Glide past ancient rainforests aboard a morning or afternoon Gordon River Cruise from Strahan. With a choice of seating levels, departure time and duration, this cruise fits easily into any sightseeing schedule. Explore the beautiful Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area as you pass landmarks like Hells Gates and Sarah Island. Depending on option selected, lunch, snacks and beverages may be included.
At the river cruise terminal in Strahan, hop aboard the Lady Jane Franklin II, a fast, smooth, spacious boat specially designed to travel on the Gordon River. Take a seat in your selected seating area — a center atrium seat, a window recliner or the luxury upper deck — and head out to the open sea.
Morning cruise (5.5-6 hours) Pass through Hells Gates, the narrow opening that separates the ocean from Macquarie Harbour, and find out why early mariners gave the place its threatening name. At just 400 feet (120 meters) wide, the hazardous opening has been a challenge for sailors since it was discovered in 1815.
Then travel across Macquarie Harbour toward the calm lower reaches of the Gordon River. Pass by salmon and trout farms, and cruise through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, marveling at the riverside rainforest. Stop at Heritage Landing to take a walk through the lush forest to admire myrtles, leatherwood trees and species of pines found only in Tasmania. The raised timber walkway leads you through the verdant forest to a fallen giant — a 2,000-year-old Huon pine that fell to the ground but continues to support new saplings.
You’ll also visit Sarah Island, a convict settlement from 1822 to 1833. Listen to an actor tell stories of the days when convicts labored to cut logs of Huon pine to build ships — this settlement was once Australia’s most productive shipyard, and approximately 2,000 prisoners, officers and military passed through during this time.
Lunch is served on board according to your selected tour option. You are free to move about the boat if you want to grab some fresh air on the deck or check out the featured photographs and maps. Your cruise ends when you return to Strahan in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the town on your own.
Afternoon cruise (3.5 hours) Cruise through Macquarie Harbour to the Gordon River, where your speed drops as you travel slowly upstream through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. See an ancient Huon pine tree hanging over the river, and listen to commentary from your captain about the area’s history and notable figures.
See and learn about native leatherwood trees found in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, and sample a bit of rare leatherwood honey. You'll also take a look at working fish farms that produce salmon and ocean trout, which you can taste. Continue across the harbor to reach its narrow entrance — the ominous Hells Gates — a sometimes-violent channel where the ocean and harbor meet. Then return to Strahan, where your cruise ends.
Extremely interesting and excellent value for money. Boat crew , food and guided tours guides were all first class._br/_ Could not fault any part of the Gordon River cruise.
Review by: Christine W, March 2018
We enjoyed a fabulous trip on the Gordon River. The weather was perfect, which made a big difference I suspect. It was the highlight of our trip to Tasmania. Well worth going.
Review by: Fredrick John M, February 2018
This trip had been recommended by a friend for a must do trip. She was right, thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, staff were brilliant, I also would recommend to anyone to do this cruise.
Review by: Kathleen N, February 2018
Well organized, helpful staff, good food, wonderful scenery, really enjoyed the experience.
Review by: Bryony H, February 2018
This cruise was amazing. Really nice friendly staff with excellent service. The views were spectacular. _br/_ A very special day._br/_ Strahan is a lovely town too.
Review by: Kay B, January 2018
A very relaxing ,comfortable trip. Amazing experience with good information.Weather was perfect on day we travelled. The lunch was delicious with a good selection.The Sarah Is segment was a real history of our past._br/_ Kay and Kay
Review by: Lynne A, January 2018
Treat yourself to the Captains level experience...definitely worth the money. Nearly 6 hours of uninterrupted entertainment with seat side service, food buffet and commentary. The scenery is amazing and the private outside are at the front a definite bonus. Guided tour of Sarah Island informative and about the right length of time. The catamaran is very comfy and glides across the tannin water. Not much wildlife to be seen but the rugged unspoilt wilderness is to be treasured. Trip through Hells gate demonstrated clearly the differenc between the bay and the ocean and the difficulties facing the original settlers. Fascinating day.
Review by: Vanessa M, January 2018
Great way to see Sarah Island and hear all the history of the convicts there. Terrific tour guides. Beautiful trip up the Gordon River with delicious lunch.
Review by: Keren J, January 2018
Lived up to my long awaited expectations of finally visiting an environment of such outstanding significance- breathtakingly beautiful, serene, pristine wilderness. The cruise was exceedingly comfortable, clean with wonderful access to views via large windows and many outside decks. The Captain's deck experience is highly recommended with wonderful seats, service and great food and wine. We loved the ancient rainforest walk and information talks at Heritage Landing- a very special experience. The Sarah Island tour was a highlight with our outstandingly engaging guide relaying the Island's fascinating history. Do not miss this tour!
Review by: kim t, January 2018
What a beautiful place. Fantastic seats with great views all around. Lunch was just what we needed, plenty of food but nice and simple. Would recommend this tour for sure. Great crew to keep you entertained along the way.
Review by: Trevor S, December 2017
Worth doing
Review by: Annette K, December 2017
This river cruise is a must for all travellers to Tassie. The boat is spacious and comfortable. The natural beauty of the area takes your breath away and the history of the area is amazing. The Sarah island tour was an eye opener to how the convicts survived. Twice i have enjoyed this experience and i am sure i will again.
Review by: Geraldine R, November 2017
Wonderful experience and great history....visit to Sarah Island was and the guided tour around was memorable. Our boat tour guide Suzette I think this is right was excellent and very knowledgeable. Pristine country.
Review by: Sauly, October 2017
Tour was a very enjoyable day, very educational and informative about the local history over many years. Staff and service was very good.
Review by: Bryan H. W, August 2017
Not only was this tour a fantastic experience in this great craft, the staff were excellent. The best part of the trip was our visit to Sarah Island and the wonderful tour and presentation we received there. An unmissable experience.
Review by: Joyzie, April 2017
What a great day, loved it. The guides where well informed and helpful. Would recommend it to everyone going to Tasmania.
Review by: Erin H, April 2017
This was an unexpected delight full of diverse experiences and all from the one boat trip. This included a guided tour into the history of the area, some personal accounts of former inhabitants, guided tour of Sarah Island fascinating history and boardwalk stroll through virtually untouched temperate rainforest. The boat trip through the gates of hell was exciting and well executed and the buffet lunch truly memorable with lots of local fresh produce.
Review by: ralphmonaghan53, March 2017
Would truly recommend this trip up the world heritage Gordon River. Everything about the day was good from staff on the boat to the included lunch. We were luck to have a perfect day weather wise and the boat was able to go out through Hells Gate which is not always possible. Reflections on the water were amazing.
Review by: Angelika L, March 2017
If you are visiting Strahan, it is a MUST to do the Gordon River cruise, the weather should not hold you back. The natural beauty of this area, from hells gap the mouth of the river, via Sarah Island and the beautiful walk with ancient trees to the great lunch and the knowledgable staff, this tour is a big success. Don't miss it.
Review by: Marie-Therese B, February 2017
I missed the tour on Thursday and managed to reschedule for Friday. I had a really great experience even if the weather wasn't great. The only criticism I have is when some of us went to reboard after the tour of Sarah Island we made it to the boat at the end of the jetty before being turned back as they had to count the number of passengers getting back on board. I think it would have been better to have either the entry to the pier roped off until they were ready for us to board or for someone to be positioned at the entry to the jetty. In that way we wouldn't have had to brave the strong winds twice. Despite this the service was excellent and the knowledge of crew was also excellent. The meal was also very good.
Review by: Diane D, February 2017
Just loved it great food great cruiseu
Review by: Christine M, January 2017
Brillant staff and food. The tour programme was very interesting and informative.
Review by: C N R, January 2017
Had booked the Captains deck including lunch as a treat. The cruise didn't disappoint. The weather was so perfect the water looked like glass. The service was great with drinks offered regularly throughout the cruise. Lunch was fresh, plentiful and tasty with the best smoked salmon I've had and I've tried a lot. The cost might deter some but it's well worth every dollar - the memories will last a very long time._br/_ We will be doing this again next time we're in Tassie.
Review by: Colin C, January 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the Gordon River Cruise, particularly the Island of the Dead Tour and transiting Hells Gate. The boat was very modern and designed for the tour commentary and staff were excellent.
Review by: Anne C, January 2017
Weather could have been kinder, it was foggy but well worth doing.
Review by: JOHN F, November 2016
This was a wonderful cruise with fabulous staff for whom nothing was too much trouble. The trip itself was excellent, with commentary all the way through and two walking trips, one on Sarah Island with an amazing, enthusiastic guide. Lunch was delicious and tea or coffee was always available. I even left my coat on the boat and it was returned to the office with my name and contact number on it!!! I thought it was lost forever. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone visiting Tasmania.
Review by: John D, November 2016
This is an amazing trip. Fortunately the weather was beautiful, which made all the difference. But despite the good weather I could not fault it. The boat was comfortable and clean. The staff were friendly. Buffet lunch was good. Both trips we did were both enjoyable and informative. The lady who did the Sarah Island trip was very good. Would recommend it.
Review by: Nicholas J, November 2016
The Gorden river cruise was one amazing trip, recommend it without question, just do it you won't be disappointed.
Review by: Nolan J F, October 2016
even with rainy weather the tour was one of the highlights of our trip.
Review by: Geoffrey L, October 2016
Wonderful boat, scenery and experience. Excellent commentary both on boat and at Sarah Island. A must-do travel experience.
Review by: Euan M, October 2016
Fantastic! everything from the hospitality to the scenery, thank you
Review by: steve g, September 2016
cruise was incedible
Review by: terence s, June 2016
excellent service friendly staff and beautiful scenery value fof money
Review by: Sarah C, June 2016
Absolutely breathtaking cruise, and the guided tour of Sarah Island was captivating and fascinating! The guise was a wonderful story teller, and very knowledgeable about the history of the island, as was the boat crew. Definitely a highlight of my trip to Tasmania!!
Review by: glenda d, June 2016
awsome day out woud do it again
Review by: HELEN L, May 2016
Being on Captains Deck, spoilt all day in luxury was the way to go and unbelievably had great weather with the rain holding off til the next morning. Sarah Island was an eye opener viewing how convicts survived and the pristine wilderness was amazing.
Review by: PERI C, May 2016
This was such a beautiful half day! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting, the boat was amazingly comfortable and well appointed and the food was exceptional! We saw some of the most beautiful sights and learnt heaps about the history of the area.
Review by: Colin W, April 2016
Brilliant, great commentary and the actors on Sarah island were fantastic._br/_ Make sure you go to the play 'The Ship that never was', lots of humour
Review by: Margaret C, April 2016
Wonderful day
Review by: Gary G, April 2016
great commentary_br/_ staff interactive_br/_ delicious food_br/_ totally enjoyable
Review by: Maureen K, April 2016
Very happy with coverage of the history of the area_br/_ Tour guide Jane was very informative and had a interesting way of telling the history of Sarah Island_br/_ Well done
Review by: marion l, March 2016
Tour was wonderful, staff looked after us, food and drinks tops, captaind deck well worth it.The views perfect. Thanks heaps.
Review by: David and Sandr W, March 2016
We had the most wonderful day. The cruise is a great experience and insight into the wilder part of Tasmania. We paid extra for upstairs , it was well worth it.
Review by: Charles H, March 2016
A trip not to be missed in Tasmania. Also be sure to see the play in Strahan at 5:30 each day!
Review by: John W, March 2016
Despite the rain, the mist throughout the rainforest and on the mountain tops provided a spectacular view. We did the Gordon Rover cruise about 25 years ago, but with the current bigger and faster boat, we were able to cover a lot more in the same time.
Review by: Mr David R H, February 2016
Great day trip and we had perfect weather 9/2/16, very informative, scenery fantastic. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable and provided another great insight into early Australia convict settlement and the world famous heritage area. The buffet was more than adequate. We chose central seating and there was good viewing and plenty of opportunity to go either outside or upstairs for viewing points of interest.
Review by: Edward, February 2016
Unfortunately the boat needed urgent repairs and we were transferred to another cruise company World Heritage Cruises, which did not offer the same VIP service. However, that cruise was fine and we enjoyed the scenery and the Sarah Island tour.
Review by: Martin B, February 2016
Excellent cruise with friendly knowledgable staff. Tassie was wonderful overall - though the drought and fires were very concerning. With so much of the World Heritage area badly damaged by fire this summer, there is clearly a need for better fire-fighting strategies and more action on climate change.
Review by: Christine H, February 2016
Beautiful location, excellent facilities and knowledgeable staff!
Review by: Susan J, January 2016
Really enjoyed the boat trip , very informative, and a comfortable boat, enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine from the bar!!
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