Rack and Gorge

Tour

Operated by West Coast Wilderness Railway

The train travels along the King River Gorge

Train travels along the railway line through cool temperate rainforest

Passenger walks through the rainforest on a walk at a remote station

Train driver leans out of the locomotive to take in the rainforest views

Steward pours sparkling wine for passengers onboard the wilderness carriage

Child and parent pan for gold at Lynchford Station

Locomotive crew push the manual turntable to turn the locomotive when its time to head home

West Coast Wilderness Railway Rack and Gorge experience

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.

1 Driffield Street, Queenstown Station, Queenstown, Tasmania, 7467

Carpark

Family Friendly

Pet Friendly - Enquire

Non Smoking

Public Toilet

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Walks

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More Tours By West Coast Wilderness Railway

The train makes its way through the rainforest

Tour

River and Rainforest

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. This half-day (5 hour) journey takes you from the shores of Macquarie Harbour into the ancient rainforest and mountains of Tasmania’s rugged west coast. Hear stories of the landscape and wilderness from your onboard guide and wonder how the men and women of the rail once carved their lives out of this harsh environment. Admire the extraordinary engineering achievement as you cross Iron Bridge, and see the remains of the 244-metre trestle bridge at Quarter Mile. Stop at remote stations and take in the western wilderness. A short walk through the cool, temperate rainforest at Dubbil Barril station is a must before returning to Strahan. 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.

$120 - $189

A steam locomotive lets off steam next to a station platform in the bush

Tour

Lynchford Express

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.

$45 - $85

An orange bridge made of iron crosses a tannin stained river in the rainforest

Tour

Teepookana and the King

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, and admire the innovation and spirit that drove those that built this icon in the late 19th century. Alight the train at Lower Landing Station, around 50 minutes train journey 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. 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.

$55 - $95

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Places to stay

Accommodation

West Coaster Motel

Queenstown

The West Coaster has 60 rooms, with many different room types to suit every guest. Other facilities include tea and coffee-making facilities, a refrigerator, iron and ironing board, and television, microwave, toaster, crockery and cutlery. The reception operates on seasonal hours as does the Old Prospector Restaurant and there is also a lounge bar with a wood fireplace. Please call to inquire about opening hours, or visit our website where bookings can be made too. www.westcoastermotel.com.au Queenstown was originally established to service the booming copper fields of Mt. Lyell in the mid-19th century. Here you can visit the Mt. Lyell Mine and mining museum, or board the West Coast Wilderness Railway and travel through 35 kilometres of mountainous terrain to Strahan. Experience Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area aboard a river cruise, you can browse the town's galleries and craft shops for work by local artisans or sample fine Tasmanian food and wine in a local restaurant. Queenstown is a four-hour drive from Hobart (250 km) and a two-hour drive from Burnie (180 km).

Accommodation

Empire Hotel

Queenstown

The Empire Hotel located in Queenstown is a Tasmanian icon. Built in 1901 it dates back to the wealth of the mining era at the turn of the twentieth century. It is the "grand old lady" of the West Coast and has a prominent facade in the town streetscape. Inside is a National Trust listed staircase made from Tasmanian blackwood. The restaurant is set in a large traditional dining room with a sense of the grandeur of the past. In cold conditions, the fire is lit for added warmth and ambience. Planning a MTB getaway in Queenstown, Tasmania, look no further than The Empire Hotel! We have brand new MTB facilities, located on a dedicated level, perfect for your next MTB adventure. The Empire Hotel is home to 24 accommodation rooms, bar, gaming, restaurant and bottle shop, which is everything you need for your stay in Queenstown, located on the West Coast of Tasmania.

Accommodation

Mt Lyell Anchorage

Queenstown

Mt Lyell Anchorage, Queenstown's finest self-contained accommodation, is the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring the countryside on your way to Tasmania's Western Wilderness. Luxury with a homely feel. Gorgeous bespoke bathrooms, comfortable beds, stylish mix of period and new furniture, quality inclusions and a friendly host. Situated in the centre of town, close to cafes, hotels, supermarkets, Paragon Theatre, RoamWild Tasmania Tours, West Coast Wilderness Railway, Galley Museum and all town facilities. The "Anchorage" main house is over 120 years old and has been fully renovated to compliment the original features. Magnificent pressed tin ceilings, lovely timber panelling and fireplaces, four double rooms with luxurious ensuite and one suite with full kitchen and new ensuite shower room. We also cater for those who prefer fully self-contained accommodation. Built-in the early 1960s to house mine workers, these two cottages are perfect for small families or groups. "Waratah Cottage" and "Tea Tree Bungalow" have two bedrooms, a bathroom and varying kitchen facilities.

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