Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch
Tasmania
Join a local family owned and operated company for a personal and friendly morning cruise. Enjoy a guided tour on Sarah Island, a Gordon River rainforest board walk, and a tour of Huon Pine Sawmill.
Gordon River Morning Cruise from Strahan with Sarah Island Tour
This guided cruise departs from Strahan Wharf and suits visitors interested in Tasmania's natural and penal history along the Gordon River.
Highlights
- Explore the world heritage-listed Gordon River on a morning cruise
- Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch featuring local Tasmanian produce
- Join a 1-hour guided tour of historic Sarah Island penal settlement
- Walk through an ancient rainforest at Heritage Landing
- Experience a family-owned, locally operated cruise for a personal touch
Description
Board a purpose-built catamaran at Strahan Wharf and cruise towards Hells Gates, the narrow channel entrance to Macquarie Harbour. Along the way, pass ocean trout and Atlantic salmon farms before reaching Sarah Island.
Take a 1-hour guided tour on Sarah Island to learn about its history as Tasmania’s first penal settlement under harsh conditions. Then, continue into the Gordon River’s ancient rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Disembark at Heritage Landing for a 30-minute boardwalk through the rainforest, where you will see a 2000-year-old Huon Pine and other old-growth flora. On the return journey, visit a Huon Pine sawmill demonstration.
The skipper provides live commentary on local history, ecology, and geology, enriched by anecdotes from the Grining family’s century-long experience cruising the river.
A freshly prepared lunch is served on board, including smoked salmon, cold meats, salads, Tasmanian cheeses, a bread roll, and a sweet treat. A licensed bar is available to purchase additional drinks and snacks.
Includes
- Cruise on a purpose-built catamaran with live skipper commentary
- Video stories about local history
- Local guides available to answer questions
- Guided on-shore tour of Sarah Island
- Boardwalk through the Gordon River Rainforest at Heritage Landing
- Visit to Hells Gates and viewing of nearby lighthouses
- Demonstration of an old Huon Pine sawmill
- Lunch served at your seat with all local Tasmanian produce
- Allocated indoor seating with free movement around the vessel
- Morning tea and a beverage included with upper deck seating
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Snacks available for purchase on board (cash only)
Important Information
- Additional outdoor seating is available for all passengers
- A minimum of 10 participants is required for the cruise to operate
- Children aged 4 years and under travel free (seating in Main Deck Centre only)
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes
- The cruise operates daily except 25 December and 15 July to 30 August
- Stair access only to the upper deck
- Cruise schedule may change between June and August
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 2 days before the cruise for a full refund.
Book early to secure preferred seating and bring weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking on the island and rainforest boardwalk.
