MUST DO!! Tasmania West Coast Wilderness Railway Strahan - Queenstown Complete Review

Welcome to Tasmania!! The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a super scenic 34.5km long railway that travels through Tasmania's wet and wild rainforest. Due to its remote location from other towns, I never got chance to come and travel on this train. But today, I've finally made up my mind, spent 7hrs on the bus from Hobart and arrived in Strahan at last.
In this video I will show you every single detail of my experience, and hopefully by the end of the video, I'll be able to answer every question you may have and you'll be able to decide which route and which type of carriage you would like to travel on. Please enjoy!!
This video was filmed from 10 November to 12 November, 2021
10 November:
Train type: West Coast Wilderness Railway D-2 Diesel Locomotive
Strahan - Lower Landing - Dubbil Barril - Lower Landing - Strahan
Travel time: 4h
Distance: Around 18km
Seat: Car 17, seat 23
Class: Wilderness Carriage
Cost: $189
11 November:
Train type: West Coast Wilderness Railway Abt No.1 Steam Locomotive
Queenstown - Lynchford - Rinadeena - Dubbil Barril - Rinadeena - Queenstown
Travel time: 4h15m
Distance: Around 16.5km
Seat: Car 6, seat 12
Class: Heritage Carriage
Cost: $120
River and Rainforest Diesel Locomotive Wilderness Carriage:
00:00 Strahan
1:34 Regatta Point Station
3:55 Breakfast at the Cafe
5:36 The D-2 Diesel Locomotive
7:24 Wilderness Carriage (First Class)
9:16 Morning Tea
12:36 Lowana to Lower Landing
15:32 Leaving Lower Landing
16:50 Dubbil Barril
21:00 Lunch
22:13 Returning to Strahan
23:47 A Sweet Finish
25:43 Summary
Rack and Gorge Steam Locomotive Heritage Carriage:
27:48 Queenstown
30:22 Mount Lyell Abt No.1 Steam Locomotive
31:55 Heritage Carriage (Economy Class)
33:35 Lynchford - Gold Panning
35:55 The Abt System
38:08 Rinadeena
40:57 Dubbil Barril
44:08 View from Heritage Carriage (King River Gorge)
43:39 Conclusion
47:10 Arrival into Queenstown
48:12 Turning the Locomotive using Manual Turntable
51:22 Lunch at the Tracks Cafe, Queenstown
52:47 Something Extra ---- Burnie Penguins
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#Tasmania #train #Steamtrain

[@RoryDing]

Sorry about the scones! Note taken, I’ll have them correctly in the future 😬😬

[@downunderrob]

We'll be Watching!

[@rickm5271]

This is too funny, I'm from the states and I don't understand why one is spread before the other. In my opinion it's on individual preference, so if it harm no one, do what you will!

[@tacitdionysus3220]

An excellent outcome. Either that or a warning on the screen like "Look away now if you don't want to see the scones"

[@alphabetsloop1]

You’ll never get them right, it’s a huge bone of contention here in the uk - is it jam or cream first? I just say, go with whatever you prefer!

[@jackalcrackle]

Dont worry as a person of western England decent (where the scones originated from) you did them the right way, the Americanised way is jam then cream, the proper West English way is Cream then jam, though it isnt anything worth debating over, in the end they taste amazing either way!!

[@littlemiss_76]

I find your enthusiasms for trains very charming.

[@aussiejohn5835]

Hi Rory. You have discovered Australia's hidden gem which I am sure not many people are aware of. I visited Tasmania in 1974 and arrived by ferry from Melbourne. The ferry docked in Devonport and there was a train service which conveyed us to Hobart but sadly this train no longer exists as passenger trains in Tasmania have since been withdrawn. This documentary is one of your best and is full of information and amazing scenic views. I really enjoy travelling Australia with you and revisiting many of the locations I visited in my youth. Don't be discouraged by the occasional poor viewership as I am sure it will pick up quickly when people recover from the trauma of covid times and Christmas. I loved the bonus and I loved the split screen effect and I just know I will love your next adventure.

[@MaybeRocks]

Man, I do love the rustic, old vintage feel of this ride. I’d happily drink a coffee in the morning while sightseeing the summer and fall beautiful landscape and riding an old cranky train. The shaky noise feels soothing in this kind of ride.

[@sallyhomer8558]

This really is a "Must Do" as you say. I have been only twice to Tassie and each time I go on the Wilderness railway. Another great video.

[@jashugg]

You absolutely nailed it with this report. The staff are lovely but I think they get paid per word of commentary they utter so for me the premium carriage is definitely the way to go. I just go out on to the balcony, shut the door behind me and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest and the locomotive in peace!

[@traindude1949]

Rory, I agree with everybody else , this is your best and most informative video to date. The camerawork is reaching new heights as is the editing with each posting. I did this trip 10 years ago in one day from Strahan to Queenstown , in pouring rain and it was one of the best trips ever , the scenery is amazing and the entire experience with ample provisions of food and wine and hospitality from the crew was A1. Your video helped to relive that day, thank you.

[@melmazing3993]

I love how at the end of each intro to the video, you happily say "Let's Go!" ☺️ It's such a bright beginning and I always know I'll enjoy the video to come. Thanks Rory.

[@tacitdionysus3220]

For once you've disappointed me Rory: You put the cream on the scone before the jam. That's heresy!!! Otherwise your usual brilliant standard, featuring a ride I didn't even know existed.

[@debramage739]

Yes, so wrong 😆 🤣

[@jashugg]

I was going to say so as well

[@southaussiegarbo2054]

I thought it was butte

[@stykboy]

I don't get the order thing. I like the cream on first as well, as the jam sits well in the cream

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Ooh, you've opened a can of worms here! 😄

[@bond9373]

Thanks for video very nice 👍👍 Train So cute

[@rickm5271]

Wow, I didn't realize how much of a rail geek I am until I watched this video. This was brilliant! The manual Engine turnaround operation was such a treat to watch. Thank you Rory!

[@MegaBloggs1]

in oz we are called gunzele's not railway geek

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

Tassie Zone I have been to any interstate for 11 years .. Stuck with MElbourne for life there... THanks for giving us to know how to travel and about interstate.. Thanks Buddy.. Xie Xie... New Variant on loose.. Be safe.. Cheers, Pradeep. Pollachi,Tamilnadu-(CJB Airport-Coimbatore)

[@superplatypus]

Beautiful train the wooden interior is lovely, tasty food too. Wonderful review too.

[@axan50transportproductions]

Woohoo the Tasmania train's review is finally here.Been looking forward to it.I also think that the weather in Tasmania resembles that you get in Singapore,where I live.Always changing...

[@brilliantbutblue]

It's nothing like Singapore it's always cold in Tassie, fellow Singapore PR!

[@axan50transportproductions]

@@brilliantbutblue Hahaha yes,it is very humid here in SG.

[@chloexianah3070]

Wonderful, just wonderful. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. Im in England so I’m very far away. Although we do have similar heritage lines and tours. I love your video format. So concise and so so interesting. Thankfully free of ‘KZbiny-ness’ which i find inane and infuriating. Thank you once again. I wish you every success.

[@emmaholloway2516]

Well done Rory, what a magnificent video. You have captured the beauty & heritage of my island home in such a delightful way. I had the biggest smile on my face the whole way through. I totally agree with you, the Wilderness experience is well worth the extra cost, if only for the privilege of the viewing platform. Great way to top off your stay with the penguin tour too! Hope you come back soon!

[@TuffCars]

Went on that railway with my family about 6 years ago. It is fantastically set up and great piece of history. The scenery is amazing. Will do it again with my kids hopefully one soon.

[@peterhavord5984]

Magnificent ! That must be one of the best railway day-trips in the world - stunning scenery, beautiful carriages, and gourmet food - all at a very reasonable price. Your videography and commentary were excellent. Great work !

[@CarolgTX]

Wow! Fabulous video! The scenery is amazing! I agree, Heritage car all the way. It is definitely more than just a train ride, it is an interactive, mobile museum experience!

[@Romeo-lu7wt]

Enjoyed, Rory , you never disappoint, Last time I was in there was 1978 so brought back memories, Burnie was my Dad's family home area, lots history there, Regards Bevan Cooper 😀🤠🇦🇺

[@akabill79]

Love your voice mate very calming narrative ! Great relaxing watching your vids

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Great review. A very lovley looking railway I have heard about this railway before. Would love to visit it one day. Thanks for taking the time to document it.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

I enjoyed this video so much. It made me feel as if I was there and it lifted my spirits. Thank you. Don't worry about the scone thing, there are arguments for and against the application of the jam and cream. It's a very controversial issue among scone lovers 😄 Wonderful video as always.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Great scenery. Wonderful trains. But... Cream before jam on a scone ? Oh no ! Surely it's jam, then cream ? What a treat to see the penguins at the end !🧡

[@Tbpker22]

Rory, thank you for this wonderful train video, and penguins too! We in America have always wondered what the scenery in Western Tasmania is like, and, thanks to you, we now have witnessed it.

[@suzanneknight5794]

Excellent presentation. Beautiful scenery. Thanks!

[@yvonne548]

Rory your best video ever. Usually I sit back and think , “ Well that was nice!” This one makes me want to get up and actually go! Really really enjoyed it . Thank you very much.

[@AussieDadSydney]

Absolutely outstanding coverage. I cannot thank you enough for your vids. They are informative, provide incredible detail (I love you show the menu) and your enthusiasm is just contagious.

[@henktl3580]

Man. Do you deserve a lot more subs. Love the attention to detail, happy you did not fall for the 'fast editing' and appreciate the narration. Keep it up!

[@ryanwatts]

Great video mate, really enjoyed it! Keep them coming.

[@lindavainomae3489]

A fantastic video Rory - I loved every minute of this great overview of the carriages, experience, stations, views and food! How wonderful that loco D 2 made its way back to its home on this railway and that the beautiful and unique steam cog locos are still going strong. It is great that this beautiful historic line was restored and not lost. Thanks for sharing it with us. 😍

[@teddythewonderlizard1448]

Rory - Mrs. Mac called, and wants to know why there was no mention of her pies in a video that runs for nearly an hour. Another great video - well done! It's too late for 2021, but you need to put The Savannahlander on your itinerary for 2022 - I would love to see the Rory treatment of that trip.

[@johnwhorfin5150]

well said

[@markhill7901]

Rory, this video is your best work so far. Another amazing journey and the details of both trips are greatly appreciated. We lived in Tasmania for 2 1/2 years and visited Strathan but did not do the railway trip. Thank you. 😎

[@davidmohr1888]

Rory, this was a great video. Great content and production. Awesome trip. My wife and I have added this to our 10 year anniversary trip to Tasmania. Keep up the great work.

[@darinbryant7224]

Rory once more an excellent video. Broke down the different classes the stops and the food and drink. When these Covid borders ease I see a Tassie trip joining the train bucket list as well. Bravo Rory. Just missed the Mrs macs pies this time.

[@CleggsLights]

Went there in 2019 to do the full trip and absolutely loved the journey, the story and the food. A fun fact - four of the original carriages are in use at Puffing Billy Railway (Belgrave, Victoria) and named after the stations on this line if you were ever to follow up with a Puffing Billy journey at some point in the future.

[@eddstevens6471]

Great video! We loved the extra video of the Little Penguins in Burnie. We love them!

[@Train_Mate]

I am so glad I Found this channel! :D

[@charlottenixon1471]

Fantastic video as per usual Rory!

[@PlanetFrosty]

Many years ago I almost went to graduate school in Adelaide. Great to see your content I plan taking some train trips in Australia this year. Next season Orient Express.

[@williamcopelin4513]

awesome

[@DCPImages]

Love this video!

[@jocee569]

Thanks for another great video!

[@lynnebunning7273]

Have been to Tasmania 3 times & did not get to go on the train. If I go a 4th time, will definitely go on it. A very good review & camera work. Well done. Cheers Victoria 🇦🇺🐨👍🏻😄

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching! It’s a very scenic train 😀 loved the food too

[@bradwilliams1691]

My wife and I took the kids on the ABT railway on its third full day of operation. This trip cannot be more highly recommended if you want to see a side of Tasmania so rarely seen. A quick word of advice - take the steam train from the Queenstown end.

[@CastleMatch]

Thanks Rory another nice review

[@VandaJensenTaswegian1957]

Well done, I enjoyed an up to date look at one of my favourite preserved railways.

[@debramage739]

Rory, outstanding son. Planning a trip to tassie. On my list. Thanks soooo much.

[@issievdhorst]

Stunning scenery!

[@user-yq9qx6dy5r]

Loved this video

[@Foolish_Paul_Australia]

Great coverage mate. I really enjoyed this video.

[@kyrosbl456]

Such a great video!

[@danieltreloar5246]

That chocolate you had, is very delicious 😋 I've had the opportunity to try at federation chocolate in hobart

[@davidlogan4329]

Wonderful experience on a fantastic little railway. Thanks for sharing it Rory.

[@deborahingles9392]

Awesome vlog thanks for taking us on this trip.... I will defo add to my list of train trips especially as Tassie does have a passenger train to get around to see it's beautiful countryside...this is gold.... cheers Debz

[@kevinharper1629]

Wow Rory, never know where we'll see you next. Love your stuff.

[@glynnismacpherson504]

As always Rory a great review. Will do this trip definitely. Great trip, great views, and as always your great company.🙃

[@maureen8966]

Hi Rory thanks for fantastic video really enjoyed it been to Strahan years ago

[@robertbarnier45]

Love Tassie. Love Strahan. Thanks Rory. Brought back good memories.

[@sallymay24]

Wow the west coast looks so pretty …I’ve never been to that side so I think I need to do some travelling in the next few years Amazing double rainbow

[@andrewdipper4028]

Great video Rory! Hope you enjoyed your time here in Tasmania - it’s been interesting seeing it through a visitor’s eyes.

[@BigLeafDropper86]

great video Ding!!

[@mgrizz2386]

What an amazing video! Thank you for taking us with you!

[@rileycummaudo8612]

Very good video, I’d like to go on that train one day

[@margaretjoan6148]

That was fantastic to see. Intend to do that trip now that I know about it. Thankyou Rory

[@paulburke4708]

I loved your film, your comments and of course the scenery. Congratulations on a job well done. When the world returns to some normalcy you will find me on the Mt Lyell Nr1

[@jalbu8330]

Thanks Rory another great and informative upload, such magical scenery and the train is so majestic. 👏🏽😊

[@elcasho]

Great video! The new camera looks amazing

[@mga71]

Your work is getting better and better Rory.

[@BeyondNegativeOfficial]

55 Mins longer than the Spirit of Queensland video xD nice video by the way!

[@lastbreathsigh]

This really makes me want to go there. Great video

[@leagreenall5972]

Thank you for highlighting and enjoying my backyard :)

[@seanf69]

Very enjoyable and well made video

[@kiwilisaoutandabout1320]

This was a great video, im travelling early next year to Tassie ( after the Hobart lockdown in October thru my original plans upside down) and I was unsure of which tour to do and after this really great review and video I have made up my mind. Thanks for sharing

[@romer1816]

Congratulations, Rory! This was a fascinating and professional video of this Tasmanian wonder! The Abt railway reminded me of the similar ascent up to the peak of the Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Well done...wonderful trip! Love your detailed videos and sense of humour!

[@bernardfitzgerald6117]

Super ,Rory! Just the right amount of info and filmed experience. Just terrific.

[@laylamari2175]

Its nice looking but I like ur plane vids. I've seen a QF2 video teaser which I am SO exited for.

[@ScriptedLife960]

Ah reminds me of the time I went to Strahan and did the Strahan to Dubbil Barrill trip. One of the best train experiences. I wanna go back and do the other half!

[@annabetts792]

Watching this video was such a meditative experience! Thank you 🙏 🌲 🌳 🚂🎟☕️

[@Mr500music]

You have done a fantastic job with this video. I went on this railway in 2006 and loved it. Well done.

[@firdyk]

This was wonderful to watch. Great camera work Rory.

[@zanelindsay1267]

Fabulous informative video !! with outstanding creative shots like the double rainbow over Strahan and the quadraphonic view of vintage steam locomotive being rotated on the turntable at Queenstown. I did the rack and gorge part of this trip in 2009 and enjoyed seeing it again in this video, along with the trip from Strahan which I didn't experience myself.

[@ryandoyle2840]

Rory, your videos are amazing! You've become my favourite travel KZbin channel and I eagerly await your new videos!! Doing a train circuit of Australia is now at the top of this Canadian's bucket list, thanks in a large part to your channel.

[@AnonyDave]

Thank you again for the wonderful review. Loved the pengiuns at the end. If you were taking the boat back you could've then just headed a little down the bay back in Melbourne and seen more at st kilda pier just after sunset :)

[@betula2137]

Oh, I've been waiting for this episode with the most anticipation...

[@zonabrown9241]

Fantastic wonderful scenery look forward to more of your trips

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@helenmonk6187]

What a wonderful trip you are doing it is so interesting and so beautiful you are truly amazing the way you travel keep up the wonderful work

[@hellohello4438]

Awsome job

[@chalkyness]

That double rainbow (approx 27:30) was beautiful!

[@millsy3224]

Thank you Rory for this wonderful record of your trip. PS I enjoyed your inaugural Devonport to Geelong Spirit of Tasmania ferry trip.

[@BinkBricks]

What a trip! The views outside were the best I've ever seen, it was so great and majestic. Paying the extra money is worth it to me to make sure that you get a good view! Food also looked yummy and very well presented. Absolutely stunning review Rory!

[@shreychanchad2325]

Great one 🤩

[@PR-pp2zc]

What a lovely video bro u showed new kind of breakfast , n so many delicacies excellent trains like in fairy land 😀 no rush no much noise 😀 misty makes it complete

[@ChrisS-xj7dt]

Fantastic job with this presentation. I felt I was there experiencing the beauty of a part of this amazing country we live in. We are so blessed. Keep up the great work you do 👼🙏

[@kathleenharsha6504]

This was already on my "to do" list for my trip to Taz in Jan 2023. Great revue. I'm really looking forward to my own trip.

[@brigidconroy2111]

FABULOUS VLOG. LOVED THE EXTRA PENGUIN CLIP.

[@planetgannet]

Thank you for this truly beautiful film.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@ngchikit]

Hi Rory, I really appreciate and admire your efforts (and spending real money in the process) on reviewing all the major regional and long distance trains in Australia. The videos are realIy helpful. Thank you so much. I guess only the Ghan, the Savannahlander and the Gulflander are missing from your portfolio? That should keep you interested and working hard to complete the set. Happy Travels and Good luck.

[@rostallar4243]

Yes I hope these are covered, totally agree these should be done. Not to forget the Westlander, which goes Outback Queensland.

[@mattk183]

If we went back in time in the 70s Tasmania’s rail network was large, the best trip was the Tasman Limited which ran from Hobart to Wynard, not far from Burnie, considered the hight of luxury. Unfortunately, cars got more sophisticated which is why Tasmania got rid of passenger trains. Hobart had a nice, basic suburban system running trains to New Norfolk, Glenorchy, Brighton and Parratah. The Wilderness railway provides a great legacy of Tasmania’s railways. Check out the Don River Railway in Devonport, which restore trains from Tasmania’s past. This review was amazing Rory!

[@boppermacca9346]

Rory this video was exceptional. Your enthusiasm and information is great. And Tasmania is really the forgotten gem of Australia

[@gidget9101]

Love your travelogue Rory. I would like to do this trip myself one day. You are so interesting