Strahan: Gordon River Cruise with Lunch & Sarah Island Walk

Quiet water, convict tales, and wild forest await. Strahan’s Gordon River cruise packs a great deal into six hours, from Hells Gates and Macquarie Harbour to a rainforest boardwalk and the ruins of Sarah Island. I especially like the near-silent electric motor and the strong guiding, with Sarah Island guides such as Maggie, Shannon, Josh, and Lyel bringing the past to life. The chef-prepared buffet is another real plus. The main drawback is the west coast weather: cold rain and wind can make the two shore walks less comfortable, so bring proper layers.

At $109 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride, but it is good value if you want scenery, food, transport, and guided walks in one well-organised outing. You check in at 8:00 AM for an 8:30 AM departure, then return to Strahan around six hours later. The Premier Upper Deck costs more, but the main deck already gives you access to open-air viewing areas and comfortable seating.

Key things to know before sailing

• The electric motor keeps the Gordon River wonderfully quiet, so you hear the forest and water rather than a constant engine rumble.
• Sarah Island is the most memorable stop for many people, thanks to lively guides and the remains of Tasmania’s former penal settlement and shipyard.
• Heritage Landing offers an easy rainforest walk on boardwalks among myrtle, sassafras, ferns, and an ancient Huon pine.
• The buffet lunch is served onboard, giving you a proper meal without cutting into your time ashore.
• Main Deck seating is allocated, but you can move around the boat and use the open-air decks.
• Weather changes quickly on the west coast, so sturdy shoes, a rain jacket, and a warm layer matter even on a sunny morning.

Starting at Strahan’s main wharf

The trip begins at the Gordon River Cruises terminal in Strahan. Check in inside the terminal and collect your boarding pass, unless you picked it up the day before. The grey Spirit of the Wild waits behind the terminal at the main wharf.

If you are driving, all-day Pay and Display parking is about 250 metres away. Bring coins, with around AUD 10 suggested for parking. If you are staying at Strahan Village, the terminal is less than a two-minute walk away, which makes this an easy morning start.

The departure time is early, but it helps the day run smoothly. Once aboard, you find your allocated seat and can settle in before the boat moves away from shore. You are not trapped in that seat for six hours. You can walk through the vessel, step onto the viewing areas, and change your angle as the scenery shifts.

The boat has restrooms and an onboard licensed galley. Main Deck drinks and snacks are available to buy with cash or card. The lunch is included, but the bar is not unless you select the Premier Upper Deck package.

Crossing Macquarie Harbour toward Hells Gates

The first part of the cruise carries you across Macquarie Harbour, a broad stretch of water with a fascinating working past and present. The guides use live commentary, video clips, and character-based interpretation featuring Captain James Kelly and Lady Jane Franklin.

That approach gives the trip more shape than a simple scenic cruise. You hear about the harbour, its place in west coast transport, and the forces that shaped settlement here. The commentary also covers the fish farms, including salmon and trout production in western Tasmania. There is an opportunity to taste some of the local produce, adding a small food connection to the larger story.

Then the boat heads toward Hells Gates, the narrow entrance where Macquarie Harbour meets the Southern Ocean. The name is not subtle, and the water can help explain it. In calm weather, the passage may look controlled and peaceful. In wind and rain, it feels more exposed and dramatic.

The cruise boat handles both conditions well. One particularly useful feature is the quiet hybrid propulsion system. On the Gordon River, that low engine noise becomes part of the experience. You can listen to the guide, then enjoy stretches where there is little more than water, weather, and forest.

Do not expect Hells Gates to be a long shore stop. This is a scenic and historical part of the cruise viewed from the boat. If conditions turn rough, the vessel can still feel smooth, but you should keep your expectations sensible. Tasmania’s west coast does not promise postcard weather every day.

Lunch with the forest sliding past

Lunch is served during the cruise, and it works well as a break between the water-based sections and the shore walks. The buffet is chef-prepared, tasty, and ample according to the strongest comments about the food. It is a practical arrangement because you do not need to carry a packed meal or use your limited stop time to eat.

The dining service is organised, though it is worth eating when your group is called or when the buffet is well stocked. One late-serving meal had run short of chicken, and a beetroot and feta salad had lost most of its feta. That sounds like a minor service glitch rather than a regular problem, but it is a useful reason not to leave lunch until the very end.

The included meal adds genuine value to the $109 fare. You are paying for a six-hour cruise, two guided walks, onboard interpretation, and a full lunch. The bar remains extra on the Main Deck, but the food removes one common expense from a full-day outing.

The Premier Upper Deck includes more than upgraded chairs. You receive premium leather recliners, full-length windows, a private viewing deck, a lounge area, morning and afternoon tea, canapes, and a complimentary open bar with Tasmanian red, white, and sparkling wines, beer, juice, tea, and espresso coffee.

I would see this as a comfort upgrade rather than a requirement. The main deck is enough for most people, particularly if you plan to spend time outside. The Premier option makes more sense if you value extra space, a quieter lounge, and all-inclusive drinks.

Heritage Landing and the Gordon River rainforest

The first shore excursion takes you to Heritage Landing. Here, boardwalks carry you into cool temperate rainforest, allowing you to see the vegetation without a demanding bushwalk.

This is one of the gentler parts of the day. You walk among sassafras and myrtle, with ferns and other rainforest plants close to the path. The ancient Huon pine is the star attraction. It gives you a sense of time that a quick boat view cannot provide.

The guides explain local flora and fauna as you walk, so the stop is more than a photo break. You begin to understand why the Gordon River is protected within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. The value lies in the contrast: first you view the forest from the water, then you enter it on foot and notice its texture, age, and quiet.

Wear sturdy footwear. The boardwalk is designed for access, but wet weather can make the surrounding conditions slippery or chilly. A warm layer is sensible even if Strahan looks mild when you leave. The west coast weather can change during the cruise, and the best shore walks may happen during a brief break between showers.

The boat is wheelchair accessible on the Main Deck, but not on the Premier Upper Deck according to the supplied information. Mobility scooters are not permitted because of size limits. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the arrangement at booking and plan to remain on the accessible main level.

Sarah Island’s convict stories and shipyard ruins

Sarah Island is the historical heart of the outing. Once a penal colony and shipyard, it is now a place of ruins, open ground, and stories that are difficult to forget.

The walk is guided, and the quality of the storytelling can make a large difference. Guides including Maggie, Shannon, Josh, Louise, Margaret, and Lyel have been praised for being animated, funny, clear, and engaging. That matters here because the physical remains are incomplete. The guide helps you picture the settlement, the convict experience, and the work carried out in this remote place.

Sarah Island is not presented as a polished museum. You are walking through a former settlement where only parts of the old structures remain. The atmosphere comes from the combination of ruins, isolation, and personal stories. It is a more active way to learn about Tasmania’s past than simply reading a display panel.

The walk does require you to leave the comfort of the boat, and the weather can be a factor. Rain and wind have affected some outings, although the timing of the shore visits may bring a welcome dry spell. Bring a rain jacket that you can put on quickly, rather than relying on a sunny forecast from the mainland or the east coast.

If you care most about history, Sarah Island may be the deciding reason to book. The Gordon River scenery is beautiful, but the island gives the day its strongest human story.

Guides, commentary, and the tone of the day

The crew receives consistent praise for being friendly, organised, and helpful. The captain keeps the ride smooth, while the onboard guides combine spoken commentary with video clips and character-based interpretation.

The style is informative without making the whole trip feel like a lecture. You get explanations of Hells Gates, Macquarie Harbour, the fish farms, the Gordon River, Heritage Landing, and Sarah Island. The character voices of Captain James Kelly and Lady Jane Franklin add a theatrical touch to the historical material.

Sound quality can vary. One person found some of the commentary difficult to hear, so I would sit where you have a clear view of the guide or move closer if needed. The video material has also been described as somewhat amateur in places. That is a small weakness beside the scenery and live guiding, but it is worth knowing if you expect a polished documentary production.

The Sarah Island guide is the more personal part of the day. A good guide can turn scattered ruins into a memorable visit, and the named guides have earned strong praise for enthusiasm and humour. If you enjoy learning through stories, allow this stop your full attention instead of treating it as a quick photo opportunity.

Seating, views, and weather comfort

There are three seating choices: Main Deck Central, Main Deck Window, and Premier Upper Deck. Seats are allocated, so choose with care when booking. Main Deck Window is the logical pick if you want to watch the scenery without moving constantly, while a central seat may suit you if you prefer easier access around the boat.

You can still use open-air decks regardless of your ticket category. I like this arrangement because the best view changes as the boat turns, approaches Hells Gates, or enters the Gordon River. Full-length windows help in poor weather, but they do not replace a warm coat when you step ashore.

Tasmania’s west coast is famously changeable in practical terms, not just in travel brochures. Several outings have been enjoyed in rain, wind, cold, or drizzle, especially when the shore walks happened during short dry periods. The lesson is simple: bring a waterproof jacket, warm layer, and comfortable shoes. Bad weather does not cancel the scenery, but it can change how much time you want to spend on the outside decks.

The boat itself is one of the experience’s strongest features. It is comfortable, modern, and smooth, with the hybrid motor making the Gordon River feel particularly peaceful. Air-conditioning can be intermittently cold, so carry a light extra layer indoors too.

Is the $109 fare good value?

At $109, this is best judged as a full experience rather than a sightseeing boat ticket. The price includes the Gordon River cruise, onboard guides, two shore walks, and a buffet lunch. You also get access to the vessel’s viewing areas and onboard facilities.

That package compares well with arranging separate transport, food, and guided visits yourself. More importantly, the cruise reaches places that are not practical to experience independently in the same half-day. Hells Gates, Heritage Landing, and Sarah Island form one connected route, and the commentary gives meaning to the scenery between stops.

The Premier Upper Deck costs more, so I would reserve it for people who care strongly about reclining seats, a private viewing deck, lounge access, and included drinks. For a first visit, Main Deck seating should be perfectly workable if you are happy to move around for different views.

The lunch is not a minor add-on. It saves you from planning food in a remote setting and gives you a proper pause during a long morning on the water. Drinks and snacks bought at the galley cost extra, but the included meal keeps the basic fare clear and predictable.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend the trip to anyone visiting Strahan who wants to combine scenery and history without organising several separate activities. It suits couples, families, older visitors, and people who prefer a comfortable vessel over a strenuous wilderness outing.

It is also a good choice if you want an accessible experience. The Main Deck is wheelchair accessible, although mobility scooters are not allowed and the Premier Upper Deck is not the accessible option described here. The rainforest and Sarah Island walks add movement, but the cruise remains the main part of the day.

You should think twice if you dislike scheduled outings, allocated seats, or spending six hours with a fixed itinerary. The two walks are short excursions rather than long hikes, and the cruise follows a set route. This is not the right pick if you want solitude on your own terms, though the quiet motor and wide river create plenty of peaceful moments.

Infants are free if they do not occupy a seat. Free cancellation is available up to three days in advance for a full refund. The cruise requires a minimum number of participants, and in the unlikely event that it does not operate for that reason, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Gordon River Cruise?

Yes, if this is your first visit to western Tasmania and you want one well-planned day that covers the region’s major sights. The strongest reasons are the silent passage into the Gordon River, the excellent Sarah Island storytelling, the rainforest walk, and the included buffet lunch.

Book the Main Deck if you want good value and plan to use the outside viewing areas. Choose Premier Upper Deck if comfort, drinks, and a private deck matter enough to justify the higher price.

My practical advice is to book for the scenery, but prepare for the weather. Bring proper rainwear, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes. If you do, the changing conditions become part of the character of the day rather than a reason to regret going.

FAQ

How long does the Gordon River Cruise take?

The experience lasts six hours, including the cruise, the Heritage Landing rainforest walk, the Sarah Island walk, onboard commentary, and lunch.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You check in at the Gordon River Cruises terminal at the main wharf in Strahan. The grey Spirit of the Wild docks behind the terminal. Check-in is at 8:00 AM for the 8:30 AM departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A chef-prepared buffet lunch is included. Drinks and snacks from the licensed galley are extra on the Main Deck.

What is included with Premier Upper Deck seating?

Premier Upper Deck includes premium leather recliners, full-length windows, a private viewing deck, a lounge area, complimentary Tasmanian wine, beer, juice, tea, espresso coffee, morning and afternoon tea, and canapes.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The Main Deck is wheelchair accessible. Mobility scooters are not permitted because of size restrictions. The supplied information does not describe the Premier Upper Deck as accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable or sturdy shoes, a rain jacket, and a warm layer. Weather on Tasmania’s west coast can change quickly, especially when you leave the boat for the rainforest and Sarah Island walks.