One of the biggest tourism attractions in Tasmania - the West Coast Wilderness Railway - is to shut from June.
Tourism Tasmania reported that the railway, which can operate between Queenstown and Strahan in the west of Tasmania, will shut to undergo major upgrade work during the winter in a bid to improve the reliability of the operation.
The railway is already offering reduced services following a recent derailment and all services will close from June 5.
Railway operations are expected to recommence gradually in time for the peak summer tourism season of 2023-24.
In response to the shutdown, the Tasmanian Government has developed a $1 million support program to drive continued visitation, while also supporting West Coast operators to invest in their businesses during the winter period.
The program includes:a targeted travel voucher program to encourage Tasmanians to visit the west and enjoy the attractions that are open during winter.
The West Coast Council and West by North West regional tourism organisation will develop a heritage tourism masterplan to ensure the railway is developed and enhanced as a visitor attraction for the long term and linked to other ventures.
Further information on the support package, including the travel voucher and grant program will be available soon.
Anyone with tickets booked on affected services will be contacted directly and provided a full refund.
Passengers booked on services out of Queenstown between now and June 5 will not be affected by the shutdown.
All staff will be retained and cafés located in Queenstown and Strahan will continue to operate.
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