The steam railway experience of the West Coast Wilderness Railway would have to be one of the most impressive in Australia. The rail journey operates between Queenstown to Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast. This unforgettable steam railway experience travels through steep gorges, over mighty mountains and through incredible rainforest, either on a half-day or full day tour.
Original operation
The Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company built the railway between Queenstown and the ports at Strahan. When completed in 1899, it was the only way to get copper from the mines to the markets, as there was no road link to Hobart at that time.
The building and operation of the railroad was a staggering engineering feat due to the mountainous and difficult terrain. The steepest gradient on the track is 1 in 12, which is also the steepest gradient climbed by a regular train in the Southern Hemisphere. This section is between the stations of Dubbil Barril and Rinadeena.
The railway would not be possible without using the Abt rack and pinion system for steep sections. Because of the gradients, tonnages were always limited on the 3 ft 6 in gauge railway.
The railway ceased operation on 10 August 1963 due to increasing maintenance costs and the improvement of road access to the West Coast. The rolling stock was dispersed to tourist railways or museums, the railtrack was removed and, later, many bridges fell into disrepair.
But thanks to a Federal Government grant, plus funding from the State Government, the Abt Wilderness Railway came into operation in 2002. Apart from a short break in 2013, the steam railway experience has operated since then.
The Steam Railway Experience
Choose a half-day tour from Queenstown to Dubbil Barril and return, or Strahan to Dubbil Barril and return. Or choose a full day from Strahan to Queenstown.
From Queenstown the half-day tour uses comfortable carriages pulled by the rail’s original, heritage locomotives. The first stop is at Lynchford Station, which sits beside the Queen River. To complete the climb up the steep mountainside, the driver tops up the water in the locomotive. This is done at the three stations along the way.
Meanwhile, the guard displays the skill of gold panning to highlight the history of the Lyell goldfield of the 1880s. Unfortunately, the gold in this area quickly ran out. A decade later it was realised that copper would bring the wealth to this region.
After Lynchford, it is all uphill to Rinadeena station at the top of the range. Just before reaching the station the rail route passes through the King River Gorge. The river was flowing strongly after all the rain.
At Rinadeena, a display introduces the passengers to the Abt rack and pinion system. It features a third rail with a double row of teeth, which engages with the pinion on the locomotive.
From Rinadeena, it is downhill to Dubbil Barril, the last station on the half-day tour. Passengers have the opportunity to watch the manual turning of the locomotive for the journey back to Queenstown.
