No better way to start the day than with breakfast overlooking Strahan harbour. Here the boats are already waiting for what the locals call a ‘must-do’ in Tasmania: the Gordon River Cruise. And that must be true, because we see entire Aussie families who have travelled to Strahan especially for this!
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UNESCO World Heritage from the water
At 9 o’clock we board the World Heritage Cruise. This trip takes us through one of the highest-scoring World Heritage areas in the world. And we understand why: the Gordon River winds through pristine rainforests and past steep cliffs. It reminds us a bit of Doubtful Sound in New Zealand, although the mountains here are a little less dramatic.
The weather isn’t cooperating fully today – it’s mostly grey and overcast. But as soon as the sun breaks through the clouds for a moment, the water turns into a perfect mirror. Then you see the trees and the sky reflected in the water and you understand why photographers are crazy about this area!
Prison island with a story
One of the first stops is Sarah Island, an island with quite a turbulent past. In the 19th century this was a prison for Australia’s ‘worst’ convicts. Our guide tells about it with great passion and brings the history to life. Pretty special to think that on this now so peaceful place so much drama once took place.
Through the ‘Gates of Hell’
We also sail through Hell’s Gates, the narrow passage between the ocean and Macquarie Harbour. The name comes from the convicts who had to sail through here on their way to Sarah Island. And with today’s rough sea we understand why they called it that!
Walking among ancient trees
At Heritage Landing we take a short walk through a rainforest that has looked like this for thousands of years. Here grow the famous Huon Pine trees, one of the slowest growing and oldest tree species in the world. Some of these trees were already old when the Romans were still roaming around the Netherlands!
The lunch on board consists of local products from Tasmania. Tasty, but the real spectacle is the view while eating. You have lunch while sailing past ancient rainforests. You don’t get that every day!
Book your cruise in time – and choose a good spot
Perhaps obvious, but don’t book your cruise on the day itself. We were there at the end of February and were on a sold-out boat. There are 2 companies that organise this cruise and they basically do exactly the same thing. So if one has hardly any spots left, you can check the other. You will find the boat trips below.
Tip: Book a window seat. You really don’t want to sit in the middle of the boat. Then you see little and sit at a table with strangers. The boat trip lasts a total of 6 hours and not many people will stay outside the whole time. In other words: you will actually spend quite some time at your seat. That few extra euros is definitely worth it!
On to the mountains of Cradle Mountain
Around three o’clock we are back in Strahan. Time to drive on to our next destination: Cradle Mountain! It is a drive of about two hours through typical Tasmanian landscape.
And what a surprise when we arrive at our Mountain Cabin: a brand new apartment with all the bells and whistles. Perfect for the next two days! We end the day as it should be: with a bottle of bubbles, some Tasmanian cheese and the prospect of new adventures in Cradle Mountain. You can read more about this beautiful park (and logical next destination after the cruise) in my blog about Cradle Mountain.
Practical tips for the Gordon River Cruise
- Book in advance, especially in high season the boat is often full. For us there were a few people in line who wanted to buy tickets and were disappointed
- Bring warm clothing, even on sunny days it can be chilly on the water, especially if you stand on deck in the wind
- A rain jacket is not a luxury
- The premium seats are worth the money for the best view. As long as you don’t book the cheapest tickets and end up in the middle. A window seat is a must!
Overnight in Strahan: our experience
For the Gordon River Cruise we stayed at The Strahan Village, one of the best-known hotels in this remote harbour town. We had an Executive King Room with Harbour View – and that view was spot on. From our room (and from the balcony) we looked out over the harbour, where the boats for the cruise were already waiting. Perfect to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine. And additional advantage: you can easily walk into the village for a bite to eat. There is a staircase down the hill, if like us you sleep on the hill.
The room itself was spacious, modernly furnished and very comfortable. Breakfast was not included, but we didn’t mind: in the village there are plenty of cosy places to score a good coffee and something tasty in the morning.
If you are in Strahan for the cruise, this is really an ideal place to stay – quiet, beautifully located and within walking distance of the pier. Staying multiple nights? Then you can just leave your car. Or otherwise you can use the free parking of the cruise boats.
Was the cruise worth the money? Yes and no. We had hoped for slightly better weather which might have made for a better experience. For us it was mainly a bit of a slow day. It is above all a relaxed way to discover one of Tasmania’s most beautiful wilderness areas.
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