West Coast Wilderness Railway

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Stepping aboard a historic steam train is a marvellous way for families to connect with the past while journeying through some of the most remarkable landscapes in lutruwita/Tasmania. The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a premier heritage attraction, operating beautifully restored locomotives across a spectacular 34.5-kilometre line. Originally opened in 1896 by the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company to transport copper, this line served as the sole link between the remote mining town of Queenstown and the port of Strahan until road transport arrived in 1932.

Though operations ceased in 1963, a passionate community effort led to a complete restoration of the track, bridges, and culverts. Reopened in December 2002, the railway allows parents, grandparents, and children to follow the exact paths carved out by early pioneers, piners, and miners over 130 years ago.

Wilderness Railway

West Coast Tasmania

A family holiday to West Coast Tasmania is just as much about the scenic road trip as it is about the final destination. Travelling from Hobart takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours along the Lyell Highway (A10), winding through globally recognised UNESCO wilderness, mountain plateaus, and glacial valleys. To break up the drive, families can stretch their legs at Curringa Farm for a coffee, enjoy a pub meal at Derwent Bridge, or take the 25-minute return boardwalk along the Franklin Nature Trail.

Alternatively, driving from Launceston offers a scenic route past Cradle Mountain and the mural-filled town of Sheffield, (or a 2.5-hour direct drive from Devonport) that then passes through historic mining communities like Rosebery and Zeehan. Travellers should note that mountain passes can encounter snow or heavy hail during cooler months, mobile coverage is highly patchy, and fuel stops are scattered, making forward planning essential.

Once at the railway, families can choose an itinerary that suits their schedule. Station cafés are available at both ends of the line to serve fresh food, hot breakfasts, and proper caffeine hits before or after your departure:

Tracks Café (Queenstown Station): A licensed venue with a relaxed menu and a warm wood fire. The kitchen closes between 2:30pm and 4:30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Tracks on Point Café (Regatta Point Station, Strahan): Features a popular menu packed with burgers, shakes, and pancakes, which can be enjoyed right on the station platform. The kitchen closes between 2:30pm and 4:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Strahan to Queenstown

The rail link from Strahan to Queenstown navigates incredibly unforgiving terrain, including 296 culverts and 40 distinct bridges. For short excursions, families can board the 1.45-hour return Cryptic Express from Strahan, which offers an accessible introduction to the local rivers and rainforest with onboard guides sharing pioneering tales. From Queenstown, the 1.5-hour Lynchford Express takes a 20-minute journey to a historic pioneer centre where passengers can learn about the region’s early gold fever.

For a deeper adventure, the 3-hour Expedition steam train departs Queenstown and climbs deep into the rainforest towards Rinadeena Saddle. This journey utilizes Australia’s first ABT rack and pinion system—a clever third-rail design invented by Swiss engineer Dr Carl Roman Abt to help trains ascend steep 1 in 16 mountain gradients.

Young train enthusiasts will love learning about the unique personalities of the rolling stock. Original 1890s steam engines like Abt 1, Abt 3, and the fully restored Abt 2 operate on the rack sections, whilst heritage Drewry diesel locomotives handle passenger services departing the harbour at Strahan. It is a brilliant, hands-on history lesson wrapped up in a classic wilderness adventure.