Strahan to Zeehan Road

The Strahan to Zeehan Road is an unusual piece of Tasmania’s rail-trail history. Rather than being a dedicated off-road trail, much of the modern B27 between Strahan and Zeehan follows or closely parallels the formation of the former Strahan–Zeehan railway. Rail Trails Australia lists the historic route at approximately 41.8 km, with a sealed surface and gentle railway-style gradients through the wild landscapes of Tasmania’s West Coast. It is suitable for touring, gravel and mountain bikes, although riders need to be comfortable sharing a rural road with vehicles. The route travels north from Strahan, leaving Macquarie Harbour behind and crossing a landscape of button grass plains, rainforest, rivers and rugged West Coast ranges before reaching Zeehan. Although the road undulates, its railway heritage means much of the route has relatively manageable gradients compared with many other West Coast roads. The B27 remains a sealed single-carriageway road through largely undeveloped country. Around 15 km south of Zeehan, adventurous riders can find one of the few places where the original railway formation separates significantly from the modern road. An unsignposted 4WD track follows the old railway easement for approximately 5 km near the Badger River. However, this is not a continuous alternative route: the track eventually ends abruptly at a steep ravine where a railway bridge once stood, so riders must turn around rather than attempting to continue through. The railway between Zeehan and Strahan was once a vital West Coast transport connection, at a time when roads through this rugged landscape were extremely limited. Following the decline of the railway system and gradual construction of better roads, portions of the former formation were incorporated into the modern road corridor. Zeehan makes a rewarding destination, particularly for riders interested in mining and railway history. It can also be used as a base for several excellent off-road rides, including the Spray Tunnel and Comstock Tramways, Silver City MTB Trails, Melba Flats to Zeehan Rail Trail and Montezuma Falls Rail Trail. RTS Tip: Don’t mistake this listing for a conventional traffic-free rail trail — most of the Strahan–Zeehan journey is on the sealed B27 road. It’s best suited to confident road, touring or gravel riders comfortable with remote-road riding. Carry plenty of food, water, tools and wet-weather gear, as services between the towns are extremely limited and West Coast conditions can change quickly. If exploring the old railway formation near Badger River, remember that it dead-ends at the missing bridge site and is not a through-route.