Strahan: Gordon River Cruise, Sarah Island & Rainforest Walk

Summary

Gordon River morning cruise with convict tales and ancient forest walks

You’ll board from Strahan for a Gordon River cruise into Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness, passing Hells Gates and salmon farms before stepping onto Sarah Island for convict tales. Enjoy a fresh Tasmanian lunch as you glide upriver, then walk through rainforest to meet ancient Huon pines—leaving you with more questions than answers about this wild place.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw the size of the catamaran at Strahan’s wharf. Something about big boats makes me nervous — but then the skipper waved us on with that casual Tasmanian smile, and suddenly it felt like we were all just neighbors heading out for a spin. The water was glassy and cold-smelling (if that makes sense), and as we slid past Hells Gates, someone near me muttered, “That’s not a name you forget.” He wasn’t wrong. The ocean out there looked wild enough to eat the boat whole.

We drifted by those salmon farms — honestly, I didn’t expect them to look so neat, almost geometric against all the tangled green. Our guide (I think her name was Jo?) started talking about how this whole region’s got stories layered like tree bark. She had this way of pausing right before the good bits — especially when we landed on Sarah Island. Walking around in that damp air, hearing about convicts carving ships from Huon pine… well, it made my sandwich at lunch taste different somehow. Like you can feel old hands in every bite of Tasmanian cheese.

The best bit was gliding up the Gordon River itself. It went quiet except for the hush of trees and a few camera clicks (mine included). At Heritage Landing, we wandered along this boardwalk under mossy branches — everything smelled green and ancient, if that’s possible. There’s a 2,000-year-old Huon pine there; I touched its bark and felt weirdly small in a good way. On the way back to Strahan I just sat by the window with my tea and watched rain start up outside — thinking about how wildness here isn’t loud or showy; it just sits quietly beside you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning World Heritage Cruise from Strahan

• Depart Strahan Wharf at 9am
• Pass through Hells Gates channel
• View aquaculture pens with trout and salmon
• Take guided tour of Sarah Island penal settlement
• Enjoy lunch on-board the catamaran
• Cruise along the Gordon River rainforest
• Disembark at Heritage Landing for rainforest stroll
• See 2000-year-old Huon Pine tree
• Return cruise to Strahan Wharf

Top questions

What time does the Gordon River cruise depart from Strahan?

The cruise departs daily at 9am from Strahan Wharf.

Is lunch included on the Gordon River cruise?

Yes, a freshly prepared lunch featuring Tasmanian produce is included for all guests.

Do you get off the boat during the tour?

Yes, you disembark twice: once for a guided tour on Sarah Island and again for a rainforest walk at Heritage Landing.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The main deck is fully wheelchair accessible; upper deck access may be limited.

How long is the Gordon River day trip from Strahan?

The tour lasts approximately six hours, returning around 3pm.

Are guides local on this cruise?

Yes, local guides provide live commentary and lead tours on Sarah Island.

Can infants or small children join this cruise?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; specialized infant seats are available in certain areas.

What’s included

Your day includes main deck or upper deck seating aboard Harbour Master with live commentary by local guides, a guided walking tour of Sarah Island’s convict history, two hours cruising deep into Gordon River with rainforest boardwalk stroll at Heritage Landing to see ancient Huon pines—and a freshly prepared Tasmanian lunch served onboard before returning to Strahan in the afternoon.