| |
|
Through the boom years of west
coast mining, steam locomotives hauled a fortune in pure
copper from Queenstown's Mt Lyell mine, through the rugged
King River gorge and down to the Macquarie Harbour port of
Strahan. From 1896 to 1963, steam billowed through the
rainforest as the German designed Abt West Coast rack
railway dragged the train, cog by cog, up the steep 1:16
slope to Rinadeena.
Now, after 40 years, the West
Coast Wilderness Railway is running again. You're able to
travel through one of the world's last pristine wilderness
areas crossing 40 bridges, wild rivers, and climb over 200
metres on a fascinating 35-kilometre journey from Queenstown
to Strahan. You'll also have the opportunity to visit an old
gold mining settlement, explore the mine by candlelight and
pan for gold in the river.
Trains run daily leaving
Strahan or Queenstown. Optional coach shuttles are available
for the return journey. 'Fettlers' lunches and afternoon
teas are available on board the train.
Strahan Village is
the perfect base for exploring Tasmania's wilderness, with Gordon River Cruises and West Coast Wilderness
Railway right at your doorstep.
|
|
|
