Don River Railway
Don River Railway
4.4
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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4.4
243 reviews
Excellent
137
Very good
75
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
6
Chris J
33 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
The Don River Railway didn't disappoint. We felt very welcomed, especially our Labradoodle, by the warm staff.
We clambered through static train engines, carriages and the signal box while waiting for the train to arrive, enjoying the childish fantasies of our youth.
The diesel train arrived, was shunted to the front, and then we were able to clamber on board the restored carriages. Lots of families, kids, and our 🐕 set off for the short journey through trees, following the river out to Coles Beach.
Once there, we got off for a few minutes while the engine was again shunted to the front for the return trip, and were able to peer into the business end, the driver's cabin, to get the feel of driving the huge engine.
A lovely return journey, with very nice and happy passengers. Excellent staff/volunteers and I can highly recommend.
We clambered through static train engines, carriages and the signal box while waiting for the train to arrive, enjoying the childish fantasies of our youth.
The diesel train arrived, was shunted to the front, and then we were able to clamber on board the restored carriages. Lots of families, kids, and our 🐕 set off for the short journey through trees, following the river out to Coles Beach.
Once there, we got off for a few minutes while the engine was again shunted to the front for the return trip, and were able to peer into the business end, the driver's cabin, to get the feel of driving the huge engine.
A lovely return journey, with very nice and happy passengers. Excellent staff/volunteers and I can highly recommend.
Written 2 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
Hobart, Australia128 contributions
Sept 2021
Visited here for a few hours on a Saturday morning and had a great time.
The railway is very well presented and the staff / volunteers on hand were, without exception, very friendly and obliging.
There is a very wide selection of steam and diesel locomotives on site for inspection, along with some beautifully restored carriages that you can view at your leisure.
An unexpected surprise was the Royal Carriage on site as used by royal visitors to Tasmania in the early 1900's. While not open to go through they are very accessible and can be viewed through the windows to give an idea of how the royal family travelled in those times.
The highlight though was the ride in the period carriages drawn by a steam engine. The one on duty during my visit is 70 years old but restored to seemingly perfect running order.
The short journey to Coles Beach Junction and return brought back a range of fond, and not so fond, memories of the steam days and was very enjoyable.
With very reasonable admission fees and such an enormous number of items on display, this is worth a visit - whether you are a steam train fan or not.
The railway is very well presented and the staff / volunteers on hand were, without exception, very friendly and obliging.
There is a very wide selection of steam and diesel locomotives on site for inspection, along with some beautifully restored carriages that you can view at your leisure.
An unexpected surprise was the Royal Carriage on site as used by royal visitors to Tasmania in the early 1900's. While not open to go through they are very accessible and can be viewed through the windows to give an idea of how the royal family travelled in those times.
The highlight though was the ride in the period carriages drawn by a steam engine. The one on duty during my visit is 70 years old but restored to seemingly perfect running order.
The short journey to Coles Beach Junction and return brought back a range of fond, and not so fond, memories of the steam days and was very enjoyable.
With very reasonable admission fees and such an enormous number of items on display, this is worth a visit - whether you are a steam train fan or not.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissaandjason
Balaklava, Australia130 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Possibly the most friendliest people in Tasmania that run this museum, they are very knowledgeable and are quite happy to share their stories and history of the rail and trains.
The train ride is about 30minutes which is quite good.
Would definitely recommend to any train buffs and kids with a love for trains.
The train ride is about 30minutes which is quite good.
Would definitely recommend to any train buffs and kids with a love for trains.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Delaware, OH231 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
On several sites, I had read that taking the Don River Railway was THE thing to do while in Devonport. We got to town a little later in the day and thought we'd go see the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse while the light was better. Little did I know (my bad, I know) that the train really only runs in the mornings. So, I bought tickets online for the next morning (luckily we were there on a day it did run). We boarded just one car and that was it. No narration. No information (although there was a gentleman aboard who had a DRR shirt on and he did talk to a couple of people, just not everyone). We went to Cole's Bay, the designated stop and go no information there either. We did step up and ask a couple of questions and they were very polite and responded, but the trip really didn't inform us and the sights weren't much to behold (the tide was out and the river was barely anything to see). Other than the opportunity to see the trains and cars, the ticket price probably wasn't worth the ride for us.
To be fair, what was worth it was the conversation we had with a couple of Australians who told us about a couple of places we might like to go, one in Tasmania and one near Melbourne. THEY were worth the trip.
To be fair, what was worth it was the conversation we had with a couple of Australians who told us about a couple of places we might like to go, one in Tasmania and one near Melbourne. THEY were worth the trip.
Written 13 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
the_stoddarts
Sydney, Australia2,383 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Thanks to hard-working volunteers and a couple of employees, this is an excellent place to visit. We went on the short, but lovely, train ride to Coles Beach complete with a great narrator.
Afterwards we wandered around the rolling stock, visited the model railway and other exhibits.
A great place for all ages.
Afterwards we wandered around the rolling stock, visited the model railway and other exhibits.
A great place for all ages.
Written 1 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OZtraveller222
Perth, Australia502 contributions
Nov 2021
Who would have guessed this small town in Tasmania would have the Royal carriage in its train collection? The carriage was used only three times by visiting royals before being put in the train museum. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting this train exhibit. Lots to see. Train rides are at extra cost. Lots of history. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers who keep the display going. You are doing a great job.
Written 12 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FuudTrip
Australia655 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
The actual “train ride” itself is very short (7km in total there & back), it passes through scrubby country next to the Don River (tidal). Good for those with kids who have a short attention span, and people who thrive on train memorabilia. Personally I’d make sure I went when the steam engine is running the tour as the diesel is a bit boring.
There’s actually walking tracks all through that country that are probably more scenic and immersive than being on the train, if you like bushwalking.
It was reasonably priced with cold drinks, snacks & amenities available at the station platform. Also old carriages, some restored, and relics at the open workshop. Staff were friendly. The stop at Coles Beach only goes for 5 minutes, there’s nothing there to look at and not enough time to walk to look at the beach.
This really is more suited to little kids and train buffs.
There’s actually walking tracks all through that country that are probably more scenic and immersive than being on the train, if you like bushwalking.
It was reasonably priced with cold drinks, snacks & amenities available at the station platform. Also old carriages, some restored, and relics at the open workshop. Staff were friendly. The stop at Coles Beach only goes for 5 minutes, there’s nothing there to look at and not enough time to walk to look at the beach.
This really is more suited to little kids and train buffs.
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pantherboy
Georgetown, Australia4,809 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
Wherever I travel anywhere in the World, trains will always be a preferred travel mode, so when I found out about Don River Railway, it became a must visit. Ended up spending many hours here, including a couple of trips on one of the beautiful old steam trains to Coles Beach (and back) where everyone disembarks to watch the engine change ends (very popular) for the nice trip back. There is a great little museum and Cafe as well as the extensive train yards, workshop and signal box. Features Thomas The Tank Engine (real life size) for the kids, a Royal Carriage, a great insight into how signal boxes work, a huge rail yard with lots of fantastic rail history (engines and carriages). An absolute credit to all the hard working, passionate and incredibly friendly volunteers who keep the place going. They helped make this a fantastic day out in the wonderful city of Devonport.
Written 18 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig M
Amsterdam, The Netherlands113 contributions
Feb 2021
What a great collection of rolling stock and memorabilia! The enthusiasm of the team at the museum is equal to the exhibits. We trundled up the track on the old railmotor and then toured the workshop and museum. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Written 13 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason
Canberra, Australia120 contributions
July 2021
Hard not to give anything that involves train five stars, this was a great place to visit. We went on a short 20 to 30 minute journey on a rail motor. I haven't been on one for over 40 years! Given school holidays there were lots of younger children on board who weren't having as good a time as me and being a little bit vocal about it.
Everyone at the place was again that Tasmanian "country friendly".
The yard and sheds had lots of older trains and carriages to look around.
A must if you are a train nut but worth 1 hour if you are not.
Everyone at the place was again that Tasmanian "country friendly".
The yard and sheds had lots of older trains and carriages to look around.
A must if you are a train nut but worth 1 hour if you are not.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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