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West Coast Wilderness Railway
Whilst in Queenstown, we went on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, Rack and Gorge tour. This four and a half hour heritage steam train journey, departs daily from Queenstown, and travels deep into Tasmania’s western wilderness areas.
The railway track was constructed in the 1890’s to transport copper from the Mt Lyell Mine in Queenstown to the port of Strahan, a total distance of 34 and half kilometres.
Along the way we stop and disembark at three remote train stations and enjoy stunning views as we traverse the deep chasm of the King River Gorge. We also climb one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest tracks, under the unique power of the A B T Rack and Pinion system.
The staff on board provide an interesting and entertaining commentary about the history of the railway and the local area.
Stops along the Journey
At Lynchford Station, a former goldmine, you can try your luck panning for gold and take a short walk across the bridge to see the Queen River.
At Rinadeena Station, you can get a coffee and snack at the cafe, learn more about the A B T rack and pinion system and enjoy the scenery whilst the steam locomotive is refilled with water.
At Dubbil Barril Station, you can watch the locomotive manually being turned around for the return journey. There is also a lovely short walk through the rainforest.
You can enjoy the Steam train experience and white water rafting on the King River on this 6 hour tour from Queenstown, Tasmania.