WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAY

The West Coast Wilderness Railway tours depart year-round from Queenstown Station at 1 Driffield Street, and Regatta Point Station in Strahan. In winter, up to three departures per week leave from these stations. In the shoulder and summer seasons, tours depart both stations at least five days a week, sometimes multiple times a day. 

The West Coast Wilderness Railway offers Companion Card holders complimentary passage on the Heritage Carriage and subsidised ticket pricing on the Wilderness Carriage. Pre-booking is mandatory.

Dog guides are welcome on board – make sure you book ahead for appropriate seating. Please bring your assistant animal’s registration paperwork, and keep your pet harnessed. 

The traditional railway carriages feature narrow doorways and corridors. Because of this, wheelchairs can’t be accommodated, but compact mobility aids and folding prams are welcome onboard if they don’t limit the user in an emergency. For health and safety reasons, passengers require some mobility to be able to get on and off the carriage either by themselves or with assistance from a travelling companion. In an emergency, this involves climbing a ladder from the carriage and walking a short distance along uneven ground.

These tours feature spoken commentary. Stewards are happy to wear microphones provided by passengers that connect to hearing aids. Written transcripts of the commentary are available on request.

Visit wcwr.com.au for more accessibility information.

Queenstown is a 197-kilometre drive from Devonport and a 260-kilometre drive from Hobart. Strahan is a 266-kilometre drive from Devonport and a 300-kilometre drive from Hobart.  

Self-drive is the best way to access the west coast, with public transport often requiring an overnight stay. The 747 Tassielink bus transports people from Burnie to Queenstown and Strahan daily, stopping at both towns within walking distance of their respective train stations. Find more public transport information at transport.tas.gov.au.

Small group tours and private transport to the west coast can be sourced by contacting the West Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1800 352 200.

Accommodation close to the railway is available in both towns, including regal old hotels, modern bed and breakfasts, and other versatile options.