that led to the creation of the richest copper mining company in the world and marvel at how nature has prevailed through it all.
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 will 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 about this, please call our team directly at least 24 hours prior to your departure.
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 all other holidays.
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.
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