Southport Lagoon

Of the hundreds of miles of narrow gauge bush tramways built in Tasmania the Ida Bay Railway is the only original railway in Tasmania.

There are relics of the limestone carrying days in the form of wagons and machinery. Several of the passenger carriages are built on bogie flat wagons built in the 1890s – some of the earliest bogie wagons in Australia.

The company livery is red and the line is over 7 kms long so please allow 2 hours for the return trip.

From Lune River you will travel through light bush to the shores of Ida Bay. The line passes through the site of the original town of Ida Bay past the wharf and grave yard that is all that remains of a once thriving area. Soon after reaching the shores of the Lune River estuary and for a mile or so the scenic views across the waterways are superb.

Past the bush site of Jagers sawmill and jetty through bush that lines either side of the track. The line terminates at Deep Hole Bay, a large white beach accessible only by rail. The beach is nearly a mile long and very secluded. From Deep Hole there are marked bush walking tracks to King George III monument, which commemorates the lives lost when a convict ship sank.

At the end of the line you can take advantage of the BBQ and picnic facilities. Bring your own lunch or have Megs cafe cater for you.