There are many stories from along the line, but this timeline tells the story of how the railway came to be.
To understand it all, we go back to the beginning. In 1896 our railway ran for the very first time, setting a path that would shape the West Coast for generations. Let’s start there.
1896
Our railway, formally known as the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company began operation in 1896, running between Queenstown and the now-forgotten township of Teepookana, located on the King River. They officially opened the line in 1897, however trains were operational in 1896 primarily to deliver the copper from its mine to the port of Strahan, but this railway grew to be something much more.
1899
The railway was later extended, and officially opened in 1899 as the only link between Queenstown and the port of Strahan.
1932
Up until now Queenstown had no roads, this train line was its only connection to the world. However this was about to change with the improvement of road access to the West Coast from the north, and the opening of the Murchison Highway on November 19th 1932.
1963
On 23rd June 1963, the Mt Lyell Mining and Rail Company ceased operating the original railway due to the increasing cost-effectiveness of road transport. Over the proceeding decades, the railway fell into disrepair while a group of dedicated individuals and the local community lobbied for its return.
1998
In 1998, the Prime Minister’s Federation Fund enabled a team to undertake the restoration, a feat that was not that far removed from the original build! Over the years, landslips, floods and bushfires had left their mark. Culverts were cleared, new rail laid, track rerouted and almost all of the 40 bridges were dismantled and rebuilt.
2002
On 27 December 2002, the first passenger train set off once again through the spectacular rainforest between Queenstown and Strahan, following the story of the original pioneers who built and maintained the railway.
