West Coast Wilderness Railway Experience

West Coast Wilderness
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.

When you travel aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway, you will be well looked after. That care extends to the beginning and end of your journey, and even to those who are simply visiting us at Queenstown Station. Enjoy a delicious snack, coffee, drink or meal at Tracks Cafe, discover the history and heritage of the Railway in our Museum, pick up a unique souvenir of your experience or gifts for family and friends at our Gift Shop and join a workshop tour to get up close and personal with our rolling stock and those who keep it rolling.

Choose from A Wonderful Selection of Tours:

Tour Name: Queenstown to Lynchford Heritage Train Journey

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Price Range:

  • Adult: $45 onwards
  • Child: $25 onwards
  • Family: $110 onwards

Overview: Embark on a historical train journey from Queenstown Station to Lynchford, a significant location steeped in pioneer history and gold rush adventures. During the ride, a knowledgeable guide provides live commentary, narrating tales of the past 200 years and the resilient individuals who once inhabited the rainforest.

Upon arrival at Lynchford Station, passengers have the opportunity to engage in gold panning activities, explore the Lynchford Museum, or immerse themselves in the region’s pioneer heritage.

Important Notes:

  • Departures in early 2024 will be led by a 1953 Drewry diesel locomotive instead of a heritage steam locomotive due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Carriage Options:
    • Heritage Carriage: Offers comfortable seating and the chance to purchase snacks and drinks at Lynchford Station.
    • Wilderness Carriage: Provides a more luxurious experience, boasting spaciousness, a carriage balcony, a glass of Tassie sparkling wine or juice, and a Devonshire Tea service onboard.

Highlights:

  • Live commentary onboard
  • Gold panning experience
  • Exploration of Lynchford Museum

Departure Information:

  • Departs from Queenstown
  • Choice between Heritage or Wilderness Carriage

This journey offers a blend of historical immersion, scenic beauty, and optional luxurious amenities, allowing passengers to delve into Tasmania’s rich heritage while enjoying a memorable train ride experience.

Tour Name: Teepookana Discovery Train Journey

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Price Range:

  • Adult: $55 onwards
  • Child: $35 onwards
  • Family: $140 onwards

Availability: Bookings available starting from Tuesday, 27 February.

Overview: Embark on a scenic journey aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s heritage diesel train from Regatta Point Station in Strahan. On this immersive experience, knowledgeable guides narrate the tales of the railway’s construction and the lives intertwined with its history.

Traveling through the rainforest, the train crosses the Iron Bridge at Teepookana, a former bustling port town. The journey halts at Lower Landing Station on the King River, offering passengers a guided nature walk and a taste of locally sourced honey derived from endemic species.

Important Notes:

  • Carriage Options:
    • Heritage Carriage: Provides comfortable seating and an option to purchase snacks and beverages at Lower Landing Station.
    • Wilderness Carriage: Offers a more luxurious experience, featuring additional space, a carriage balcony, Tasmanian sparkling wine, canapés on departure, and a locally inspired light menu served during the journey.

Highlights:

  • Live onboard commentary
  • Travel through Macquarie Harbour and into the rainforest
  • Stop at Lower Landing Station for a guided nature walk and honey tasting
  • Experience the heritage diesel train

Departure Information:

  • Departs from Regatta Point Station in Strahan
  • Choice between Wilderness and Heritage Carriages

This journey promises a blend of historical discovery, natural exploration, and luxurious indulgence, providing passengers with a memorable immersion into Tasmania’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Experience Name: Afternoon High Tea at Regatta Point Station

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Price Range:

  • Adult: $45 onwards
  • Child: $20 onwards
  • Family: Not specified

Date Availability: January 2024

Overview: Indulge in a unique stationary experience at Regatta Point Station with an afternoon high tea hosted by the West Coast Wilderness Railway team. Immerse yourself in the ambiance reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel while enjoying tales recounted by Lindon, a resident along the railway line, accompanied by a soundscape crafted by Gap in the Fence.

Savor a delightful high tea served in chapters that complement the storytelling, enhancing the immersive experience. Each course is meticulously paired with three 15-minute audio segments, creating an unparalleled storytelling adventure.

Important Notes:

  • Audio Experience: Created by Floating Scores, this audio project builds a Tasmanian soundscape in association with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
  • Stationary Experience: Passengers are requested to maintain a reasonable level of quietness during the audio for the enjoyment of all participants.
  • Booking Information: All experiences must be booked in advance. For same-day bookings, contact the ticketing team directly.

Highlights:

  • Three-tiered high tea experience
  • Tea and coffee service
  • Floating Scores audio experience

Departure Information:

  • Stationary experience located at Regatta Point Station, Strahan
  • Only Wilderness Carriage option available for this experience

This stationary high tea provides a unique blend of gastronomy, storytelling, and audio immersion, allowing participants to relish an extraordinary journey through Tasmania’s heritage and auditory landscapes.

Experience Name: Lynchford Footplate Experience

Duration: 2 hours

Price Range:

  • Adult: $250 onwards
  • Child: Not available
  • Family: Not available

Overview: Embark on a unique journey starting with a safety briefing and a tour of the original Abt steam locomotive (in early 2024, led by a 1953 Drewry diesel locomotive). Participants engage in preparing the locomotive for the excursion to Lynchford Station, the initial remote station along the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s 35-kilometer line.

At Lynchford Station, enjoy house-baked scones and tea before returning to Queenstown aboard the locomotive.

Important Notes:

  • Safety Regulations: Strict regulations include prohibition of alcohol or narcotics consumption, mandatory footwear, punctuality, and provision of all necessary protective clothing and equipment.
  • Inclusions: The experience encompasses a Devonshire tea and hot beverage at Lynchford, a framed photo opportunity, a personal gift bag, access to Lynchford Station activities, loan of overalls, and safety equipment.
  • Booking Information: Bookings must be made directly with the ticketing team at least 7 days in advance. Full payment is required upon reservation. Participants must be over 18 years old due to safety reasons.

Highlights:

  • Assistance in preparing the locomotive
  • Work and travel alongside the crew on the locomotive footplate
  • Debriefing session with the crew after the journey
  • Access to activities at Lynchford Station

Departure Information:

  • Departs and returns to Queenstown Station, 1 Driffield Street, Queenstown
  • No choice of carriage, as it’s a locomotive footplate experience

This unique experience offers participants an exclusive opportunity to engage closely with the operation of the locomotive, gaining insights and hands-on experience within the historic setting of the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

From AU$45
  • Highlights
  • Full Day unforgettable railway journey through the West Coast Wilderness
Reasons to book with Tasmania.com
No booking fee
No cancellation fee to change or cancel almost any hotel reservation
Bonded and insured company
On-the-ground support if you're not sure where to go or what to book
Exclusive bonus offers
Tasmanian travel bonus offer

My husband, two young boys and I did the Queenstown trip and we loved it. We were welcomed with a glass of mulled wine and the food and drinks kept coming. The scenery is beautiful and the trip itself is really interesting as we heard all about the local history and the early pioneers of the area. I highly recommend this trip. It’s a really great way to experience Tasmania’s wilderness and is suitable for all ages.

West Coast Wilderness Railway Experience Tasmania Australia
Steph
Brisbane, Australia Via Trip Advisor

My husband, two young boys and I did the Queenstown trip and we loved it. We were welcomed with a glass of mulled wine and the food and drinks kept coming. The scenery is beautiful and the trip itself is really interesting as we heard all about the local history and the early pioneers of the area. I highly recommend this trip. It’s a really great way to experience Tasmania’s wilderness and is suitable for all ages.

West Coast Wilderness Railway Experience Tasmania Australia
Steph
Brisbane, Australia Via Trip Advisor
Book Yourself Booking Concierge Tasmania Australia Concierge Booking Email Search Top