Combining a classic rail adventure with wild water rafting

I've done one of these adventures, and thoroughly enjoyed it - and I'm very keen to sample the second when the weather warms up in Tasmania. 

The West Coast Wilderness Railway has teamed up with King River Rafting Company to offer an exciting-sounding new journey: Steam, River and Raft.

This full-day experience offers guests the opportunity to ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway before being transferred to the King River for an afternoon of rafting and generous hospitality in beautiful natural surroundings.

The journey begins at 9am in Queenstown on board the historic steam train, where guests enjoy wilderness vistas as they traverse many bridges enjoying spectacular views of the majestic King River and Gorge, while receiving enlightening commentary about the region’s rich and colourful history. 

This is one of the best rail journeys I've ever done.

After venturing deep into the rainforest to Dubbil Barril station, guests depart the steam train and swap the comfort of the restored heritage carriages for inflatable rafts, kicking off their river adventure with the King River Rafting Company.

Experienced guides navigate guests through the gentle rapids and provide a packed lunch on the banks of river. The rafts then venture on through some more stunning scenery to Macquarie Harbour, where guests are collected and transported back to where the journey all began in Queenstown, returning at 5pm.

West Coast Wilderness Railway General Manager Michael Saville said there is a great appetite from visitors for new experiences on the West Coast of the Apple Isle.

“We are always looking for new ways to develop on our existing railway experience so we can continue drawing visitors across to Tasmania’s West Coast. What better way than to combine forces with our fellow tourism operators, the King River Rafting Company to provide this exciting new journey?

“We’re thrilled to share we’ve had an 85 per cent increase in passenger numbers from January 2014 to January 2015. In addition, according to the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT), visitor numbers to the West Coast have grown by 40 per cent in the same period, which the RACT partly attributes to the re-opening of the West Coast Wilderness Railway.”

The Steam, River and Raft adventure resumes in the summer season and costs $230 per person, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The rafting is suitable for people aged 10-70. Maximum guests on each departure is 16 and bookings are essential.

For information and reservations visit www.wcwr.com.au, email enquiries@wcwr.com.au or call +61 3 6471 0100.