Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway and Cultural Attractions of Australia have created three immersive experiences through ancient rainforest.
There’s nothing quite like a romantic train journey to slow time down and immerse you in a world of history and stunning landscapes. Three new immersive train journeys are set to do just that, stepping you back in time to the 1890s while winding through Tasmania’s ancient rainforest.
Step back in time to the 1890s.
Cultural Attractions of Australia has welcomed Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway to its portfolio, bringing with it three incredible new immersive train experiences worthy of your bucket list. “The addition of the West Coast Wilderness Railway comes at a time when inbound visitors are increasingly seeking cultural experiences, with travel trends showing a strong preference for diverse and authentic encounters," said Sally Cope Executive General Manager Industry, Tourism Australia.
Operating from Queenstown and Strahan, the charming red heritage railway follows the original 1890s line previously used to transport copper to the coast. There are three journeys to choose from: Beyond the Line, Each End of the Line and Live Like the Railway GM.
Penghana’s dining room sits within the original general manager’s house.
The Beyond the Line journey takes guests on a 4.5-hour journey along Tasmania’s rugged west coast through ancient rainforest. It includes riding the Rinadeena Rack & Rainforest part of the railway in Premium Class, all while enjoying a progressive food experience and guided storytelling. Guests visit Lynchford Station to pan for gold and traverse the Abt rack-and-pinion system on the dramatic climb to Rinadeena. Returning to Queenstown, guests also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the locomotive workshop, Carswell Park, where they restore steam and diesel trains by hand.
The train crosses historic bridges.
The Each End of the Line two-day adventure takes travellers on both of the main, famous routes of the West Coast Wilderness Railway (Rinadeena Rack & Rainforest + Teepookana and the King). Enjoying Premium Class, guests will indulge in Tassie produce while hearing about the railway’s history and present life, as they pass through rainforest-clad mountains and cross historic bridges.
Across three days, the Live Like the Railway GM experience immerses passengers in the life of the General Manager of the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company. Combining heritage, luxury and insider access, the journey is a special opportunity to explore the railway from the unique perspective of those who once ran it. The journey includes two nights at the luxurious Penghana, a behind-the-scenes tour of WCWR infrastructure and meals at Tracks Café.
The charming red heritage railway follows the original 1890s line previously used to transport copper to the coast.
“The Railway offers travellers an unforgettable way to experience both Australia’s heritage and natural beauty and is a powerful example of how Cultural Attractions of Australia continues to showcase the very best of our country’s cultural stories to the world," shared Cope.
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.
The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.
The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.
Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.
Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.
Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.
Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.
Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.
Location
Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.
Style & decor
Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.
Wine experiences
The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.
Come for a taste, stay for an experience.
PIRIE & Oyster Experience
Taste the best of PIRIE matched with oysters. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.
As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.
Pinot Noir Blending Experience
Try your own hand at mixing. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.
Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.
Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.
Supreme Indulgence
Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.
Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
