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West Coast Wilderness Railway, Tasmania - A Steam Train Journey Through Tasmania’s Wild West
- Jun 4, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
West Coast Wilderness Railway, Tasmania - A Steam Train Journey Through Tasmania’s Wild West
While in Queenstown, we went on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, Rack and Gorge tour. This four-and-a-half-hour heritage steam train journey from Queenstown and travels deep into Tasmania’s western wilderness areas.
The railway track was constructed in the 1890s to transport copper from the Mt Lyell Mine in Queenstown to the port of Strahan, a total distance of 34 and a 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 interesting and entertaining commentary about the railway's and the local area's history.
Stops along the Journey
Lynchford Station
Lynchford Station sits on the site of a former gold mining settlement that once buzzed with activity during Tasmania’s gold rush era. When the train stops here, passengers are invited to step back in time and try their luck panning for gold, just as prospectors did in the late 1800s. It’s a fun, hands-on experience and a great way to connect with the region’s rich mining history.
From the station, you can also take a short, easy walk across the nearby bridge to admire views of the Queen River, whose dark, tannin-stained waters reflect the surrounding rainforest. Interpretive signs along the way share stories of Lynchford’s past and the challenges faced by early miners living and working in this remote wilderness.
Rinadeena Station
Rinadeena Station is one of the most important stops on the journey and a fascinating place to learn about the engineering behind the railway. Here, you can enjoy a coffee or snack at the small café while taking in the peaceful rainforest setting.
This stop is where the unique A B T rack and pinion system really comes to life. Informative displays explain how this ingenious system allows the steam locomotive to safely climb and descend one of the steepest railway sections in the Southern Hemisphere. While the crew refills the locomotive with water, you’ll have time to explore the station, watch the train up close, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the surrounding bushland.
Dubbil Barril Station
Dubbil Barril Station marks the turnaround point of the journey and offers a rare chance to see railway history in action. Here, you can watch as the steam locomotive is manually uncoupled and turned around on the turntable, a hands-on process that’s fascinating to observe and highlights the craftsmanship and teamwork involved in operating a heritage railway.
There’s also a short, gentle walk through the rainforest, where towering trees, moss-covered logs, and birdsong surround the track. It’s a peaceful way to stretch your legs and soak up the untouched wilderness before reboarding the train for the return journey — with the landscape offering a fresh perspective as you travel back through the gorge.
The West Coast Wilderness Railway Is a Must-Do!
A journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway is far more than a scenic train ride — it’s a step back in time and a front-row seat to Tasmania’s wild, rugged heart. From the rhythmic chug of the steam locomotive to the dramatic views of deep gorges, rainforest and remote river valleys, every moment of the journey feels special.
The combination of fascinating history, passionate storytelling from the crew, and the unique engineering of the A B T rack and pinion system makes this experience both educational and unforgettable. Add in the remote station stops, gold panning at Lynchford, and peaceful rainforest walks, and it’s easy to see why the West Coast Wilderness Railway is one of Tasmania’s most iconic attractions.
Whether you’re a history lover, a train enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable way to experience the West Coast’s untamed beauty, this heritage railway journey is an absolute highlight of any visit to Queenstown and western Tasmania.
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