Ida Bay Railway:
Historic train rides and cafe south from Dover, Tasmania
The historic Ida Bay Railway in Far South Tasmania rattles its way across the natural beauty of Tasmania's iconic buttongrass moorlands and coastal scenery. The line ends at a tranquil deserted beach with barbeque facilities.
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 Historic Railway, Far South TasmaniaFrom 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.
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Accommodation and Activities |
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,
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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...
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...
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.
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!
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!
National Parks in Far South Tasmania
Southwest National Park and Walks InformationThe 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. 
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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. 
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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
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
0429 982 006
Bushwalker collection from Cockle Creek, Farmhouse Creek, Southern Ranges, Southcoast Track
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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.
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Tourism Operators
Have your tourism product listed and bookable here.
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Map from Hobart Airport and Mona to Mount Wellington, things to do and places to stay in Hobart and suburbs |
Beach houses and motel rooms, walks, penguins and cheese plus the Bruny Island Cruise |
Waterfalls, Shot Tower, museum, sheep cheese, accommodation and D'Entrecasteaux Channel tourist map and info |
Huon Valley eco-retreat, waterview cottages and a country hotel. River cruising, road maps and itineraries |
Map to Hastings Caves, Ida Bay Railway, Hartz Mountains and South Coast Walk and unique accommodation in Far South Tasmania |
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