Queenstown and Strahan (Wk 13)

On 08/02/2020 we left Waratah for Queenstown for 2 nights as a base for both the West Coast Wilderness Railway and for Strahan. We have not done either Queenstown or Strahan justice but our time in Tasmania is coming to an end so trying to pack in as much as we can!

We are free camping at the Oval, Queenstown (an old copper mining town) which was an AFL ground that terrified opponents as it is gravel! Nowadays it it used as a free camp and for town events e.g. fireworks displays and sunday local cricket.

As soon as we arrived we drove the 45 minutes to Strahan on more up/down windy roads except no caravan so a lot more fun! Strahan is a beautiful village on the Gordon River. We would liked to have stayed longer.

Today (09/02/2020) we went on a half day trip on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, the only Australian tourist railway using the ABT rack system for 7KM. The ABT navigates a 1 in 20 and a 1 in 16 grade sections. Very impressive! The trip was really well thought out e.g. we swapped sides on the way back so everyone gets a chance to see the same scenery; one way you face back and the other way you face forward.

There were stops on the way and lots of stories about the use of the train line between Queenstown and Strahan (although our trip did not go as far as Strahan). The trains are the original and have been in operation for over 100 years (a few years out of service between the end of mining and the start of the tourist rides). A great trip!

Tomorrow (10/02/2020) we are off to Derwent Bridge to visit ‘The Wall’.