West Coast Wilderness Railway prepares to get back on track for tourist season

THE West Coast Wilderness Railway is building up a new head of steam for the summer tourist season.

THE West Coast Wilderness Railway is building up a new head of steam for the summer tourist season.

Carriages on the historic Queenstown-Strahan link are set to rumble again on January 6 – their first outing since early last year.

Launching a new TV advertising campaign today, Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said negotiations were continuing to find a full-time operator for the West Coast attraction.

In the meantime, the Government would oversee the operation of a vital piece of regional infrastructure.

Tourism Minister Scott Bacon said the "new" operation would feature ticketing at different price points -- featuring a premium Wilderness Balcony Carriage experience that includes champagne -- as well as family-friendly fares.

"Television advertising will start in Tasmania and regional Victoria in early January, with video footage being used in broader advertising by Tourism Tasmania," he said.

"The half-day tour service will depart Queenstown daily at 9am, stopping at the historic stations of Lynchford, Rinadeena and Dubbil Barril.

"With the new Tracks Cafe having been re-opened just last month, things are very much coming together."

Bookings can be made through the railway's website www.wcwr.con.au