Gordon River

Flowing through the heart of Tasmania's remote and wild Southwest National Park, the Gordon River is a journey into primeval wilderness. Its dark, tea-coloured waters are flanked by ancient rainforests, button-grass plains, and dramatic mountain ranges. The river is best experienced on a cruise from Strahan, where you'll glide past towering Huon pines, spot abundant birdlife, and feel the deep silence of one of Australia's last true wilderness frontiers.

Highlights & What to See

• Gordon River Cruises – The classic way to explore; you'll drift through mirror-still waters, learn about convict history at Sarah Island, and see the ancient Huon pines up close.
• Sarah Island – A hauntingly beautiful penal settlement where convicts once laboured; guided tours reveal stories of brutality and resilience.
• Heritage Landing Walk – A short boardwalk through temperate rainforest, where you'll stand among 2,000-year-old Huon pines and absorb the scent of myrtle and sassafras.
• Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles, black swans, and if you're lucky, the elusive platypus along the riverbanks.
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park – The river forms part of this UNESCO World Heritage area; the sheer scale of the untouched landscape is staggering.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers dedicate a full day to the Gordon River, with cruises typically lasting 5–6 hours from Strahan. Arrive early to combine the cruise with a walk to Hogarth Falls or a visit to the West Coast Wilderness Railway. If you're short on time, a half-day cruise still delivers the highlights, but you'll miss the deeper immersion into the remote reaches. For a more comprehensive experience, base yourself in Strahan for two nights and allow a day for the river and another for exploring the surrounding national park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Strahan – The charming harbour town is the gateway to the river, with excellent seafood restaurants and a fascinating maritime history.
• Cataract Gorge – In nearby Launceston, this stunning natural gorge offers walking trails, a chairlift, and a swimming pool, perfect for a pre- or post-river stop.
• Queenstown – A historic mining town with a dramatic, lunar-like landscape; the West Coast Wilderness Railway runs between here and Strahan.
• Mount Field National Park – About two hours east, this park features towering waterfalls, alpine walks, and the famous Russell Falls.
• Bruny Island – Further south, this island offers gourmet produce, dramatic coastline, and cruises to see seals and dolphins.

Please check official sources for current details.