Will Hodgman: A “Steaming Winter Experience”

Tasmania’s tourism drawcard the West Coast Wilderness Railway will roll-out a new Steaming Winter Experience from next week.

Passengers can indulge in gourmet food and wine while taking in the wilderness from the warmth of the refurbished carriages on the four-hour steam rail journey from Queenstown.

The new experience is set to build on the resurgence of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which has attracted more than 10,000 passengers since returning to operation in January.

The Steaming Winter Experience will be a major attraction during the traditionally quieter winter months, running on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from June 10 to August 9.

I commend the railway’s General Manager Michael Saville for re-booting the attraction and developing a new experience that ensures operation through winter, unlike last year.

It is vital to keep evolving our attractions and ensure continued growth on the West Coast, which recorded a 10 per cent increase in tourists in 2013 with about 150,000 people visiting.

Not only are more tourists visiting the West Coast, they’re staying longer, with the average number of nights spent there increasing to three; a 23 per cent increase compared to 2012.

The Liberals remain committed to the ongoing operation of the West Coast Wilderness Railway and will honour a funding commitment of $11 million over the forward estimates to 2017.

This commitment is part of the State Government’s targeted West Coast package, aimed at creating employment and building stronger communities.

The Liberal Government’s number one priority is jobs and we are working with the tourism and hospitality industries on the West Coast to create jobs and boost investment.
Will Hodgman, Premier, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events