Under steam
with Sam Bosch

Journey back in time on the west coast this winter – and don’t forget your camera.

As the hum of a heritage locomotive builds and steam fills the station, groups of animated passengers gather on the platform, readying for departure. On crisp mornings such as this, surrounded by misty mountains beneath a low, slate-grey sky, the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s Queenstown station is a hive of activity.

The heritage railway is popular year-round, but it’s during winter that West Coast Wilderness Railway carpenter Sam Bosch reckons it’s at its finest.

“You've got steam going past the windows and the rain running down,” Bosch says. “It's nice to just get cosy with the blankets on the carriages and enjoy the ride.”

The interiors are as photogenic as the scenery.

The timber-lined heritage carriages hark back to another era, with warm hues and historic detailing that Bosch says is one of his favourite parts of the job: “A lot of that uses old-fashioned joinery techniques.”

The railway’s historical role in connecting Queenstown with the rest of the world is a story of tenacity. Built in the late 19th century, the track required impressive feats of engineering to transport riches from Queenstown’s mines across incredibly rugged terrain to the harbour at Strahan.

For a long time, this was the only way to get around on the west coast.

Today, the railway is all about sitting back and enjoying the journey. And while not every section of the 35km track is currently in operation, visitors can jump aboard a steam locomotive in Queenstown or a heritage diesel locomotive in Strahan and venture into otherwise inaccessible tracts of lush cool-temperate rainforest, dotted with endemic species such as King Billy pine, leatherwood and Huon pine.

Off Season train rides

This Off Season, an array of winter-only offers will whisk you away.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway’s Planes, trains and automobiles offer is a sure-fire way to experience the best of the island in three parts. The offer begins with a scenic Par Avion flight from Hobart, gliding over Freycinet National Park and Maria Island on the east coast. While you're here, gulp down some seafood and hang out with the fluffy wildlife, from wombats to echidnas.

Then you're headed to Drive Car Hire at Hobart Airport to pick up your flashy sports car for an unforgettable drive along the Lyell Hwy through striking rainforest, yellow mining moonscapes and towering mountains – like something out of a fantasy novel – to reach the wild west coast. Enjoy four days of exploring breathtaking backroads on your stylish set of wheels.

During your adventure, climb aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway for a memorable train ride to round out your Off Season experience.

But that's not the only west-coast gem worth pursuing.

Winter in the west

For Off Season visitors, there’s plenty to see and do during a stay in the island’s wintry west.

This verdant region is the wettest part of the state, with an annual rainfall of 2400mm nourishing the rainforest. But that doesn’t stop locals from getting out amongst nature. 

“I've grown to really love winter,” Bosch says. “You've got to look for the magic and the atmosphere. There's a bit of rain, a bit of mist.”

This rainfall feeds some of Tasmania's best waterfalls, from Hogarth Falls a short jaunt from Strahan's town centre to the photogenic Nelson Falls (a must-do stop on the drive to the coast) or the precipitous gush of Horsetail Falls near Queenstown.

"I also enjoy mountain biking in the wet weather. It makes the dirt a little bit stickier," he adds.

From one wild west adventure to another, drift along the whispering waters of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on the Gordon River Cruise. In the Off Season school holidays (13–31 July), kids cruise for free. 

Or thaw away the chill at Castaway Holiday Apartments with their three-night package, including dreamy Tasmanian wine and cheese for added indulgence. 

For a wild winter stroll, you can’t beat Ocean Beach near Strahan, where the Southern Ocean roars onto the sand. Speaking of sand, hurtle down some epic slopes on a taboggan or boogie board at Henty Dunes for a properly invigorating winter thrill (keeping sunglasses on and mouth closed to save yourself from unwanted sand exposure).

Seeking west coast events this Off Season? See the grand and storied buildings of the west coast in a new light at Strahan Winter Solstice: Light Up the West Coast (19–29 June 2025) for an illuminating collection of creative light projections. 

Further afield, Bosch’s favourite places to visit during the cooler Off Season months are on the coast where he grew up, and bucolic Sheffield.

“I’m a big one for rural landscapes – the farms, the people and the old architecture,” he says.

In the north west this winter, cosiness is the flavour of the day at the Waterfront Wynyard motel. That, and whisky hot chocolate. This heady elixir pairs nicely with provided snacks, games, magazines, beanies and – importantly – a soothing fireplace. 

Regardless of your destination, Bosch encourages you to consider your impact when travelling.

“I think a way visitors can have a positive impact in the communities they visit is by supporting small businesses… and letting people know how much they enjoy the area.”

For anyone wanting to fully immerse in the Tasmanian winter, he suggests taking time to look around and embrace it for what it is. Oh, and always come prepared…

There's a saying, ‘There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’.

"So get yourself a raincoat, something warm… some sturdy shoes. And get out on the streets".

West Coast FAQs

How to get to west coast, Tasmania

Queenstown is one of the main gateways to Tasmania’s west coast region, a 3hr 40min drive west of Hobart. From Devonport, where the Spirit of Tasmania ferry docks, it’s a 2hr 20min drive south, while from Launceston, you'll drive 3hr 10min south west. Strahan is a further 45min drive west of Queenstown, on the edge of mighty Macquarie Harbour. From Strahan, venture into World Heritage wilderness along the Gordon River or head north to Zeehan for fascinating architecture preserving the town’s mining heyday. Discover the best ways to get around Tasmania with Off Season transport offers. 

Where to go on a west coast road trip      

Journey along Tasmania’s remote Western Wilds route. Plot a course of detours and stories through misty rainforest and buttongrass plains; discover waterfalls crashing over mossy cliffs and mountain bike trails tearing down sparse hillsides; discover the west coast’s mining heritage and imagine a time when sleepy west-coast towns boomed. Start planning your Western Wilds road trip.

Where to stay on the west coast of Tasmania

Accommodation on Tasmania’s west coast is diverse and plentiful. Choose from heritage bed and breakfasts perched above historic towns, cottages and rooms overlooking Macquarie Harbour, and eco-resorts tucked among rainforest. Stay at grand hotels, pull into a van park or cosy up in a private home. Search for west-coast winter accommodation here.