Gordon River Dinner Cruise: Hybrid Boat, Sarah Island

Quiet cruising, rainforest landing, convict stories, dinner on the river

An evening dinner cruise on the Gordon River in Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness aboard Spirit of the Wild, a hybrid-powered vessel with minimal environmental impact. You cruise upriver past ancient rainforest, step ashore at Heritage Landing for an interpretive walk, visit Sarah Island to learn its convict history from local guides, and return to the boat for a chef-prepared dinner while cruising back downstream. The cruise runs six hours and includes dinner, a drink at Hells Gates, and a live English-speaking guide. Premier Upper Deck adds an open bar, while Main Deck options vary by seating location.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Gordon River3h
2. Sarah Island3h

Gordon River cruise and Sarah Island tour

• Cruise up the Gordon River
• Hear river stories from guides
• Step ashore at Heritage Landing
• Take interpretive rainforest tour
• Enjoy dinner on board
• Cruise to Sarah Island
• Join interpretative Sarah Island tour

The experience

The boat's hybrid propulsion system lets you hear the river (the guides' stories, the forest sounds, the water itself) without engine noise drowning them out. You'll cruise upriver through World Heritage wilderness, then step onto Heritage Landing for an interpretive walk through ancient rainforest before returning to the vessel for a chef-prepared dinner showcasing local Tasmanian produce. The Spirit of the Wild carries you past Sarah Island next, where guides from the Round Earth Company walk you through the site's treacherous convict history and what shaped it.

The boat itself is built for this river: an environmentally designed hull minimizes impact on the wilderness, and a 360° viewing deck at the top gives you unobstructed sightlines from any angle. Inside, interpretive facilities (maps, photographs, guidebooks) sit alongside plenty of deck space so you're never crowded away from the water. A complimentary beer, wine or soft drink comes at Hells Gates on the Main Deck. Premier Upper Deck passengers get an open bar for the full evening.

The six-hour cruise departs in the evening, so you're on the water as light changes and the river quiets. Dinner happens aboard while you cruise, and the timing means you finish as the day ends rather than racing back to town. Infants sit free on an adult's lap. The Main Deck is wheelchair accessible, though the upper decks are not.

What’s included

• Chef-prepared buffet dinner with local Tasmanian produce.
• a complimentary beer, wine or soft drink at Hells Gates (Main Deck) or an open bar for the full evening (Premier Upper Deck).
• live English-speaking guides.
• interpretive tours at Heritage Landing rainforest and Sarah Island.
• access to the 360° viewing deck and all onboard interpretive facilities.

Options for this experience

3 options

Main Deck CentralGuide in English · Available from 27 Dec · 15:15A forward-facing seat in the middle of the main deck, with a buffet dinner included. Departure at 3:30pm.

Main Deck WindowGuide in English · Available from 27 Dec · 15:15A forward-facing seat on the main deck beside full-length windows, offering exceptional views. Departure at 3:30pm.

Premier Upper DeckGuide in English · Available from 27 Dec · 15:15Luxury seating with exclusive deck space, with extras including all beverages. Departure at 3:30pm.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 15:15Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 190

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by NRMA

Is this one for you?Book the Premier Upper Deck if you want the open bar and the highest vantage point for the full six hours. Choose Main Deck Central or Window based on whether you prefer midship seating or a window view, and note that the upper decks are not wheelchair accessible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is Sarah Island and why do the guides spend time there?

Sarah Island is a heritage site in Macquarie Harbour with a convict history that shaped Tasmania's colonial story. Guides from the Round Earth Company lead an interpretive tour explaining the treacherous conditions and human history of the place.

Can I see the river from the boat if I'm not on the upper deck?

Yes. Main Deck Central and Main Deck Window options both offer sightlines to the water, and the vessel has plenty of deck space throughout. The 360° viewing deck at the top is an additional vantage point, but not the only one.

How does the hybrid propulsion system change the experience?

The hybrid drive allows quiet cruising, so you hear the guides' interpretation, the sounds of the rainforest and the river itself, rather than engine noise. It also reduces environmental impact on the World Heritage wilderness.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

Hotel pickup is not included with this cruise. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the departure point. Public transportation options are available nearby in Strahan.