Ida Bay Railway:
Historic abandoned rail line
south from Dover, Tasmania

The historic Ida Bay Railway in Far South Tasmania is no longer operating train rides but the old railway formation and infrastructure provides a glimpse into Tasmania's past. It is still possible to walk the rail line from the main terminus at Lune River to the wharf at Deep Hole near Southport, where the line ends at an abandoned jetty and tranquil deserted beach.

History of the Ida Bay Railway
in Far South Tasmania

The Ida Bay Railway began in the early 1850s as timber leases were made available near Hastings, Lune River, and Cockle Creek. The original tramways had timber rails and horse drawn. Logs were moved on the railway, to the mill, cut into planks, and loaded onto small ships at the wharf adjacent the mill.

The railway is a reminder of Tasmania’s early industrial age. Many forests had bush tramways to transport timber out of forests. Most have long been torn up, many years ago. Unlike older lines, this line is recent enough for it to be still intact as the only surviving railway of its type in Tasmania. You can now follow the old track with gentle slopes to the coast or the quarry (more on that later).
Around 1919 an old wooden tramway servicing the Lune River mill was extended and metal rails laid, to transport limestone from the Marble Hill quarry to Brick Point, Ida Bay. You can visit both these locations by foot today. The limestone was loaded onto small ships for the journey to Electrona, south of Hobart. There it was used to make calcium carbide, which when exposed to water, produces acetylene gas.

In 1975, limestone transport by rail/sea ceased and the line was purchased by the Tasmanian Government. It was eventually leased to a series f private operators as a tourism operation. All struggled to make a profit, opening and closing intermittently. In 2004 the Ida Bay Railway re-opened and operated until 2018 when a derailment during a team festival drew the interest of the authorities. The line has been assessed by the National Rail Safety Regulator as below the standard for safe operation. Extensive upgrade will be needed if it is ever to be opened again.
The Parks and Wildlife Service is now responsible for the site. In a statement, a PWS spokeswoman said the service recognised the historical importance of the Ida Bay Railway site and the community interest in the site's future. "The PWS is continuing to prioritise site maintenance, security and safety whilst the future of the site is considered," the spokeswoman said.

The Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society Inc is pressing the Government to allow it to save the railway for future generations. The Society says, “Little has been done to prevent further deterioration of the line, rolling stock and buildings and urgent maintenance and restoration of this heritage listed railway is needed.”

Nowadays, you can walk two separate sections of the track, Lune river to the coast at Deep Hole and the car park to Marble Hill Quarry and onto Mystery Creek Cave . The line to the coast still has the sleepers and rails in place. You might notice how close together the tracks are, just two feet gauge. The old bush tramways, with tight curves and steep grades than large railway networks, used smaller trains.

More info at https://idabaytrain.org/

Follow the train track to Deep Hole,
​then continue 1 hour to Southport Lagoon

Walks

From Buttongrass Retreat, follow the abandoned railway line to Deep Hole. Then, follow the signed old 4WD track to Southport Lagoon. The 4WD track finishes at the beach. From here, walk along the beach to the southern end. From here the walking track is a little difficult to follow, so you will need good navigation skills and a topographic map to find your way to the lookout.
<<< Click to download a free
Far South Tasmania walk guide

Accommodation and Activities
in Far South Tasmania

Comfortable self contained
​2 bedroom holiday home adjacent Ida Bay Railway: Far South

In the Far South of Tasmania, the forest parts to reveal a spectacular open buttongrass plain. Your modern two bedroom self-contained cabin is a comfortable eco-experience with 12 volt solar electricity and hot water, wood heating and is free from distractions like TV and in-room phones.

Deluxe Self Contained Eco-Cabin
  • 2 x Queen Beds
  • Toilet, Shower, Bath
  • Full kitchen facilities
  • Spectacular views
  • Full sized living room
  • Linen supplied.​

Nearby is Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs

Hastings Caves in Tasmania include Newdegate Cave, the largest tourism cave in Australia.

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service conducts 45-minute tours through Newdegate's large, highly decorated cavern. Formations in the cave are spectacular and include flowstone, stalactites, columns, shawls, straws, stalagmites and the unusual helictites - tendrils of calcite that grow in all directions in tiny filaments.

Other historic railways around Tasmania

This website is about rail and railway experiences in Tasmania. You can learn about Tasmania’s restored steam and diesel trains that are located along beautiful coastlines, running through western wilderness and in cities full of history and how these Tasmanian railways were built to connect isolated communities.
 
Australia’s most southern railway, Ida Bay provides an opportunity to venture into gorgeous Tasmanian bush and beach, and will take you to a long white sand beach that is otherwise inaccessible. On Tasmania’s rugged West Coast you can explore the wilderness from comfy carriages on the West Coast Wilderness railway. At other locations around Tasmania volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve our rail heritage and offer unique opportunities to ride the rails and step back in time.
This website is about rail and railway experiences in Tasmania. You can learn about Tasmania’s restored steam and diesel trains that are located along beautiful coastlines, running through western wilderness and in cities full of history and how these Tasmanian railways were built to connect isolated communities.
 
Australia’s most southern railway, Ida Bay provides an opportunity to venture into gorgeous Tasmanian bush and beach, and will take you to a long white sand beach that is otherwise inaccessible. On Tasmania’s rugged West Coast you can explore the wilderness from comfy carriages on the West Coast Wilderness railway. At other locations around Tasmania volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve our rail heritage and offer unique opportunities to ride the rails and step back in time.
 
On the West Coast, we’ve a Museum where you can learn about mining and pioneer history. Down South, there’s a museum with Tasmania’s largest collection of steam locomotives where you can Ride on one. On the North-West Coast you can travel along a beautiful coastline by restored diesel or steam train. which are also on show at their workshops in Launceston. While in that city you might like to visit the Tramway Museum, and learn about life when the city had trams via a photographic history , and even take a ride on a fully restored tram.
 
After memories of the old days of steam powered machinery ? We’ve a a steam train that leaves a fully restored railway station in the country, on a site that is all about preservation of steam and agricultural history. And if you’re into fitness you’re going to love our latest addition, a 2.5km pedal powered adventure in the forests of the Derwent Valley using now unused railway lines!
 
Take a look through this website for more about great railway experiences in Tasmania!

Make the most of your Far South Tasmania Experience

Travel to the Southernmost place in Australia

Drive to the end of the road at Cockle Creek,
then 2 hour walk to the southernmost beach

Cockle Creek is about two hours drive south from Hobart. It is reached via the Huon Highway (A6) through Geeveston. Take the C635 past the Hastings Caves turn off then follow the C636 gravel road through Lune River to Cockle Creek. The last stages of the road are gravel but are suitable for a two wheel drive vehicle driven at cautious speeds.


Click to download a walk guide booklet
South Cape Bay
Stand on the cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean and be the southernmost people in Australia.

Fishers Point
A very easy walk along beaches and short sections of headland takes you to views of Bruny Island and the Southern Ocean.

Read about Recherche Bay on Wikipedia

Recherche Bay is located on the extreme south-eastern corner of Tasmania,  Australia and was a landing place of the d’Entrecasteaux expedition to find  missing explorer La Pérouse. It is named after the Recherche, one of the  expedition's ships. The explorers set up a camp, made a garden and scientific observatory at Recherche Bay in April 1792 for 26 days, and again in January 1793 for 24 days. Both landings were made to seek refuge and replenish supplies although as much time as possible was dedicated to scientific research. The botanists Jacques Labillardière, Claude Riche and...

South Coast Walking Track

From Cockle Creek, the magnificent south coast is able to be reached along a walking track. From the coast, the South Coast Track continues 85km to Melaleuca, along some of the wildest coastline in Australia.

There are no roads to Melaleuca, so walkers must either fly, sail or walk in and out. Most people take about 6 to 8 days to complete the South Coast Track, depending upon time spent enjoying the beaches. Walkers should note that the track surface may be rough and muddy over extended sections.

Cockle Creek is about 2 hours drive south from Hobart. It is reached via the Huon Highway (A6) through Geeveston, then through Lune River to Cockle Creek.
Read more on the Parks and Wildlife Website...

National Parks in Far South Tasmania

Southwest National Park and Walks Information

The magnificent Southwest National Park encompasses over six hundred thousand hectares of wild, inspiring country and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It epitomises the grandeur and spirit of wilderness in its truest sense. Much of the park is remote and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. For many, just the fact that such a place still exists brings solace. For others, the region offers the challenge to explore areas that retain the same wildness that once characterised new frontiers. For yet others, the area offers the chance to view magnificent scenery from the comfort of their car.

The park is accessible from Cockle Creek - the most southerly point able to be reached by road in Australia.
If driving between dusk and dawn, please be aware that you are sharing the road with wildlife.

In the far southwest, lies the spectacular Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Melaleuca is accessible only by light plane, or boat. The airstrip is close to walkers huts, and is the usual starting point for walkers on the South Coast Track.

Hartz Mountains National Park

Hartz Mountains National Park is a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast. Waterfalls tumble off the dolerite range that runs through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dot the plateau.

There 5 different walks :

Waratah Lookout (the shortest walk at 5 minute return) is a great introduction to this park, giving you a look out over the forests you have just driven through. A very easy gravel track leads to a viewing platform overlooking the Huon Valley. Old myrtle forest grows immediately below the lookout. In December and January you will be treated to a blaze of red from the Tasmanian waratah in flower.

The highest point, Hartz Peak (the longest walk at 5 hours return), provides panoramic views into the heart of the southwest. The jagged outline of Federation Peak can be seen on the horizon. This is a walk only for fit, experienced walkers.

Far South Map

Click the map to open a larger image.
Bus from Hobart
to Dover two daily,
Cockle Creek three per week in summer only www.tassielink.com.au
Dover Taxi
0429 982 006
Bushwalker collection from Cockle Creek, Farmhouse Creek, Southern Ranges, Southcoast Track

Gemstone Fossicking

Conditions apply to the use of Fossicking Areas. Fossickers should avoid causing undue damage to the land, and should take only a 'fair share' of material. Don't be greedy! Fossicking areas are set aside for the use of amateur fossickers and cannot sustain any degree of commercial collecting.

Tourism Operators
Have your tourism product listed and bookable here.
Click for more info.
Unfortunately we are no longer offering Ida Bay Railway tours. Look for updates on Facebook as below.
You can choose a quick trip, returning after a half hour stroll on the beach, or enjoy the beach for a couple of hours and catch a later train back. Nearby is Hastings Caves, gemstone fossicking plus a beach house and eco-accommodation.

Ida Bay Railway
​ timetable and prices

To book Ida Bay Railway instantly online, use the button below. To book as part of a complete Huon Valley Escape itinerary

The Train

End of the line at Deep Hole

Ida Bay Historic Railway, Far South Tasmania

From Lune River station travel through bushland abundant with bird life and wild flowers. Cross buttongrass plains and travel along the banks of Ida Bay and Lune River Estuary. The scenic water views are superb, and marked bushwalking tracks lead to Southport Lagoon and Southport Bluff. Near Southport Bluff is the King George III monument which commemorates the 134 lives lost in the sinking of the convict ship, King George III in 1835.
​
Groups are encouraged, but please let us know 24 hours in advance so we can add an extra carriage for you.

Self contained camper vans are welcome to park overnight at the Ida Bay rail terminus or you can stay in self contained eco-accommodation at Buttongrass Retreat, right next door.

Catch the train, then walk 1 hour to Southport Lagoon

Walks

Ride the Ida Bay Railway to Deep Hole. From there, follow the signed old 4WD track to Southport Lagoon. The 4WD track finishes at the beach. From here, walk along the beach to the southern end. From here the walking track is a little difficult to follow, so you will need good navigation skills and a topographic map to find your way to the lookout.
<<< Click to download a free
Far South Tasmania walk guide

Ida Bay Cafe
​Lune River, Far South Tasmania

Café open every day 9am to 4pm
  • Come & taste our new Gourmet Pies. 
  • Join us for some local fresh seafood including rock lobster
  • Great Coffee.​

Budget cabin and bunkrooms
​at Ida Bay Railway: Far South

Backpacker rooms with shared facilities or a simple self contained cabin. Explore some of the nearby tracks, ranging from easy to expedition. As part of the Ida Bay Railway complex, this budget accommodation is convenient to the walking tracks of Southport Lagoon, Mystery Creek Cave, Southern Ranges and Cockle Creek.
Backpacker and Cabin Accommodation
at Ida Bay, near Dover.

Backpacker Cabins
  • Double Bed
  • Single Bed
  • Shared toilet, showers, kitchen and community room.
  • Linen supplied.

Budget Self Contained Cabin
  • Queen Bed
  • Toilet & Shower
  • Basic kitchen facilities
  • TV
  • Linen supplied.