West Coast of Tasmania

Rugged mountainous wilderness and even more rugged open pit mines of Queenstown await those who take time to embark on an unforgettable tour of Tasmania's West Coast. From the sheer exhilaration of viewing Hell's Gates from the luxury of a cruise boat, to the quiet tranquillity of a Gordon River cruise, the West Coast offers much to the tourist. All aboard the West Coast railway departing Strahan and Queenstown daily. Be fascinated by the complete wilderness as you drive beside the amazing rain-forests. If you reach the West Coast you must see Strahan too. To miss Strahan is to miss one of the premier jewels in the crown that is Tasmanian tourism.

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Sarah Island

In the remote reaches of Macquarie Harbour, Sarah Island was once a feared penal settlement where convicts laboured under harsh conditions in the rainforest, felling Huon pines. Today the convict ruins give a chilling insight into the cruelties of convict life. A walking track links important sites. The best way to visit the site is via World heritage Cruises, Gordon River Cruises, West Coast Yacht Charters, Strahan marine Charters or your own vessel.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Winner of the 2004 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, Significant regional attractions Discover one of the World’s great railway journeys. The historic 35 kilometre railway of tight curves and spectacular bridges clambers through rugged wilderness, dense rainforest and steep gorges, a legacy to the engineering skills, determination and endurance of the early 19th century West Coast pioneers who built it - their spirit is reflected in the original railway motto “We find a way or make it”. Since 1896, the railway has hauled copper concentrates from the Queenstown mines to the port of Strahan, providing the only access and lifeline for the communities along the way. Closed down in 1963, the railway returned to nature and slumbered for 37 years, to be reawakened with a restoration of similar magnitude to its original construction. Once again, trains are running between Queenstown and Strahan, using the extraordinary rack & pinion third rail Abt system to conquer the mountainous terrain. A lunch stop in the heart of the dense forest at Dubbil Barril allows passengers to wander along forest paths, discover remote creeks running down to the King River. There to see first hand the beauty of the majestic wilderness rain forest. Come and ride the railway that refused to die. All aboard! 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, or why not try ‘Dotties’ coffee shop in Queenstown for a fine selection of light refreshments, before or after your journey.
 

Lake Burbury, Queenstown

This dramatic hydro lake surrounded by mountains and west coast wilderness is just east of Queenstown on the border of the World Heritage Area. The trout fishing is excellent and there are picnic, barbecue and boat launching facilities.

Tiagarra Aboriginal Culture Centre and Museum , Devonport , Tasmania

We recommend only fully licensed and insured/registered International Travel Agents.
If you are considering booking we recommend the following travel agents:
Australian Discount Travel & Tours,
Travel With A Cause Inc (a not for profit travel agency assisting several projects in many developing countries).

We recommend Australian Discount Travel & Tours for both Australian and international travel bookings