Wstrn Wilderness Railway Strahan - Queenstown

Hi Andrew

I don't recall having a choice of price in 2006. We chose to go on the train from Queenstown and return by coach. We walked into Strahan from the end of the train ride, although they were taxiing anyone who wanted a ride with a small shuttle coach.

We then had a VERY LONG wait for our coach back to Queenstown which was most annoying. As it was quite a hot day, i think it was engineered by the drink and ice cream stalls we kept patronising whilst waiting.

As aforesaid, we were commuting daily from the Zeehan CP.

There were two companies doing the boats on the Macquarie harbour, and there was a small discount if booking both the train and the boat through that company. However we chose the boat cruise by the alternative company.

Motherhen

The Rail trip is unique and well worth doing, lots of history to see and hear about. The Loco is a fabulous piece of machinery in near new condition despite it's age
We opted for the less expensive option and didn't feel ripped off or deprived in any way.
Take the coach trip back to Strahan too, it's an interesting drive.

Disco,
(who was in Tassie in 2006)

We got the Tassie entertainment book of vouchers and it has a big discount for the train. We didn't go on it but the book also has heaps of vouchers for other stuff and meals etc. www.entertainmentbook.com.au
Cheers, Chris.

we just did it 2 weeks ago in "second class", i felt that it wasnt worth the amount they charged - family ticket, dont forget you also have to pay for the coach ride as well as the train.
cheers
aaron

Andrew
We went in 2009. Did the train from Strahan to Queenstown and back by bus. Very well worth it - plenty of history, views into the valley, good experience all round. Paid the extra for the rear carriage - meant we had views through 300 degrees as we could stand on the back observation platform. Also went on the red cat up the river - very professional and at the same time friendly - run by a local family. All part of a deal where there was accommodation, train and cat. As others have said, the white one is part of a company that owns half of Tas tourism market.
Cheers
Andrew & Jen

we did it in 06 , Queenstown to Strahan very good trip ,well worth it
mechpete

Hi Andrew,
I thought the upgrade was well worth the extra. Soft padded seats rather than wood under the old bum; a balcony out the back which is excellent for both viewing & photography; Free wine & snacks for the duration & an upgraded lunch package. Add to that the fact that because of the higher price the rear carriage is usually less crowded and the trip becomes much more enjoyable. I also thought the better way to go was from Queenstown to strahan with the Morning section having the more spectacular scenery. Either way a ride well worth doing bur if you are only going to do it once then why not go in style.
Cheers Jon

Did the trip from Strahan to Queenstown in 2005, and don't recall there being two classes of travel then.. Was a great day out. Can't say I enjoyed the bus trip back down to Strahan though ! Great scenery, and good presentations from the operators. I'm sure they said that the engine used to be a "Puffing Billy" in Victoria some years earlier. Here's a photo of the engine. Cheers.

Roger B....Image Could Not Be Found

Go to http://www.puretasmania.com.au/default.asp?pID=46 - This may assist you with the direction of travel.

Hi Andrew,

We did the train trip from Queenstown (we were camped at Lake Burbury) and had a wonderful day except for the long wait for the bus back. We walked into town and that used up some time.

We took the less expensive option and were quite happy with it. A family member who had done the trip before us took the more expensive option and said it wasn't worth the extra.

Have a wonderful time.
Min

We did the Queenstown - Strahan trip in January. The more expenssive ticket gets you unlimited wine and beer, but we opted for the basic fare which included lunch. Our package included the return coach to Queenstown.

Although expensive, the trip was well worth it.

The only disappointment was that when we arrived in Strahan it was bucketing down rain and the promised shuttle bus did not turn up. The staff couldn't care less and we ended up spending a cpuple of hours in the pub across the road, rather than enjoying Strahan.

We camped at Lake Burbury, which was pretty good for $5 per night, although it was a little run down. The fishing was exceleent when we wwere there 3 weeks ago.

You will have a great time.

Angus

Hi Andrew

Just returned from Tassy. Did the train trip only 5 days ago, Strahan to Queenstown, coach return. You can park your car at the Strahan station and the coach returns to the station. Coach was waiting for us at Queenstown.

Paid for the upgrade. Have not travelled standard class so cannot compare value.

Definitely a great and interesting trip with excellent service, commentary, grub and grog in the upgrade carriage as well.

Recommend!!

Thanks for all the advice people, did the Strahan - Queenstown yesterday in the most beautiful weather imaginable...Wonderful.

Would recommend going the opposite way though as you don't get the gold panning in on Str - Q'town route. Only vice versa. Unfortunately were not told that at the booking office so the kids missed out.

When cattle class because 2 x 3kids was too expen$ive. Over a grand for 5 people in premier class. That's a joke.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice.

Cheers