The Rockliff Liberal Government is working hard to keep our important infrastructure up to date and well maintained around Tasmania.
The reopening of the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway is just three weeks away with services recommencing on Saturday, 21 November 2023.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said services would initially operate from Queenstown five days a week, with services from Strahan to follow once bridge work is complete in the coming weeks.
“These services are resuming operations that had to be put on hold while urgent maintenance and upgrades were undertaken,” Minister Ferguson said.
“With work still taking place on some sections of track, two shorter heritage rail adventures will be offered initially.
“Passengers will have a choice between the 1.5-hour Lynchford Express experience from Queenstown and the 2.5-hour Teepookana and the King experience from Regatta Point Station, once services commence from Strahan.”
“Excitingly, the railway is also preparing to officially welcome the steam locomotive Abt No 2 back into service in the near future. This will be the first time since 1963.
“Once back, we expect rail enthusiasts will clamour to be among the first to experience the refurbished engine but it will add something special for every passenger’s experience,” he said.
The locomotive is the last of the four remaining original Mt Lyell and Mining Railway Co steam locomotives to return to service on the railway.
Mr Ferguson said the section of line between Lynchford and Lower Landing, which includes the famous rack railway, will remain closed over summer while works continue.
“This has been a challenging period but with the re-opening on the horizon and new service offerings we see a very bright summer for the railway, and west coast,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The railway is a key visitor attraction and we are delivering on our commitment to restore services as soon as possible.
“It is a credit to the West Coast Wilderness Railway team that these new services can get underway much sooner than expected,” he said.
To book your West Coast Wilderness Railway heritage rail experience go to www.wcwr.com.au
