steam train tour queenstown tasmania

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West Coast Visitor Centre

OPEN Monday-Friday 10.30am-5.30pm. CLOSED Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays

The Esplanade, Strahan

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Heritage Train Journey

Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway is a unique railway journey through the ancient rainforest that relates the history and heritage of the region and 120-year-old railway. Disembark at remote wilderness stations and engage in a diverse array of things to do, such as honey tasting or panning for gold, or just drink in the rainforest on one of the short walks. When booking your rail journey, you are offered a choice of two comfortable carriage types. Heritage Carriages provide upholstered seating and snacks available for purchase along the way, whilst Wilderness Carriages offer fully inclusive catering and a welcoming glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine onboarding and access to the carriage balcony. As you pass breath-taking scenery, only accessible by the heritage railway, you are invited to breathe and soak in the ancient rainforest. Onboard guides provide live commentary and will share fascinating stories of the hardships of the railway’s construction and the men, women, and children that called the surrounding wilderness their home. Please note: West Coast Wilderness Railway will close temporarily for maintenance from 5 June, resuming service in time for the 23/24 peak season. Further details on timetables etc can be found at www.wcwr.com.au.

Map & Directions

1 Driffield Street, Queenstown, Tasmania 7467 Australia

Cancellation Policy

Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all tours made available by the West Coast Wilderness Railway. By making a booking for a tour you warrant that you have read these terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them subject to such changes as notified to you from time to time. If the booking for a tour is made through a third party the terms and conditions of that third party also apply.

General Terms

West Coast Wilderness Railway will endeavour to provide tour but reserves the right to refuse requests for bookings or actual bookings due to insufficient or excessive numbers of requests. All tours are subject to availability minimum participation requirements and prevailing weather conditions at the time of operation. A tour may be cancelled up to the time of departure if it is the opinion of the tour operator that the weather or any other conditions are unsafe to conduct the tour. A full refund will be applicable in this event.

Booking Policy

All tour bookings must be paid in full at the time of reservation. By providing credit card details you warrant that you have the authority to use the credit card and you authorize the West Coast Wilderness Railway to charge the cost of your booking to the credit card.  In the event that the West Coast Wilderness Railway or a third party operator cancels a tour you have booked then all monies paid for your booking will be refunded in full within 14 days of the cancellation.  The liability of the West Coast Wilderness Railway arising from any cancelations of tour bookings by the West Coast Wilderness Railway or a third party operator is limited to the amount paid for the tour booking.

- 72 hours or more prior to scheduled tour start time: nil  - less than 72 hours prior to scheduled tour start time: full ticket price for tour booked.  If a deposit has not been made then cancellation fees will be charged to the credit card held as guaranteed. If a deposit has been made:

• And the amount of the deposit is more than the cancellation fee then the cancellation fee will be deducted from the deposit and the balance of the deposit will be refunded;
• And the amount of the deposit is less than the cancellation fee then the deposit will be taken in part payment of the cancellation fee and the balance of the cancellation fee will be charged to the credit card held as a guarantee.

No refund will be given for any non-used services or non-arrival.  Cancellations must be made by notifying the West Coast Wilderness Railway on (03) 6471 0100 between the hours of 9am and 5pm business days.

Tour Child Policy

Children 14 years and under are entitled to child fares on the West Coast Wilderness Railway (WCWR). Children under 2 years of age are classified as infants and travel free (maximum of one infant per paying adult). Infants are not guaranteed a seat. Child fares are not available in the Wilderness Carriage however children (including infants) may travel on an adult fare.  Further terms and conditions as stated at ticket collection will also apply.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information that you provide.  Your personal information is primarily used for the purpose of registering your booking and experience or responding to your request if you do not provide us with this information you will not be able to access the requested service. We will only disclose your personal information if it is necessary for the purpose of providing the products or services that you request or complying with our legal obligations.  We will give you the opportunity to access the personal information that we may hold about you and where necessary correct any errors in this information (some restrictions and cost may apply).

All passengers are bound by the following:

• Passengers are asked to abide by the requests of the person in charge / stewards.
• The master or steward in their absolute discretion may vary the itinerary and/or issue instructions to passengers in response to weather conditions and/or safety concerns.
• The operator reserves the right to alter the timetable or advertised traction/ transport vehicle if circumstances warrant or subject to demand.
• The operator assumes no responsibility for the personal property of the passengers
• Passengers are required to respect the comfort of the fellow passengers and staff.
• Adult passengers are solely responsible for all aspects of their children's behaviour and ensure their compliance with all reasonable instructions.
• Responsible service of alcohol is adhered to in accordance with the operators liquor license.
• The operator has the right to inspect and/or any baggage or parcels.

Railways and Tramways of Australia

Section of rack rail being laid between Rinadeena and Halls Creek in late 1896. Image: The Abt railway: Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway , p. 19.

Railway station, Queenstown, Tasmania, Monday, 28 December 2015.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

David Matheson

6 January 2019

West Coast Wilderness Railway operates a tourist railway over 35 km of line between Queenstown and Regatta Point, near Strahan, in the west coast region of Tasmania. Tasmania’s west coast is a region characterised by small isolated communities. It has extensive wilderness areas with rugged terrain. The west coast was not connected by road with the Tasmanian capital of Hobart until 1932. The railway is one of Australia’s most scenic train journeys. It traverses rugged mountainous terrain and includes an Abt rack and pinion section of track. The line is built to narrow (1067 mm) gauge, and restored steam locomotives operate train services.

Rich deposits of tin were discovered on the west coast of Tasmania by Philosopher Smith in 1871. Gold findings in 1881 renewed interest in the area. A number of diggers headed to the west coast in search of fortune and the Mount Lyell Mining Company was formed in 1892. Efforts were concentrated on copper ore bodies that had also been found.

The rugged terrain of Tasmania’s west coast made transport difficult and the Mount Lyell Mining Company decided to build a railway line between Queenstown and the port at Strahan. Various routes were explored but ruled out because of the steepness of the terrain. Eventually it was realised that a conventional railway was not possible and it was decided that the Abt rack and pinion system would enable the railway to negotiate the steep gradients that were required. In an effort to attract funds the Mount Lyell Mining Company was liquidated, and the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company was formed in 1893. The discovery of high grade silver brought publicity and investment money soon followed.

The Railway

Construction work on the first section of railway line between Teepookana and Dubbil Barril commenced in November 1894. Materials were brought up the King River by steamship from Strahan to Teepookana, where a construction depot was established and a town soon developed. Nineteen bridges were built on this section including the ‘Quarter Mile Bridge’, which was 244 metres in length and needed piles to be driven 18 metres through silt before reaching solid ground. When it was completed the bridge required regular maintenance. Work on the line continued, with construction also beginning on the section from Dubbil Barril to Lynchford, and eventually to Queenstown.

The railway opened between Queenstown and Teepookana on 18 March 1897. Tasmania’s Governor, Lord Gormanston, had intended to travel from Hobart for the opening, but a storm forced his ship to return to port. The line was around 14.5 miles (23.3 km) in length. There were 48 bridges, with a combined length of around 1300 metres. It also included 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of rack railway to assist trains over 1 in 16 and 1 in 20 gradients.

Rack railways use a toothed rail laid between the rails, and the locomotives or powered vehicles that run on the railway have one or more cog wheels. The toothed rail is referred to as the rack and the cog wheel is referred to as the pinion. In operation the cog wheel meshes with the rack rail, enabling the train to operate on much steeper gradients than conventional railways.

The Abt rack system was designed by Roman Abt, a Swiss engineer. It was first used in Germany in 1885 and became the most widely used rack railway system in the world. His system used a rack formed by solid bars with vertical teeth. Two or three bars with staggered teeth were laid between the rails. Its lower weight compared to earlier rack railways enabled the Abt system to be manufactured more cheaply. The Mount Lyell Company was criticised for the route chosen and the use of the Abt system, but the railway proved to be successful.

The railway was extended from Teepookana to Regatta Point, near Strahan, on 1 November 1899, completing the line between Queenstown and Regatta Point, which had a total length of 21.5 miles (34.6 km). On 16 October 1900 the Tasmanian Government Railways line between Regatta Point and Strahan was opened. Although this railway was only 3 km long, it completed the link between Queenstown and Strahan by railway. The opening of the railway between Ulverstone and Burnie in northern Tasmania on 15 April 1901 completed the railway between Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. It was from then possible to make a train journey between Hobart and Queenstown via Western Junction (near Launceston), Burnie and Strahan, although it was a long and indirect journey.

Five Abt locomotives saw service on the railway between Queenstown and Regatta Point. Number 1 was built in 1896, Nos. 2 and 3 in 1898, No. 4 in 1901 and No. 5 in 1938. Numbers 1–4 were built by Dübs and Company in Glasgow and No. 5 was built by North British Locomotive Company, which had been formed by the amalgamation of Dübs and Company with other locomotive builders. All five of the Abt locomotives were tank engines with an 0-4-2 wheel arrangement. Although other locomotives were also used, the Abt locomotives were able to haul heavier loads and worked most trains on the line. Throughout its existence the railway had regular train operations. At times traffic was heavier than at others, depending on the output and profitability of the mining industry.

The demise of the railway between Queenstown and Regatta Point arose because of escalating operating costs and the need to replace or upgrade ageing locomotives, rolling stock and infrastructure. With the upgrading of the road by the Tasmanian Government, the Mount Lyell Company made the decision that it was no longer viable to keep the railway open. The last passenger train on the line was a special run from Queenstown to Regatta Point and return on 29 June 1963. It was hauled throughout by Abt locomotive No. 1, which had also hauled the official train for the opening of the line to Regatta Point in 1899. Many people gathered to watch the last train on its journey. The line remained open for some final freight workings, as well as locomotive and rolling stock transfers. Operations ceased on 10 August when Abt locomotive No. 3 hauled three wagons into Queenstown.

After the line’s closure the rails were removed. Although the bridges were left in place they eventually began to deteriorate. Four of the Abt locomotives were preserved: No. 1 became an exhibit at the Zeehan Pioneers Museum; no. 2 was obtained by the Tasmanian Transport Museum at Glenorchy in Hobart, where it remains today; no. 3 was displayed at Miner’s Siding, near the former railway station in Queenstown; and no. 5 was obtained by Victoria’s Puffing Billy Railway and stored at Menzies Creek.

Rebuilding the Line

In the years after the closure of the railway between Queenstown and Regatta Point there were various proposals to rebuild it. Eventually, on 24 July 1998 the Australian Government announced $20.45 million funding for the rebuilding of the line. Further funding was granted by the Tasmanian Government and private investment. Work included rebuilding bridges, laying track, and erecting new station buildings. Three of the original Abt rack and pinion locomotives that operated on the line were restored to working condition for hauling tourist trains on the line: Nos. 1, 3 and 5. Two Vulcan Drewry diesel shunting locomotives that had formerly been used by the Mount Lyell Company were also restored. New passenger carriages were manufactured, similar to carriages that had seen service on the original line.

Limited services on the restored line commenced from Regatta Point in December 2001, but a number of minor derailments led to the suspension of operations. Work continued on the line and the first train to run on the restored line from Queenstown to Regatta Point operated on 27 December 2002. The official re-opening of the railway took place on 3 April 2003. Services were operated by the Federal Group, a tourism and hospitality company, until 2013, and then in 2014 the West Coast Wilderness Railway came under the responsibility of the Tasmanian Government through the Abt Ministerial Corporation.

West Coast Wilderness Railway Tours

Tours available on the West Coast Wilderness Railway are outlined below.

Queenstown Explorer: a nine-hour steam train journey from Regatta Point to Queenstown and return. The tour includes a 90-minute lunch stop at Queenstown with optional walking tour of the town.

Rack and Gorge: a four-hour steam train journey from Queenstown to Dubbil Barril and return. The tour includes the opportunity to pan for gold at Lynchford and an optional walk in the rainforest at Dubbil Barril.

River and Rainforest: a four-hour steam train journey from Regatta Point to Dubbil Barril and return. The tour includes an optional walk in the rainforest at Dubbil Barril.

Footplate Experience: a six-hour experience including a steam train journey from Queenstown to Dubbil Barril and return. The experience includes helping to prepare the locomotive at the beginning of the day, working alongside the crew on the locomotive, morning tea, lunch and souvenirs.

Raft and Steam: a six-hour experience including a guided white water raft trip on the King River followed by a steam train journey from Dubbil Barril to Queenstown. Transport is provided from Queenstown to the starting point of the rafting journey and all equipment is provided. The tour includes the opportunity to pan for gold at Lynchford.

Steam and Hydro: a four-hour steam train journey from Queenstown to Dubbil Barril and return, followed by a tour of Lake Margaret Hydro Power Station and heritage village.

Heli-steam: a three-hour experience including a steam train journey from Regatta Point to Dubbil Barril followed by a scenic helicopter flight back to Regatta Point. The tour includes honey tasting at Lower Landing and an optional walk in the rainforest at Dubbil Barril.

Various tours are available on different days. The Queenstown Explorer, Rack and Gorge, and River and Rainforest tours have a choice of carriage: Heritage or Wilderness. Passengers in the Wilderness carriage receive a glass of wine upon boarding, snacks and hot beverages during the journey. They also have access to an open balcony. Passengers in the Heritage carriage are able to purchase drinks and snacks during the journey. Interpretive commentary is provided for passengers regarding the railway and history of the local area. A museum displaying photographs and historical items is located at Queenstown station.

Queenstown is approximately 260 km north-west of Hobart, while Strahan is approximately 300 km north-west of Hobart.

Cooper, I, Mount Lyell Abt Railway Tasmania: Nomination for Engineers Australia Engineering Heritage Recognition , Abt Railway Ministerial

        Corporation & Engineering Heritage Tasmania, 2015.

Jehan, D, Rack railways of Australia , 2nd ed., Illawarra Light Railway Museum Society, Albion Park, 2003.

Rae, L, The Abt railway: Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway , Lou Rae, Sandy Bay, Tas, 2008.

West Coast Wilderness Railway < www.wcwr.com.au >.

Mount Lyell Mining & Railway Company locomotive No. 1 and train shortly after departing Queenstown, Tasmania, 28 December 2015.

Section of the Abt railway on display showing how the rack and pinion mesh together, Rinadeena, Tasmania, 28 December 2015.

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The West Coast Wilderness Railway

The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a 35 Kilometer Rack and Pinion Railway running from Queenstown to Strahan. The railway uses the fully restored 100 year old Steam Loco’s that ran on the original rail line that was built for the Mt Lyell Mining & Railway Company.

Queenstown-Dubbil Barril-Queenstown

The Rack and Gorge is a spectacular half-day steam train journey departing  Queenstown Station  and travelling to  Dubbil Barril  along the steep grades of the rack and 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.

Strahan–Dubbil Barril–Strahan

During the River and Rainforest journey, you will enjoy a relaxing steam train journey that departs from the original harbourside  Regatta Point Station  in  Strahan . Take in the fabulous harbour views as the train follows the 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

Strahan–Queenstown–Strahan

The Queenstown Explorer is a full-day return steam train journey departing from  Strahan ‘s  Regatta Point Station  that includes the King River Gorge, the “rack” section of the railway track, magnificent rainforest and all stations along the way. The train stops in  Queenstown  for one hour 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.

Tour availability shown on website below, recommend to book tour in advance.

To book visit  www.wcwr.com.au  or phone (03)  6471 0100.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Average reviews, description.

An epic rail journey through ancient rainforest. Step back in time in Tasmania’s western wilds.

More than a train ride

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.

Tracks Cafe, Queenstown

Tracks Cafe at Queenstown Station serves (we reckon) the best coffee on the West Coast, along with breakfast, lunch and delicious in-betweens. It is licensed and offers a big, bright, airy, warm contemporary space in which to relax. 

Come and enjoy coffee, a drink, light meal or snack, regardless of whether or not you are travelling on the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Tracks on Point Cafe, Strahan

Tracks on Point is a fully licensed café located in the heritage train station in the harbourside village of Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. 

As well as being a cafe and gift shop, we are also the departure point for the River and Rainforest journey and Queenstown Explorer experience for passengers of the West Coast Wilderness Railway; one of the west coast’s most popular attractions.

Tracks on Point has a modern menu and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Read more to check opening hours and view the menu.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway operates gift shops at Queenstown Station and Regatta Point Station in Strahan. 

We stock a selection of locally sourced produce, artisan products and a range of books, DVDs and clothing. Most of the products are exclusive to the West Coast Wilderness Railway and are not available anywhere else.

If you are unwell, are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or should be in isolation, we ask that you do not visit the shop until it is safe to do so. All customers are asked to sanitise their hands on entry and consider contactless payment.

Rolling Stock – Diesel Engines

The West Coast Wilderness Railway operates two historic diesel locomotives dating from the 1950s and which were also acquired specifically for this line and are an integral part of our story. The Regatta Point to Dubbil Barril section of the line (travelled on the River & Rainforest journey) is where they were operated.

Rolling Stock – Steam Engines

Three of the five original steam trains that were imported from Glasgow specifically for the railway are still in operation – Locomotive Numbers One, Three and Five. A fourth locomotive (Locomotive Number Two) was part of the Tasmanian Transport Museum collection in Hobart. It is currently undergoing a full restoration in order to return to the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Our workshop team maintain all our rolling stock, including building new carriages, which are based on original designs used on the railway.

Choice of Carriage

We offer two carriage experiences, which are detailed in the video below.

Our heritage carriages are fully enclosed and provide air-conditioning and heating (although we still encourage you to dress for the weather) and provide comfortable seating for everyone. These are ideal for families and small, casual groups.

The wilderness carriages provide a more spacious environment, with booth seating and tables for up to four people at each booth. Wilderness carriage tickets include light refreshments on board and access to the carriage balcony, so you can admire the wilderness from both inside and out. 

When you visit Queenstown Station, make sure you call into the West Coast Wilderness Railway Museum to find out more about the story of the railway and the people who created it.

The museum features interpretive displays and a collection of original artefacts that reflect the human stories of this remarkable railway – from its construction in the 1890s as a crucial form of transport between the Queenstown mines and the port at Strahan, to its rebirth as one of Tasmania’s best-loved tourist attractions.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway Museum is open whenever the station is open, and entry is free.

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T A S M A N I A

Sunset rides Mt Owen Queenstown Tasmania

Queenstown Tasmania Mt Owen MTB

Big Mountain descent Queenstown Tasmania

Mt Owen MTB

Moonscape MTB Hire 48 Orr st Queenstown 0467 267 853

Join us on a journey through Queenstown's rich history and modern evolution. Led by passionate locals, we'll unlock doors to exclusive experiences and hidden gems, sharing the natural beauty and grandeur of this unique town. Hear the backstories of the Mine Manager and Queenstown's First Lady. Gain exclusive access to the Mt Lyell Mine General Office and the Penghana House ballroom. This 1.5 hr minibus tour is a must-do for anyone interested in Queenstown's wild frontier sites and story.

Departs The Paragon Theatre business days by appointment.

________________________________

4x4 adventures into Tasmania's Western Wilderness.

Exhilarating 4x4 uplift onto mt owen for the best views imaginable and epic sunset., family fun experiences seeking lost mines and mineral riches.​​​, nature based adventure activities transport and logistic solutions..

Enjoy a self paced tour of this still functioning Art Deco wonder. Tours and screenings operate daily.

After the day's adventure, relax at The Paragon Theatre bar and take in a show.

Screening from 4pm daily - pre dinner feature 'franklin' begins at 5pm.

Raft the Franklin River

The Franklin River

**one of the t op ten things to do** (lonely planet), **world heritage wilderness of the highest order** (unesco), experience total wilderness immersion on a journey of a lifetime down the franklin river., take to the river with professional guides for an experience described as life changing. ​ ​.

  Professionally displayed local art. Enjoy a self paced walk through of this wonderful gallery/studio  

Mt Owen summit trail guide.

Climbing Mt Owen is one of the greatest day walks anywhere. Here is a quick guide on how to safely have the most memorable time.

Tip : Don't walk up the shuttle road. It's long, there are bike shuttles, technicians and other vehicles associated with the various communications assets using it.

1. Get Here. The first step is easy. Make your way to Queenstown by driving yourself (see our driving tips on this site), minibus charter or an exclusive VIP service [click here to learn more] .  If flying is more your style, fly into Strahan or Queenstown and the shuttle service can meet you at either airport. [click here to learn more]

2. Eat & Sleep. Queenstown has many accommodation and dining options. Find the best ones on this site. Check out The Paragon theatre for some after dinner entertainment.

  3. Begin your ascent.  There's two ways to approach this. You can set off from the well signposted 'Horsetail falls walk' at Karlson's Gap and follow the walkway to the top of the falls. Then, follow the track up the ridge all the way to the plateau. Or - you can get the  4x4 uplift shuttle from The Paragon to the Mt Owen spur 850m up leaving you the last 300m to climb.

4. Now that you're up there.  Be sure to check out the high cave just under the plateau. There is a chute at the rear that leads to the top. Once you're on the plateau, look to the west for 'Don't knock the rock', one of the many interesting conglomerate rock formations. As you stroll along the plateau you will see Berry's Tarn just below to the east. At the Southern end of the plateau walk you will come to the summit trig' point.

5. Timing is everything. Make a glorious descent bathed in the golden light of the sunset over the Southern Ocean and catch the shuttle pick up on the Owen spur.

Something a little less active but every bit as wonderful

Ride the Wilderness Railway on original ABT Steam loco's

Rinadeena Rack & Rainforest passengers receive a Paragon Theatre tour discount voucher ​  BOOK HERE

Teepookana & The King

A wilderness journey with a heritage twist

Regatta Point

Lower landing.

History that moves you

ticket prices

Journey highlights.

Step onboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s heritage Drewry diesel train at Regatta Point Station in Strahan and head deep into the rainforest, while onboard guides share stories of those who built the railway and called it their home.

Journey over the Iron Bridge at Teepookana, once a thriving port town, before disembarking at Lower Landing Station on the King River. Enjoy a short, nature walk and taste honey, with its origins from local endemic species, before heading back to Strahan.

Heritage carriage passengers may wish to purchase snacks and beverages at the kiosk at Lower Landing Station and enjoy the peaceful surrounds.

Wilderness carriage passengers are invited to start their journey with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine or juice and indulge in a locally inspired light menu included in the ticket price.

Quoted pricing and timetable departures subject to change.

Check in at least 30-minutes before departure, allowing longer if you’d like to browse the Museum Room housed in this heritage station. Early birds might even enjoy a leisurely breakfast before boarding. Head onboard and make yourself comfortable for a wilderness journey with a difference.

Alight the train at Lower Landing Station, around 50 minutes from Strahan. Meander towards the river and chat with onboard stewards waiting to share information with you on local flora and life along the railway during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Return to Regatta Point

Experiences.

Iron Bridge

Diesel locomotive

Rainforest Immersion

Live commentary

Macquarie Harbour

Pioneer Stories

1 May 2024 - 20 September 2024

21 September 2024 - 26 December 2024

27 December 2024 - 19 January 2025

20 January 2025 - 31 March 2025

Week Starting 1 May 2024 - 20 September 2024

Week Starting 21 September 2024 - 26 December 2024

Week Starting 27 December 2024 - 19 January 2025

Week Starting 20 January 2025 - 31 March 2025

Carriage options

Carriage Type

Heritage Carriage

HERITAGE CARRIAGE

A comfortable carriage with upholstered booth seating for up to 40 passengers. Blankets are provided for those chilly days. These replica carriages are popular with groups and families during school holidays and have been lovingly crafted by our expert inhouse team.

Wilderness Carriage

WILDERNESS CARRIAGE

Our premium carriage offering, featuring upholstered booth seating for up to 26 passengers. Each booth has a small table between the seats. Your fare includes a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice accompanied by canapes on departure and a light meal service during your journey. This carriage also offers a balcony, perfect for up close and personal images with our wonderful locomotives, or the wilderness surrounds as you wind your way through the rainforest.

Frequently Asked Questions

WILL I FACE BACKWARDS?

During one half of the journey you will face in one direction, but once the train travels in the opposite direction (on the way back to your original departure station), so will you. This means you will face backwards either during the first or second half of your journey. As the train moves quite slowly, motion sickness is exceptionally rare, however, should you have any concerns about this, please call our team directly at least 24 hours prior to your departure.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?

Everyone is different and we want everyone onboard to feel welcome and safe.

If you have unique needs, please refer to our accessibility statement and/or  contact us .

CAN I BRING FOOD ONBOARD?

Absolutely! We also have kiosks available at remote stations that sell drinks and snacks. For those booked in the Wilderness Carriage, you will also be served a light meal onboard.

IS THERE A TOILET ONBOARD?

No. Toilets are available at remote stations, not onboard. The train journey between Strahan and Lower Landing Station is approximately 50 minutes. Toilets at remote stations are off grid and located on station platforms.

Lynchford Express

Diesel locomotives

Explore Strahan