Located on the outskirts of Devonport at the village of Don, The Don River Railway is one of the most enjoyable railway museums in Australia. Its focus is Tasmania's trains of yesteryear, and its sizeable display includes steam and diesel engines and other rolling stock that have played an important part in Tasmania's rail history. The extensive workshop is open for visitors to wander around and see trains in various stages of restoration. Don't miss the leisurely tourist train ride along the banks of the Don River to Coles Beach.
The Don River Railway came about because of the hard work of the volunteer Van Diemen Light Railway Society in 1973, and they secured the remaining 3.5 km section of track between Don Township and Don Junction. Today the Don River Railway takes visitors on a scenic ride along the banks of the Don River to Coles Beach. A vintage 1944 railcar makes the half hour return trip on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and on Sundays, restored vintage coaches train is hauled by a restored 1951 M4 type 4-6-2 steam locomotive.
The journey itself is pleasant and departs from a fully restored railway station that originally stood in Ulverstone before being brought to the museum's site at Don Township. It follows the banks of the Don River, winding through some picturesque parkland before arriving alongside Coles Beach at Don Junction. There is ample time to enjoy a pleasant coastal walk for those who prefer to alight and return on the next train, or you can simply hop off and watch the train uncouple, run-around on the reversing loop and couple to the other end for the return journey.
In about 1854 a timber mill and wharf were built on the west bank of the River Don about 2km upstream from the Don Heads. To get the timber out of the bush and to the mill, a tramway was built up the valley. From 1862 the line also served a small coal mine, situated about 3km above the mill. This tramway was replaced in 1873 when the Don River Company started to build a new line of 4’6” (approx. 1,137 mm) from the wharf, just inside the Don Heads, along the west bank of the river and up the valley. By May 1879 the tramway was completed to Barrington a distance of 21km from Don Heads.
Don village in 1880
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