WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAY

Stay and explore

Tasmania’s Western Wilds is a region with a character all its own. This is a place of ancient culture and landscapes, of remote World Heritage-listed wilderness, of convict sites and stories that reach back to the beginning of European settlement of the island, and of tenacious, visionary pioneers who forged railways and mines and roads through the west’s dramatic, unforgiving terrain.

Take some time to continue exploring Tasmania’s west coast before or after your West Coast Wilderness Railway journey. The region is packed with things to do, from cruises on the Gordon and Pieman Rivers, to white water rafting and kayaking adventures, scenic flights and helicopter tours, guided bushwalks and relaxed strolls through the rainforest.

 

Things to do

There's plenty to do here on the west coast of Tasmania and our region has a rich history and a huge range of guided tours that will introduce you to the west’s historic towns and significant places. Discover the west coast’s convict history on a tour of Sarah Island and Macquarie Harbour, take a guided tour, see the sights and wildlife, learn about the region’s mining, hydro and environmental history, visit museums and galleries, or time your visit for festivals and events.
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Where to stay

There is a wide range of accommodation available throughout the west coast – from heritage hotels, cottages and rustic cabins, to apartments, resorts and lodges. There is so much to see, we recommend planning your visit to stay a few nights and give yourself time to explore everything the west coast has to offer.
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The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA)

In 1982, the fight to prevent construction the Franklin River dam ultimately led to the World Heritage Committee inscribing a vast area of wilderness in western Tasmania onto the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage List, protecting it for all time.
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Major towns

Tasmania’s west coast is a region with a character all its own. This is a place of ancient culture and landscapes, of remote World Heritage-listed wilderness, of convict sites and stories that reach back to the beginning of European settlement of the island, and of tenacious, visionary pioneers who forged railways and mines and roads through the west’s dramatic, unforgiving terrain.
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Suggested itineraries

There are so many things to see and do here on the West Coast, you could be forgiven for needing a little help in working out the best itinerary! We've taken the hassle out of finding the best ideas and put them all in one place. You're welcome!
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TRAVEL TIPS

Weather

The West Coast experiences the beauty of all seasons. During the summer months, the many warm calm days provide a postcard experience whilst traveling through the rugged mountains and tannin dark rivers. During the winter months the fog enchanted landscapes provide a pleasant picturesque scene.

Many of the highest rainfall readings are found on the West Coast, specifically at Mount Read, but this is a little price to pay for the beauty held within the ancient rainforests and fast flowing rivers on the west coast.

Please visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology climate profiles for each of our centres:

Strahan

Queenstown

Zeehan

Rosebery

Approximate driving times

Travel time to Queenstown, from:

Hobart 4 hours

Launceston 3.5 hours

Cradle Mountain 2 hours

Devonport 3 hours

Derwent Bridge 2 hours

Strahan 45 minutes 

Winding mountain roads

Take care driving on mountain roads not only for bends, but also ice and, of course, wildlife. It is often swerving to avoid an animal that can cause an accident, so go slow and be prepared to stop. Dawn and dusk are when you see most animals.

Mobile phone coverage

If you are relying on your mobile phone, check available coverage with your service provider. Mobile coverage is limited in the area, due to both topography and the sparse population. Telstra has the widest coverage in the region, but even this can be limited to major centres.

Never underestimate how wild Tasmania is

Although the wilderness is easy to access, once you are out there, you are really out there. Which is what is so wonderful about it. But you need to take care. Always tell someone where you are going, try not to hike alone, sign the national park log books and have an emergency kit with you. As well as the obvious map, compass and plenty of water. Plus purification tablets. And be well packed with layers and waterproofs.

DISCOVER TOURS

SEE ALL TOURS

GETTING HERE (BY CAR)

FROM:
FROM:
HOBART
LAUNCESTON
DEVONPORT
CRADLE MT

Driving Distance
Cradle Mountain to Queenstown

110km | 1hr 30 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

Driving Distance
Devonport to Queenstown

181km | 2hrs 35 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

Driving Distance
Hobart to Queenstown

260km | 3hrs 40 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

Driving Distance
Launceston to Queenstown

296km | 3hrs 30 mins

(Queenstown to Strahan 41km | 45 mins)

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