As the colony developed, so too did the buildings, roads, railways and ports. In order to make the most of the rich veins of copper in the mines at Queenstown, a magnificent feat of engineering was achieved with the establishment in 1896 of the Abt Wilderness Railway – later renamed the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Taking its original name from Swiss engineer Dr Roman Abt, who designed the system enabling trains to ascend mountainous gradients, the railway is a fine example of the tenacity of the early pioneers.

The amazing 34km trip from Queenstown to the Macquarie Harbour port of Strahan takes in towering timber bridges built over deep river gorges, tunnels hewn by hand through massive rocks, gushing rivers and waterfalls, and rainforest tamed to allow the railway passage.

For almost 70 years, a steam locomotive transported pure copper from the Mt Lyell mine to Strahan, until improved road transport made its operation unviable and the railway closed in 1963.

Today, following a $30 million restoration, the West Coast Wilderness Railway and one-of-a-kind Abt steam train are giving visitors the chance to experience this magnificent journey and gain an insight into Tasmania’s tough mining history.

Whistlestops along the way allow you to jump off for a quick spot of honey tasting, gold panning and sightseeing at historic sites, such as Lower Landing, Lynchford and the summit point of Rinadeena.

Before you know it, the five-hour wilderness ride along some of the steepest gradients in Australian railways is over … and you are off on another journey of discovery.