Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

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Highlights

  • Take a catamaran cruise along the Gordon River with live commentary on board

  • Hop off to walk through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Island

  • Stop by the penal colony at Sarah Island

  • Various seating options are available and a chef-prepared lunch is included

Summary

This tour takes place aboard Spirit of the Wild, a spacious, catamaran specially designed to travel smoothly on the Gordon River and fitted with a unique hybrid propulsion system that allows you to cruise quietly on the Gordon River. Depart Strahan and pass by Hells Gates, a narrow opening where the Southern Ocean meets Macquarie Harbour. As you take in the small gap—just 240 feet (80 meters)—it’s not hard to see how it got its ominous name from early sailors. Then head across the harbor, making your way to the lower reaches of the Gordon River as you pass by trout and salmon farms and the waterfront rainforest landscape of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Disembark at Sarah Island, a former penal colony from the 1820s and 1830s, and watch a theatrical presentation to learn about its history, including how the island was once an important Australian shipyard, where the boats were built by convicts. Onboard the boat, you are welcome to visit the deck for fresh air and views and enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared lunch. Your Gordon River catamaran experience ends when you return to Strahan at the cruise terminal.

Tour info

Duration
6 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Take a catamaran cruise along the Gordon River on this cruise from Strahan. Pass through the narrow Hells Gates and across Macquarie Harbour, stopping by scenic and historic sites such as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and the Sarah Island Penal Colony along the way.

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What’s included?

  • Chef Prepared Buffet lunch on the Morning Cruises

  • Dedicated on-board guides

  • Live commentary on board

  • Restroom on board

  • Quiet cruising under electric motors while on the Gordon River

  • Entry/Admission - Gordon River

  • Entry/Admission - Sarah Island

  • Drinks, unless you travel on the Premier Upper Deck. Cash bar available on the Main Deck

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 6h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

    If you cancel at least 4 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
Operator Website

Operated by:

Gordon River Cruises

About operator:

Gordon River Cruises is an award winning wilderness experience in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Departing from Strahan on Tasmania's west coast, Gordon River Cruises offers half day cruises on the Gordon River aboard its sleek, purpose built tour vessel, Spirit of the Wild. Spirit of the Wild was purpose-built in Hobart, especially for the Gordon River. She is an impressive 33m catamaran, fitted with a unique hybrid propulsion system that allows you to cruise the wilds of the Gordon River under electric motors that push Spirit of the Wild along very, very quietly. There is no better way to appreciate the remarkable tranquility of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed place than aboard Spirit of the Wild. Our dedicated on guides take you through western Tasmania's rugged natural and human history, while new character-based interpretation videos take you back in time to hear tales of hardship and heroics. A beautiful lunch is included in your Gordon River Cruise.

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