Tasmania’s historic West Coast Wilderness Railway has been officially accepted into Tourism Australia’s prestigious Cultural Attractions of Australia collective, cementing its status as one of the nation’s most significant heritage experiences.
The iconic railway, originally built in the 1890s to transport copper and gold from Queenstown to Strahan, joins an exclusive national showcase targeting travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the recognition reflects the railway’s cultural significance and growing popularity.
“It is a credit to the West Coast Wilderness Railway to be accepted into this prestigious collective,” Vincent said.
“This achievement follows a record-breaking summer and shoulder season, underlining its growing appeal to local and international visitors.”
The railway operates as a working heritage attraction offering immersive small-group journeys through Tasmania’s rugged wilderness.
“The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a key attraction on the West Coast, generating economic benefits for Queenstown and the broader West Coast region,” Tourism Minister Jane Howlett said.
As part of its inclusion, the railway will offer three bespoke experiences including premium rail journeys, behind-the-scenes tours and multi-day hosted itineraries.
The railway joins two other Tasmanian attractions in the collective: MONA – Museum of Old and New Art and the Port Arthur Historic Site.
Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said the railway is vital to the state’s tourism sector.
“The railway is exactly the type of unique experience that Tasmania is renowned for and importantly it plays a critical role in luring visitors into the west supporting the region’s visitor economy,” Hills said.
The heritage railway is one of the few Abt rack and pinion railways remaining in the world and the only one operating in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hills said the upcoming school holiday period presents a perfect opportunity for locals to experience the attraction.
“It also highlights just how important it is for future state and federal governments to continue supporting the railway’s infrastructure and operations, to ensure it continues to be part of the fabric of the west coast for many more years to come,” she said.
