West Coast Wilderness Railway is moving into another planning stage, with Tasmania preparing a second industry roundtable in August to discuss its long-term future.

West Coast Wilderness Railway funding plan advances
Photo: Creative Commons / WikiWookie

The Tasmanian Government has tied the meeting to the latest funding package in the 2026-27 State Budget. According to the official Tasmanian Government announcement, the budget added $28.3 million for the railway over four years. That funding is intended for capital works, safety upgrades and measures to secure the future of the heritage tourism experience. With the new package included, the government’s total investment in the railway now stands at $36.8 million.

West Coast Wilderness Railway and Tasmania’s tourism economy

The railway runs for 35 kilometres through rainforest on Tasmania’s West Coast and operates as a heritage steam railway. The official West Coast Wilderness Railway site also presents it as one of Tasmania’s distinctive heritage and wilderness rail experiences. It is one of the region’s best-known visitor attractions, so the roundtable will bring together industry, tourism and business leaders, along with representatives from local, state and federal levels.

The agenda is expected to stay focused on practical next steps. Participants will consider priorities, partnerships and ways to increase the railway’s value to the West Coast region.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Kerry Vincent said the talks would follow on from the government’s recent budget investment. He described the railway as more than a tourism icon, calling it a key part of the West Coast’s identity and economic future.

“The West Coast Wilderness Railway is not just a tourism icon – it is a vital part of the West Coast’s identity and economic future,” Vincent said.

$36.8 million investment sets the next agenda

Vincent said the 2026-27 budget had taken total investment in the railway to $36.8 million and provided a clearer base for long-term planning. The roundtable, he said, is meant to help make sure the funding has the strongest possible impact.

“This roundtable is about ensuring we maximise the impact of that investment – working closely with industry to identify priorities, strengthen partnerships and set out a clear pathway forward,” Vincent said.

The August meeting will also continue work on an economic assessment of the railway’s value to the West Coast. That review will examine how the heritage steam railway attracts visitors, supports local businesses and contributes to regional jobs.

Visitor numbers underline the railway’s regional role

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Jane Howlett said the railway remained one of Tasmania’s most distinctive and compelling visitor experiences. The 2026-27 funding context is also reflected in the Tasmanian Budget Speech, which refers to more than $28 million for the railway’s capital investment needs.

“The upcoming roundtable will help ensure the railway continues to grow as a high-quality, world-class experience, supported by the government’s recent budget investment,” Howlett said.

More than 217,000 interstate and international visitors travelled to the West Coast in 2025. One in four included the railway in their trip, which points to its role in the wider tourism offer of the region.

The Tasmanian Government said it would keep working with stakeholders as planning and investment for the West Coast Wilderness Railway move forward.