Enter a world of rustic charm, local character and natural beauty

All aboard the award-winning Gordon River Cruise for a guided wilderness tour across Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River. Macquarie Harbour is a vast body of water that measures six times the size of Sydney Harbour and the Gordon River Cruise gives you a unique perspective on our natural Tasmanian wilderness and the amazing west coast.

During your wilderness cruise, wander amongst the largest tract of temperate rainforest surviving on earth, home to trees thousands of years old. After a chef-prepared lunch showcasing Tasmanian produce, explore the ruins of Sarah Island, once a dreaded penal colony and the largest boat building settlement in the British colonies.

The Gordon River Cruise is without doubt, one of Tasmania's best wilderness cruises and is not to be missed during a visit to Tasmania.

Your guide will recount astonishing stories of the convicts, soldiers, settlers and shipwrights who lived and worked there. This tour is available in German, French, Cantonese and Mandarin, translated and available via headset, to ensure that international visitors can access the fascinating information.

Find out more about Gordon River Cruises.

There is absolutely no shortage of local attractions and activities at Strahan and the west coast of Tasmania – this is a place of discovery, exploration and adventure. Your biggest problem will be deciding what you can fit in! We have created a list of group activities that will keep everyone busy...

We recommend you take a look at the following:

Gordon River Cruises: In addition to the award winning Gordon River Cruise, that takes you deep into UNESCO World Heritage wilderness, there are a number of other cruise options.  You can take a chartered cruise across Macquarie Harbour, catch dinner on a chartered fishing expedition or explore convict history with a dedicated small-group expedition. An absolutely perfect and personal way to explore the local area; aboard the Sophia departing from Strahan.

West Coast Wilderness Railway: all aboard for a half-day steam train journey across the rack and pinion track, through old growth forest and the King River Gorge. Sit back in comfort and enjoy the guide’s stories of the railway and its history.

Tastings at View 42° Restaurant and Bar: Finish your day exploring the west coast of Tasmania with a whisky or wine tasting at View 42° and looking over the majestic Macquarie Harbour.

Sand tobogganing and bike hire: Contact Gordon River Cruises on +61 3 6471 4300 or email grc@gordonrivercruises.com.au to hire bikes to explore the streets and trails of Strahan, or to try your hand at sand tobogganing at Henty Dunes.

There is so much to see and do, feel free to ask us at reception to help find the local attractions and top destinations in Tasmania that appeal to you.

Situated on the hilltop, View 42 Restaurant and Lounge Bar offers spectacular views over Strahan and Macquarie Harbour.

Position yourself on the deck and marvel at the view with our 360° panoramic images.

Journey deep into the Macquarie Harbour on the west coast to discover the fascinating history and ruins of Pillinger, once a thriving town, but condemned to failure three years after settlement.

Depart Strahan’s waterfront in the morning for a small-group guided tour of one of the west’s forgotten towns. Journey deep into the Macquarie Harbour aboard MV Sophia to Pillinger in Kelly’s Basin. Step ashore to walk among the town’s ruins that the rainforest has slowly been reclaiming over the last 100 years. Hear the tales of boom and bust as industry took hold in the western wilderness’ colonial era. Stepping back on-board, cruise to Hells Gates at the mouth of the harbour to witness the engineering marvel that has been helping ships navigate the narrow channel entry to the harbour for more than 100 years. Before returning to Strahan, step ashore at Bonnet Island, just inside the entrance of the harbour, to hear tales of lighthouse keepers' past, as you enjoy view of Ocean Beach and beyond.

The Pillinger Explorer is a fully guided and fully catered experience, showcasing some of the best Tasmanian produce as you navigate your way through the wilderness and history of a remarkable part of Tasmania.

Please note this tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or for children under 5 years old.

PRICING: Adult: $250  |  Child: $125  |  Family (2A + 2C): $625

Forward bookings are strongly advised as it has a maximum group size of 10. Bookings can be made via Gordon River Cruises on +61 3 6471 4300 or via the Gordon River Cruises website.