The railway was originally for carrying ore from the copper mines of Queenstown to the port of Strahan. In this incarnation it ran from 1899 until 1963; I travelled on it in about 1955. It has been rebuilt for tourists, using the original Abt system locomotives with a powered cogwheel engaging a rack between the lines on the steeper grades. Prices are pretty steep too, but it's worth paying the extra for the "premium" service, which provides better seats, better opportunities for photography, and superb Tasmanian food and wine served by a lovely young guide.