Spend a morning navigating Macquarie Harbour, touring the infamous Sarah Island convict ruins and walking a boardwalk through ancient Huon Pine rainforest. This accessible six‑hour cruise combines sharp coastal scenery, local history and UNESCO‑listed wilderness.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A pale Tasmanian morning presses the harbour into a glass mirror as the 35m catamaran Harbour Master slips out beneath Hells Gates. Salt and spruce meet on the wind; farmers of the sea—salmon pens—dot Macquarie Harbour, then the landscape narrows and the river takes over. The boat falls silent here, and the Gordon River, dark and slow, dares you to lean forward and listen.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, flat boardwalk walks and boarding a vessel
Wildlife
History
Sarah Island was a harsh 19th‑century penal settlement whose ruins and stories are part of the West Coast’s convict heritage; the Gordon River corridor is protected within the Franklin‑Gordon Wild Rivers World Heritage Area.
Conservation
The area is UNESCO‑listed; visitors are asked to stay on boardwalks, avoid disturbing wildlife and support operators who follow low‑impact practices.
Reserve your spot on the Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers and waterproofs
West Coast weather changes fast—windproof, waterproof outer layers and a warm mid‑layer keep you comfortable on deck.
Bring binoculars and a camera
Wildlife and river vistas are best seen from the upper deck—binoculars and a zoom lens help spot eagles, seals and old Huon Pines.
Prepare for seasickness
The channel can be choppy; if you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding and sit mid‑ship.
Follow boardwalk rules
When ashore at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island, stay on designated paths to protect fragile rainforest and cultural sites.
Waterproof jacket (hooded)
Protects against frequent West Coast rain and spray while cruising.
fall
Warm mid‑layer
Traps heat during cool mornings and damp sea breezes.
winter
Binoculars
Helpful for spotting wildlife, river features and distant headlands from deck.
summer
Non‑slip closed shoes
Provides secure footing on wet decks and boardwalks ashore.