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.

The Bonnet Island Experience: Tasmania's most unique penguin tour. Depart the Strahan Esplanade before sunset, cruising to Bonnet Island at Macquarie Heads. Enjoy fine Tasmanian wine, beer, soft drinks and produce as the sun sets over the ocean before stepping ashore to witness the Little Penguins returning to their burrows. This is a fully guided tour. Forward bookings are strongly advised. Maximum group size is 11. Please note that this tour operates seasonally.

Strahan ATV Adventures: Explore Henty Dunes or Macquarie Heads on a guided ATV adventure with Strahan ATV Adventures. Ride in safety and comfort as you see the West Coast from a different and adrenaline-fueled perspective. Suitable for solo travelers, couples and small groups. Operates seasonally.  

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. 

There's no better way to recap on your day of exploring on Tasmania's West Coast than to enjoy a whisky or wine tasting while overlooking Macquarie Harbour from View 42° Restaurant & Lounge Bar at Strahan Village.

Tastings are served as a flight and self-guided notes take you through the wines and whiskies step by step, ensuring you can take as much time as you like, fully appreciating their subtleties.  

Your wine tasting includes five Tasmanian wines from the award-winning Josef Chromy, located in the scenic hills of Relbia, immediately south east of Launceston. Start with a sparkling wine, before progressing to a Pinot Gris and sauvignon blanc to complete your foray into Tasmanian whites. Then to a Josef Chromy pinot noir and to finish your tasting, a glass of the ‘Ruby’ pinot noir port. 

You whisky tastings starts with milder and progresses to stronger whiskies. Kick off with a lighter 'original’ Hellyer Road whisky and progress to an aged 10-year whisky.  Next in line is a pinot barrel-aged whisky and to finish, a peated single malt.

Snacks and tasting platters are available at View 42° Restaurant and Lounge Bar and free WiFi is available for all visitors.