Silver Hills Motel and Smelters Restaurant

Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway combines a heritage railway journey with the region's pioneering history on the remote and wild West Coast of lutruwita/Tasmania. Disembark at remote stations and engage in a diverse array of things to do, such as honey tasting or panning for gold, or just drink in the environment that surrounds you. 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. 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 rainforest their home.

Join the West Coast Wilderness Railway team on a 1.5-hour heritage experience from Queenstown to Lynchford Station onboard a heritage train. Onboard, listen as our guide shares stories and guided commentary that will take you on a journey through the last 200 years, sharing the stories of the pioneering folk who once called the rainforest their home. Lynchford, once a centre for pioneers, adventurers and those with gold fever, is now a remote station operated by the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Disembark at the station and walk in the footsteps of the pioneers, pan for gold or take in their stories in the Pioneer Room before heading back to Queenstown with a new appreciation for our history, heritage and environment.

This experience is currently unavailable, however, alternate journey options operate year-round. West Coast Wilderness Railway continues to operate railway departures whilst several sections of the railway are undergoing maintenance. Join our half-day (5 hours) Rack and Gorge journey onboard a steam train departing Queenstown and journey deep into Tasmania’s western wilderness and ancient rainforest. Climb the southern hemisphere’s steepest steam rail track under the unique power of the Abt rack and pinion rail system. Journey through the cool, temperate rainforest and along the incredible King River Gorge and watch the locomotive being turned by hand at Dubbil Barril before returning to Queenstown. Three station stops along the journey provide the opportunity to pan for gold, watch the train be rewatered from above the track and take a short walk through the rainforest. Hear tales of rogues and rivalry from your onboard guide and marvel at how nature has prevailed through the area’s tough mining history. 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.