Iconic Tasmanian railway recognised as a national cultural attraction

Tasmania’s iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway has been officially accepted into Tourism Australia’s Cultural Attractions of Australia collective.

This national collective showcases Australia’s most significant cultural experiences and targets travellers with niche interests.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent, said inclusion of the state-owned railway in the program reflected the railway’s rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation.

“It is a credit to the West Coast Wilderness Railway to be accepted into this prestigious collective,” Minister Vincent said.

“This achievement follows a record-breaking summer and shoulder season for the West Coast Wilderness Railway, underlining its growing appeal to local and international visitors.

“Originally built in the 1890s to transport copper and gold from Queenstown to the port of Strahan, the West Coast Wilderness Railway is one of the few Abt rack and pinion railways in the world. It is the only one operating in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett said today, the railway operates as a working heritage attraction that delivers immersive small-group rail journeys through rainforest and mountain landscapes.

“The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a key attraction on the West Coast, generating economic benefits for Queenstown and the broader West Coast region,” Minister Howlett said.

“Its inclusion in the program also aligns with Tourism Australia's goal to attract travellers seeking authentic and meaningful connections.

“We have delivered on our commitment to restore this important tourism business on the West Coast, to keep our state moving forward.”

As part of its inclusion in the collective, the West Coast Wilderness Railway will offer three bespoke experiences:
*    Beyond the Line – a premium rail journey and a behind-the-scenes workshop tour
*    One on Each End – a two-day hosted itinerary combining rail, storytelling and dining
*    Live Like the Railway GM – a three-day hosted stay at Queenstown’s Penghana, the heritage residence of former Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company General Managers.

These exclusive experiences can be booked directly through the Cultural Attractions of Australia website here.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway joins two fellow Tasmanian members with exclusive offerings under the Cultural Attractions of Australia collective: MONA – Museum of Old and New Art and the Port Arthur Historic Site.