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Boat trip · Strahan, Tasmania
Gordon River Cruise
Boat cruise from Strahan through Macquarie Harbour, through the Hells Gates entrance, up the Gordon River and to Sarah Island, a former penal settlement.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Gordon River Cruise
Boats leave from the Strahan jetty and cross Macquarie Harbour, a bay several times larger than Sydney Harbour, to Hells Gates, the narrow entrance that links the harbour to the ocean. The name comes from the strong currents that 19th-century ships encountered there.
Afterwards the boat goes up the Gordon River, in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. The dark water, stained by tannins from the vegetation, reflects the forest along the banks. At Heritage Landing a boardwalk crosses the forest, with huon pines hundreds of years old.
On the return there’s a stop at Sarah Island, which from 1822 to 1833 was one of Australia’s harshest penal settlements. Guides tell the story of the convicts who built ships on the island amid the ruins.
The cruise usually takes a full day, with a meal on board. It is paid; check the current price list.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About a day.
Best time
On calm-sky days, when the river reflects the forest.
How to get there
Boats depart from the jetty in central Strahan, on the Esplanade.
Tip
Book ahead in summer and choose a window seat.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gordon River Cruise
What do you see on the Gordon River cruise?
Macquarie Harbour, the Hells Gates entrance, the Gordon River, the Heritage Landing forest and Sarah Island.
Does the Gordon River cruise include a meal?
Generally yes, on board; check what each cruise includes.
What was Sarah Island?
A penal settlement that operated from 1822 to 1833 in Macquarie Harbour.