Abt Railway back on track as tickets go on sale

Published on : Thursday, December 19, 2013

Tasmanians have been urged to get on board and support the historic Abt Railway when it opens early next month.
The Minister for Infrastructure, David O’Byrne, and the Minister for Tourism, Scott Bacon, today announced that tickets are on sale for the new West Coast Wilderness Railway, as part of a major advertising campaign.
“I encourage everyone to support the railway and visit the West Coast to truly understand the contribution the town has made to the State through the hard work and tenacity of its residents,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“It’s this same fighting spirit that is fuelling the reopening of the railway.
“The anticipation is well and truly building for the re-opening of the West Coast Wilderness Railway on 6 January.
“We said we would stand up for the West Coast community and back this important piece of Australian History so it is really exciting to now see the hard work pay off.”
Mr Bacon said new television and internet video advertisements have been developed to entice visitors to the unique experience.
“Television advertising will start in Tasmania and regional Victoria in early January, with video footage being used in broader advertising including interstate advertising by Tourism Tasmania,” Mr Bacon said.
“The half day tour service will depart Queenstown daily at 9am, stopping at the historic stations of Lynchford, Rinadeena and Dubbil Barril.
“In addition, the railway is offering Heritage Carriage and Wilderness Balcony Carriage experiences to really bring the Abt Railway story to life.
“With the new Tracks Café having been re-opened just last month, things are very much coming together.”
Mr O’Byrne paid tribute to the staff of the Abt Railway, saying without their hard work and dedication, the January re-opening would not have been possible.
“Apart from the millions of dollars this railway generates in tourism spending on the West Coast, it is also providing jobs for more than 40 people.
“We have always understood just how important the Abt Railway is to the local community and to Tasmania in general.
“That’s why we worked with the previous Federal Labor Government to give it a new lease of life and now the future really looks bright.”