One of Australia's most loved family journeys, the ABT railway travels through some of Tasmania's most remote and inaccessible locations; on route from Queenstown to the port of Strahan
West Coast Wilderness Railway
Address
Queenstown Station, 1 Driffield Street, Queenstown, Tas 7467
Opens
9:00 am
Closes
4:00 pm
Directions
The West Coast Wilderness Railway operates year-round on seasonal timetables, with a range of full and half day return tours departing from either Queenstown Station or Regatta Point Station in Strahan.
Child Price
$55
Adult Price
$110
Step back in history as you board a majestic steam train and 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.
Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway is a steam railway like no other and an essential experience for any visitor to the region. It operates full and half-day steam train journeys along a historic 35km track between Queenstown and Strahan on Tasmania's wild West Coast.
Its tours are also journeys into the history of the region and the ingenuity behind the Railway’s construction, which required solutions to huge environmental and logistical challenges, and has been recognised as an engineering achievement of global significance.
Built in the 1890s to carry minerals from the mines at Queenstown to the port at Strahan, the railway passes through dense rainforests that are home to the Huon pine and steep gorges, offering unforgettable views of Tasmania's wilderness from the comfort of a cosy carriage.
Passengers are told the fascinating stories of the hardships of the railway’s construction and the fierce competition with the operators of the other mines and railways in the area. The train stops at stations along the route which offer activities including a rainforest walk, viewing the train being turned on a manual turntable, panning for gold, tastings of wild honey and stunning photo opportunities.
Carriage Options:
Heritage
Passengers can purchase refreshments at station stops along the way.
Wilderness
Passengers have access to the open balcony for splendid views and receive a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine or juice on boarding. 9am departures include canapés, morning tea, light lunch. 2:15pm departures - afternoon tea (Tasmanian Tasting Tower – a 3-tiered stand of sweet & savoury Tasmanian produce)
Facilities
- Cafe at Queenstown
- Cafe at Rinadeena Station
- Cafe at Strahan (coming soon)
- Toilets at each Train Station
- Parenting Room at Queenstown Station
Rack & Gorge
Queenstown – Dubbil Barril – Queenstown. Duration: 4hrs. A half day steam train journey departing Queenstown Station and travelling the steep grades of the rack & pinion that the West Coast Wilderness Railway is renowned for. The King River Gorge and old growth rainforest complete the experience. Sit back in comfort as your guide brings stories of the railway and its resilient people to life. Discover how the feud of the Irishmen helped shape the wild West Coast.
Highlights
Traverses the steepest steam rail in Australia using the ingenious rack and pinion system. Live commentary throughout. Magnificent views of the King River Gorge. Gold panning. Rainforest walk. See the locomotive being manually turned by the crew.
Prices
Heritage Carriage
- Adults $110
- Child $55
- Family $245 (2A+2C)
Wilderness Carriage
- Adults $179
- Child $110
- Family Ticket Not available.
Child 2 to 17yrs, infant under 2yrs free – no seat allocation.
Timetable
- 1 June to 16 September -Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (10am – 2pm).
- 17 September to 1 January - Daily (9am – 1pm).
- 2 January to 20 April - Daily (9am – 1pm) plus until 31 March, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (2.15pm – 6.15pm).
- 21 April to 31 May- Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (9.00am - 1.00pm).
River & Rainforest
Strahan – Dubbil Barril – Strahan. Duration: 4hrs. Enjoy a relaxing steam train journey that departs from the original harbour side Regatta Point Station in Strahan. Take in the fabulous harbour views as the train follows the harbour foreshore and then the river as you journey deep into the rainforest. Marvel at the engineering feats as the train crosses the many bridges including the formidable iron bridge one of the two major river crossings on the line.
Highlights
Live commentary throughout. Journey deep into the rainforest. Two major river crossings on the line, including formidable Iron Bridge. Honey Tasting. Rainforest walk. See the locomotive being manually turned by the crew.
Prices
Heritage Carriage
- Adults $110
- Child $55
- Family $245 (2A+2C)
Wilderness Carriage
- Adults $179
- Child $110
- Family Ticket Not available.
Child 2 to 17yrs, infant under 2yrs free – no seat allocation.
Timetable
- 1 June – 16 September 2018 Monday, Wednesday and Friday (10am – 2pm)
- 17 September 2018 – 1 January 2019 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday (2.15pm – 6.15pm
- )2 January – 20 April 2019 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday (9.00 am – 1.00 pm) *** Monday – Wednesday (2.15pm – 6.15pm)
- 21 April - 31 May 2019, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (9.00am – 1.00pm)
Queenstown Explorer
Strahan – Queenstown – Strahan. Duration: 9 hrs. 17 September to 1 January - Thursdays and Fridays, 8.30am – 5.30 pm. 2 January to 20 April -Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8.30am – 5.30 pm. 21 April to 31 May - Friday only, 8.30am – 5.30 pm. A full dayreturn steam train journey that includes the King River Gorge, the “rack” section of the railway track (steepest steam rail in the southern hemisphere) the magnificent rainforest and all stations along the way. The train stops in Queenstown for one and a half hours allowing passengers to explore the historic mining town and discover the region’s rich history with a guided or self-guided tour. With so much to discover you will return to Strahan having experienced this remarkable railway and its triumph over adversity.
Highlights
Combines all the elements of the Rack and Gorge and River and Rainforest journeys plus 1 ½ hours in Queenstown. Walking tour of Queenstown included. Live commentary throughout.
Prices
Heritage Carriage
- Adults $185
- Child $80
- Family $390 (2A+2C)
Wilderness Carriage
- Adults $245
- Child $140
- Family Ticket Not available.
Child 2 to 17yrs, infant under 2yrs free – no seat allocation.
Timetable
- 17 September – 1 January: Thursday and Friday, 8.30am – 5.30 pm.
- 2 January – 20 April Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8.30am – 5.30 pm.
- 21 April - 31 May: Friday only, 8.30am – 5.30 pm
Steam & Hydro
This full-day tour is perfect for anyone interested in local history. Blending the fascinating stories of the West Coast Wilderness Railway Rack and Gorge journey and the ambitious hydro-electric scheme at Lake Margaret, the Steam and Hydro tour reveals the tenacity and ingenuity of the west’s early pioneers and entrepreneurs who achieved amazing engineering feats in this remote and challenging environment. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Lake Margaret Power Station before returning to Queenstown Station at the conclusion of your tour.
Highlights
Combines all the elements of the Rack and Gorge. RoamWild tour of the Lake Margaret Power Hydro Power Station. Exclusive access to the site. Interpretive tour of the heritage village, powerhouse and photographic display room. View the lower weir and wood-stave pipeline.
Prices
Heritage Carriage
- Adults $158
- Child $80
- Family $445 (2A+2C)
Wilderness Carriage
- Adults $210
- Child $120
- Family Ticket Not available.
Child 2 to 17yrs, an infant under 2yrs free – no seat allocation. There is a charge of $25 for infants to do this tour, due to the requirement for a special safety seat.
Timetable
Available year-round (winter timings subject to change) Operates in conjunction with the Rack and Gorge tour (8.30am – 4.30pm).
Raft & Steam
Minimum group of 4, maximum 12 Operates This half-day tour combines an exhilarating white water rafting adventure on the King River with a historic steam train journey through the rainforest. Your whitewater experience begins on the King River, which winds through the mountains of the West Coast Range. Your qualified guides from King River Rafting will guide you through rapids from Newall Creek to Dubbil Barril. After the excitement of the rapids, you will emerge from the white water at Sailor Jack Creek and continue downriver to Dubbil Barril station to meet the train to return to Queenstown.
Highlights
Seven kilometres of rapids. Pass through the Huon pine rainforests of the spectacular King River Gorge. Visit the Rhododendron Pool. Pan for gold. Ride the Abt rack and pinion section. All Raft and Steam tours depart from Queenstown Station at 8.15am. King River Rafting will meet you and take you to the rafting departure point.
Prices
Heritage Carriage
- Adults $158
- Child $80
- Family $445 (2A+2C)
Suitable for families with stronger children (must be 10 - 15 yrs) Meet 8 am and return at 2 pm.
Timetable
7 days per fortnight.
