Tonymercury
Dr Beeching
Joined: May 17, 2003
Last Visited: Nov 28, 2008
Location: Botany NSW
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:31 pm
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Take West Coast Wilderness Railway to a Forgotten World
Friday, 16 April 2004
Tasmania’s great steam train ride, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, has celebrated its first year back in operation with the launch of a new Premier Class carriage.
The 43km railway runs between Queenstown and Strahan, using a novel “third track” rack and pinion system to enable its locomotives to haul the train up 1:16 gradients across the Rinadeena Saddle.
Daily services leave from both destinations, with passengers able to choose the full six-hour return trip or travel just one way, returning to the departure point by coach.
The railway began service in the 1890s to haul copper from the Queenstown mines to waiting ships but closed in 1963 when road transport became more economical.
Since it resumed operations in late 2002, more than 60,000 people have taken the ride through pristine Tasmanian rainforest largely closed to the outside world for almost 40 years.
Carriages are based on the original Mt Lyell 'O' cars, with solid timber frames and panelling, clerestory roofs, arched windows and brass luggage racks and are hauled by an original Mt Lyell steam train on one leg of the trip and an original diesel locomotive on the other - covering two distinct “eras” in the history of the line.
Federal Hotels & Resorts’ Group Director Marketing and Sales, Jude Franks, said the new Premier Class carriage was aimed at groups and individuals who wanted to add an element of luxury only dreamt about by those who travelled on the original run.
“Premier Class provides an extra touch of old world luxury with a rear balcony, quality fittings and a steward on hand to serve a gourmet meal that includes local wines, beers and cheeses.”
Trains depart daily from Queenstown at 10am and from Strahan at 10.15am. Prices start from $90 per adult with lunch in Tourist Class and $169 per adult in Premier Class, with Premier Class including a return coach trip, lunch with wine and beer and a guidebook.
As a launch offer, anyone booking a Premier Class journey along with a Gordon River Cruise and two nights at the Strahan Village will receive 10 per cent off the cost of all three. Valid until August 30, 2004;
Tony Bailey
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