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Ride Tasmania’s heritage railway for a taste of the 1890s amid ancient rainforest

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway and Cultural Attractions of Australia have created three immersive experiences through ancient rainforest.

There’s nothing quite like a romantic train journey to slow time down and immerse you in a world of history and stunning landscapes. Three new immersive train journeys are set to do just that, stepping you back in time to the 1890s while winding through Tasmania’s ancient rainforest. 

A red historic train pulled up at a station.
Step back in time to the 1890s.

Cultural Attractions of Australia has welcomed Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway to its portfolio, bringing with it three incredible new immersive train experiences worthy of your bucket list. “The addition of the West Coast Wilderness Railway comes at a time when inbound visitors are increasingly seeking cultural experiences, with travel trends showing a strong preference for diverse and authentic encounters," said Sally Cope Executive General Manager Industry, Tourism Australia. 

Operating from Queenstown and Strahan, the charming red heritage railway follows the original 1890s line previously used to transport copper to the coast. There are three journeys to choose from: Beyond the Line, Each End of the Line and Live Like the Railway GM.

A man sitting in a historic train's elegant dining room.
Penghana’s dining room sits within the original general manager’s house.

The Beyond the Line journey takes guests on a 4.5-hour journey along Tasmania’s rugged west coast through ancient rainforest. It includes riding the Rinadeena Rack & Rainforest part of the railway in Premium Class, all while enjoying a progressive food experience and guided storytelling. Guests visit Lynchford Station to pan for gold and traverse the Abt rack-and-pinion system on the dramatic climb to Rinadeena. Returning to Queenstown, guests also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the locomotive workshop, Carswell Park, where they restore steam and diesel trains by hand.

A historic bridge in the rainforest surrounding by fog
The train crosses historic bridges.

The Each End of the Line two-day adventure takes travellers on both of the main, famous routes of the West Coast Wilderness Railway (Rinadeena Rack & Rainforest + Teepookana and the King). Enjoying Premium Class, guests will indulge in Tassie produce while hearing about the railway’s history and present life, as they pass through rainforest-clad mountains and cross historic bridges.

Across three days, the Live Like the Railway GM experience immerses passengers in the life of the General Manager of the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company. Combining heritage, luxury and insider access, the journey is a special opportunity to explore the railway from the unique perspective of those who once ran it. The journey includes two nights at the luxurious Penghana, a behind-the-scenes tour of WCWR infrastructure and meals at Tracks Café.

A historic red train
The charming red heritage railway follows the original 1890s line previously used to transport copper to the coast.

“The Railway offers travellers an unforgettable way to experience both Australia’s heritage and natural beauty and is a powerful example of how Cultural Attractions of Australia continues to showcase the very best of our country’s cultural stories to the world," shared Cope.

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway . Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro .

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.