Gordon River Cruise

Gliding through the mirrored waters of the Gordon River, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a prehistoric world. This cruise from Strahan is the quintessential Tasmanian wilderness experience, taking you deep into the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Towering ancient Huon pines, myrtle beech and leatherwood trees line the dark, tannin-stained river, their reflections so perfect you’ll have to remind yourself which way is up. A Gordon River cruise is equal parts natural history lesson, wildlife encounter and sensory immersion – the silence broken only by the call of a black cockatoo or the splash of a platypus.

Highlights & What to See

• Heritage Landing walk – a short boardwalk loop through a forest of 2000-year-old Huon pines, where the air smells of damp earth and eucalyptus.
• Sarah Island – the notorious penal settlement where convicts built ships; your guide will recount tales of brutal commandants and daring escapes.
• Macquarie Harbour – the vast, moody harbour that opens to the Southern Ocean, often patrolled by dolphins and seals.
• Wildlife spotting – keep your eyes peeled for white-bellied sea eagles, black swans, and if you’re lucky, a platypus surfacing near the riverbank.
• Fresh Tasmanian salmon lunch – most cruises include a buffet of local produce, from smoked salmon to leatherwood honey, served on deck with views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan a full day for the Gordon River cruise; most operators depart Strahan at 9am and return around 4pm. The 6–7 hour journey includes a guided walk on Heritage Landing, a stop at Sarah Island, and ample time to absorb the scenery from the boat’s open decks. If you’re short on time, you can opt for a half-day cruise that skips Sarah Island, but the full-day experience is far more rewarding.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Strahan – the charming harbour town where the cruise departs; worth an overnight stay to explore its historic pubs and the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
• Ocean Beach – a wild, windswept beach just outside Strahan, perfect for a sunset walk after your cruise.
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park – extends the wilderness experience with walking trails and rafting opportunities.
• Queenstown – a historic mining town with a dramatic lunar landscape, 40 minutes’ drive from Strahan.
• Henty Dunes – massive sand dunes near Strahan where you can sandboard or simply admire the scale of the shifting sands.

Please check official sources for current details.