Reading Time: 2 minIslands aren’t the first places you think of when mapping out a train-filled adventure. Railfans typically plan holidays based on where legendary engines are running, which are often in rural, landlocked locales where infrastructure still exists.
For example, the Norfolk & Western Class J #611, an iconic American steam engine, will shuttle passengers for only a few days this fall. To take part, you’ll have to travel to Victoria Station in Goshen, Virginia. Now, if you’re a fan of mountains, you’re in luck. Shenandoah National Park sits to the east, and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve sits to the west. Just like that, a family of railfans and mountain fans can assemble an ideal trip that ticks both boxes.
But what is a family to do when it’s composed of railfans and beach fans?
Turns out, there are still a few islands left on Earth with functional railways! My son is a railfan, and my wife loves the beach. Here’s a quick rundown of the islands we’ve visited and/or have on our bucket list that include both sand and steam.
This well-known Caribbean paradise is home to stunning beaches and fishing. It’s also home to St. Kitts Scenic Railway, a 20th-century train dating back to 1912. While the ride isn’t lengthy, it’s very unique. There aren’t many places in the world where you can ride a train, learn about the island’s history by rail, and soak in ocean views.
Kauai is one of my favorite islands on Earth. It’s home to the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and one of the most idyllic beaches ever — Hanalei.
As you’d imagine, it didn’t take a lot of arm-twisting to get me to the Kauai Plantation Railway, a heritage line on the historic Kilohana sugar plantation. Hawaii’s rich agricultural history meant moving a lot of goods around by rail. While tourism dominates today, this guided 40-minute train provides a glimpse of the past by riding through orchards, forests, and farmland on a 105-acre plantation estate.
Sunrise, sunset, beaches, rum, and… trains? That’s Barbados. If you find yourself on this Caribbean island and need to feel the gentle sway of a train as it rocks back and forth, you’re in luck. St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway offers tastings and tours on the grounds of a 1658 sugar plantation.
Tasmania is a sizable island, sure, but that doesn’t exclude it from this list. It’s home to the Don River Railway, Derwent Valley Railway, and the West Coast Wilderness Railway. The tough part will be choosing which one to explore first and which will serve as the capstone of the trip.
