Tasmanian Wilderness Railway

Chugging through the heart of Tasmania's rugged west coast, the Tasmanian Wilderness Railway is a journey back in time and into one of Australia's most untamed landscapes. This heritage steam train snakes along a historic rack-and-pinion railway, offering jaw-dropping views of temperate rainforest, deep river gorges, and the wild King River. It's a must for train buffs, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a unique perspective on Tasmania's World Heritage-listed wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Rack-and-pinion climb: Feel the locomotive's power as it tackles the steep gradients on the way to the mining town of Queenstown – an engineering marvel dating from the 1890s.
• King River Gorge: Peer out over sheer cliffs plunging into the tea-coloured river below; keep your camera ready for the dramatic Iron Bridge and the haunting remains of the old Pillinger settlement.
• On-board commentary: Learn about the region's convict-built railway, the boom-and-bust mining history, and the unique flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.
• Heritage carriages: Ride in restored wooden carriages with open-air viewing platforms – the scent of coal smoke and eucalypt is part of the experience.
• Queenstown terminus: Explore the historic station and the quirky, colourful town that grew rich on copper mining.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day for the round trip from Strahan to Queenstown and back (about 5–6 hours on the train). The journey is the main event, so you'll want time to soak in the scenery, chat to the crew, and snap photos from the open platforms. If you're short on time, the one-way trip (with a bus connection back) can be done in half a day, but the full return journey is far more rewarding.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Strahan: The gateway town for the railway, with a lovely harbour, freshwater crayfish, and Gordon River cruises into the heart of the wilderness.
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park: Walk the short rainforest trails at Donaghys Hill or Nelson Falls – both easily combined with a train trip.
• Queenstown: Spend an hour or two exploring the town's mining museum and the eerie, eroded hillsides that surround it.
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: About 1.5 hours' drive east, this iconic park offers world-class hiking and the chance to spot wombats and Tasmanian devils.

Please check official sources for current details.