It is one of the most remote and undiscovered parts of the world, yet one that combines a rich history of human endeavour with unparalleled natural beauty.  This intriguing story of Tasmania’s West Coast has remained relatively untold – until now.

A first of its kind, the Piners and Miners experience operates from Strahan and takes eight guests for an intimate journey through the history of the miners, the Huon piners and the haunting majesty of this rarely explored World Heritage area.

Travel by Hi-Rail vehicle (a four-wheel drive converted into a rail vehicle) on the West Coast Wilderness Railway track, the glassed-in roof allowing you to sit back and admire the intricate canopies of the ancient rainforest while listening to the inspiring tales of the piners and miners who braved this land more than one hundred years ago.

At Lynchford, the Hi-Rail retracts its rail wheels and the comfortably appointed vehicle transforms into a four-wheel drive for the journey to the Bird River track, descending to the Kelly Basin and Bird River and the start of the abandoned Bird River railway – one of Tasmania’s most stunning short walks.

Disembark to walk through the cool-climate rainforests of the World Heritage Area, touching the million-year-old native trees such as myrtle, sassafras, blackwood and Huon pine and feeling the droplets of fresh rainwater fall on your face from the canopies above.

A sumptuous lunch featuring fresh Tasmanian seafood and the finest wines awaits you at the historic mining port town of Pillinger, once a thriving centre of some 600 inhabitants, now abandoned and being reclaimed by the rainforest but with many relics still standing.

Immerse yourself in the remarkable surrounds with one of the many activities on offer, including heritage walks, nature study, photography, and wildlife observation, before gliding by luxury cruise boat through Macquarie Harbour to return to Strahan late afternoon.

Tours run daily, departing Strahan at 7.15am. Cost is $345 per person (no concession).

For booking information on Piners and Miners click here