Museum

Don River Roundhouse

📍 Don Road, Don TAS 7310, Australia (near Devonport)

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4.5/ 5.0

★★★★★

Introduction

The Don River Railway (also known as the Don River Roundhouse) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit heritage railway and museum at Don, near Devonport in Tasmania. Founded in 1973, it began running trains in November 1976, carrying on the tradition of the former Melrose line that opened in 1916 and closed in 1963. Today vintage trains run on about 3 km of track along the east bank of the Don River out to Coles Beach, while the on-site museum showcases Tasmania's largest collection of heritage steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and rolling stock.

✨ Highlights

Vintage heritage trains

Ride restored steam- and diesel-hauled trains along the Don River out to Coles Beach.

Tasmania's largest locomotive collection

Holds the state's biggest collection of heritage steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and rolling stock.

Working roundhouse

The locomotive roundhouse and track machinery used to turn engines are intact and a feature of the site.

Active restoration workshops

Watch volunteers at work restoring locomotives and operating heritage signal boxes.

A history dating to 1916

The line continues the tradition of the Melrose railway opened in 1916 and closed in 1963.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.

→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.

→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.

→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.

→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The railway and museum are usually open seven days a week (closed Christmas Day), with trains running to a daily timetable; please check the official notice.; admission: Admission and train-fare tickets are bought on site and prices do change; please confirm at the official venue..

• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.

• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Don River Roundhouse?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The railway and museum are usually open seven days a week (closed Christmas Day), with trains running to a daily timetable; please check the official notice.; admission: Admission and train-fare tickets are bought on site and prices do change; please confirm at the official venue.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.