The West Coast Wilds are a must for your Tassie itinerary, and whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with children, a tour with West Coast Wilderness Railway is a fun way of immersing yourself in the history and natural beauty of the region.

But make no mistake, this is not your everyday train ride.

It is a journey back to the 1890s when the Mount Lyell Mining & Railway Company carved a line through some of Tasmania’s most beautiful rainforests and impenetrable wilderness to carry copper riches from Queenstown to the port of Strahan.

Back then, it was all about keeping the mines in business.

Now?

It’s a brilliant way of stepping back in time and letting the sounds and smells of the rainforest envelop you, soaking up tales of tin and timber and the engineering marvels of yesteryear.

Forget backbreaking labour and lung-busting hikes – a tour on the West Coast Wilderness Railway can be enjoyed with a cheeky glass of bubbles on the way, not to mention a 10% discount on full-priced tickets when you use the LAPOFTAS code!

Choose Your Own Adventure

There are a few different ways of enjoying the line, with departures possible from either Queenstown or Strahan.

Whichever tour you choose, your friendly onboard guides bring it all to life with stories of the hardship, history and heart behind the railway, and if you fancy a luxe day out I definitely recommend upgrading to a seat in the premium Wilderness Carriage where you will enjoy a more private journey, together with a complimentary glass of bubbles and a light meal!

Tours from Queenstown Station (Steam Loco)

• Rinadeena, Rack & Rainforest (3hrs return | Tues-Sat @ 10am) – Their flagship journey. An original steam locomotive takes you on a leisurely journey to Rinadeena Saddle, with a stop at Lynchford for gold panning along the way.
• Lynchford Express (1.5hrs return | Sat @ 2:15pm) – A shorter steam trip to the old gold-mining town of Lynchford – perfect for visitors who want a lighter heritage adventure or are short on time. The best budget option for families.
• Rinadeena Footplate (3hr return | Tues/Thurs @ 10am) – A must for train buffs, this tour puts you in the steam engine cab alongside the driver and fireman. A once in a lifetime experience – bookings on request.

Tours from Strahan Station (Diesel Loco)

• The Cryptic Express (1hr 45 return | Mon/Thurs @ 1:15pm, Tue/Fri @ 10am) – A relaxed diesel-hauled run along Macquarie Harbour and the King River, with a honey tasting onboard. Your most affordable option, with adult tickets starting at $40.
• A Moving Feast on The Cryptic Express – This tour elevates the standard Cryptic Express by including a fine-dining menu from acclaimed Tasmanian chef Rodney Dunn of The Agrarian Kitchen, exclusive to the premium carriage.

What Travellers Are Saying

It’s nothing but great feedback from fellow travellers and road trippers. Families find the gold-panning a highlight, while couples love watching the world go by from the comfort of the Wilderness Carriage.

Here are a couple of recent reports to give you a feel for what to expect..

Whichever tour you choose for your day on rails, it’s going to be one of the best you’ll have in your entire Tassie holiday!

The West Coast Wilderness Railway isn’t just a box to tick on your Tasmania road trip, it is a unique way of appreciating the history of the west coast, rather than just reading about it. Between the gold panning, stories from your friendly staff, rainforest views, and unmistakeable sound of a steam whistle – these tours have something for everyone. Families, history buffs, foodies and casual travellers alike, whatever your budget.

If you’re still in the planning stages, lock in a tour with West Coast Wilderness Railway – you won’t find anything like it anywhere else in Australia!

Special Offer: 10% OFF all full-priced tickets
How to Claim: Use the LAPOFTAS code