Rinadeena, Rack & Rainforest

Experience the rock of the rack and pinion while you journey deep into the rainforest

Journey Highlights

Step onboard this steam train experience, headed deep into the rainforest, stopping at Lynchford and Rinadeena Stations and returning to Queenstown Station.

Journey through the historic mining town of Queenstown, once cut off from the world except for the existence of this unique railway. Alight at Lynchford Station, formerly a small town brimming with gold fever, now lost to history. Pan for gold or browse the Pioneer’s Room to learn more of our history before boarding the train for your next destination.

Enjoy the feeling of complete immersion in the rainforest as the train begins the steep ascent towards Rinadeena Saddle. Experience three kilometres of the unique rack and pinion railway, an historically significant innovation that remains central to the railway’s cultural importance today.

At Rinadeena, enjoy a bite to eat and a photography opportunity with your heritage steam locomotive, before stepping back onboard for your return to Queenstown.

Quoted pricing and timetable departures subject to change.

Queenstown Station

Depart Queenstown Station, home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway Museum and Tracks Cafe.

Lynchford Station

Alight the train for around 25 minutes and explore the station and surrounding grounds. Pan for gold, or explore the Pioneer’s Room to take in more stories about the early pioneers and learn more about this unique environment that attracted mining in the early 1880’s.

Rinadeena Station

After a steep climb onboard, explore Rinadeena Station, once a small settlement of families whose lives depended on the unique rack and pinion system on both sides of the Saddle. Grab a bite to eat and a photo opportunity with the majestic steam locomotive before heading back down the rack towards Queenstown.

Return to Queenstown Station

Experiences

Steam locomotive

Rainforest Immersion

Rack & Pinion

Pioneer Stories

Live commentary

Gold Panning

Timetable

24 September 2024 - 31 March 2025

Mon

  • -

Tue

  • 10:00AM

Wed

  • 10:00AM

Thu

  • 10:00AM

Fri

  • 10:00AM

Sat

  • 10:00AM

Sun

  • -

Queenstown Station

Depart Queenstown Station, home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway Museum and Tracks Cafe.

Lynchford Station

Alight the train for around 25 minutes and explore the station and surrounding grounds. Pan for gold, or explore the Pioneer’s Room to take in more stories about the early pioneers and learn more about this unique environment that attracted mining in the early 1880’s.

Rinadeena Station

After a steep climb onboard, explore Rinadeena Station, once a small settlement of families whose lives depended on the unique rack and pinion system on both sides of the Saddle. Grab a bite to eat and a photo opportunity with the majestic steam locomotive before heading back down the rack towards Queenstown.

Return to Queenstown Station

Experiences

Steam locomotive

Rainforest Immersion

Rack & Pinion

Pioneer Stories

Live commentary

Gold Panning

Timetable

Week Starting 24 September 2024 - 31 March 2025

Mon

  • -

Tue

  • 10:00AM

Wed

  • 10:00AM

Thu

  • 10:00AM

Fri

  • 10:00AM

Sat

  • 10:00AM

Sun

  • -

Carriage Options

Carriage Type

Heritage Carriage

Adult $85
Child $65
Family (2+1 child) $190
Family (2+2 children) $240

History that moves you

HERITAGE CARRIAGE

A comfortable carriage with upholstered booth seating for up to 40 passengers. Blankets are provided for those chilly days. These replica carriages are popular with groups and families during school holidays and have been lovingly crafted by our expert inhouse team.

Carriage Type

Wilderness Carriage

Adult $125
Child $125
Family (2+1 child) NA
Family (2+2 children) NA

History that moves you

WILDERNESS CARRIAGE

Our premium carriage offering, featuring upholstered booth seating for up to 26 passengers. Each booth has a small table between the seats. Your fare includes a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice accompanied by canapes on departure and a light meal service during your journey. This carriage also offers a balcony, perfect for up close and personal images with our wonderful locomotives, or the wilderness surrounds as you wind your way through the rainforest.

Frequently Asked Questions

WILL I FACE BACKWARDS?

During one half of the journey you will face in one direction, but once the train travels in the opposite direction (on the way back to your original departure station), so will you. This means you will face backwards either during the first or second half of your journey. As the train moves quite slowly, motion sickness is exceptionally rare, however, should you have any concerns about this, please call our team directly at least 24 hours prior to your departure.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?

Everyone is different and we want everyone onboard to feel welcome and safe.

If you have unique needs, please refer to our accessibility statement and/or contact us.

CAN I BRING FOOD ONBOARD?

Absolutely! We also have kiosks available at remote stations that sell drinks and snacks. For those booked in the Wilderness Carriage, you will also be served a light meal onboard.

IS THERE A TOILET ONBOARD?

No. Toilets are available at remote stations, not onboard. The train journey between Queenstown and Lynchford is approximately 20 minutes. Toilets at remote stations are off grid and located on station platforms.

WILL I FACE BACKWARDS?

During one half of the journey you will face in one direction, but once the train travels in the opposite direction (on the way back to your original departure station), so will you. This means you will face backwards either during the first or second half of your journey. As the train moves quite slowly, motion sickness is exceptionally rare, however, should you have any concerns about this, please call our team directly at least 24 hours prior to your departure.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?

Everyone is different and we want everyone onboard to feel welcome and safe.

If you have unique needs, please refer to our accessibility statement and/or contact us.

CAN I BRING FOOD ONBOARD?

Absolutely! We also have kiosks available at remote stations that sell drinks and snacks. For those booked in the Wilderness Carriage, you will also be served a light meal onboard.

IS THERE A TOILET ONBOARD?

No. Toilets are available at remote stations, not onboard. The train journey between Queenstown and Lynchford is approximately 20 minutes. Toilets at remote stations are off grid and located on station platforms.

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