Morning Catamaran, Buffet Lunch

Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch runs through World Heritage Cruises. Rated 4.8 across 1,255 reviews. Runs 6 hours (approx.). From A$160.

Overview

A purpose-built catamaran leaves Strahan Wharf in the morning for a round trip of around 6 hours. The first leg crosses Macquarie Harbour toward Hells Gates, the narrow entrance channel, passing ocean trout and Atlantic salmon farms while the skipper's commentary covers the lighthouses and the local history.

At Sarah Island, a local guide leads a 1-hour tour of Tasmania's first penal settlement and the harsh conditions there. The boat then enters the world heritage listed Gordon River, where lunch is served to your allocated seat: smoked salmon, cold meats, salads, Tasmanian cheeses, a bread roll and a sweet. A short boardwalk at Heritage Landing leads through lichen-covered rainforest past a 2000-year-old Huon Pine.

Commentary draws on more than a century of the Grining family's experience cruising this river, blending human history with ecology and geology. On the return the boat calls at a Huon Pine sawmill for a demonstration before finishing back in Strahan. The day suits travellers who like seated scenery with two short walks ashore, and it works for families, as long as you make your own way to the wharf.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Strahan WharfBoard at 18 Esplanade, where guides greet you and the skipper takes the wheelhouse for the day. The full cruise runs 6 hours (approx.).
2. Macquarie Harbour and Hells GatesCruise the harbour toward the narrow entrance channel at Hells Gates, passing ocean trout and Atlantic salmon farms and the lighthouses that mark the way.
3. Sarah Island guided tourThe guided tour lasts 1 hour and covers the island's history as Tasmania's first penal settlement.
4. Gordon River and lunchTravel up the world heritage listed Gordon River while lunch is served to your seat. A licensed bar sells drinks on board.
5. Heritage Landing boardwalkDisembark for a 40-minute walk through lichen-covered rainforest, passing a 2000-year-old Huon Pine.
6. Huon Pine sawmill demonstrationWatch a demonstration of an old Huon Pine sawmill at Morrisons on the return leg to Strahan.
7. Drop-off in StrahanThe cruise finishes at 14 Esplanade, with the sawmill also listed as a drop-off point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A handful of practical details, from seating options to shore stops, shape how the day runs, so it helps to sort them before booking.

• Shore stop footwear. Both off-boat stops involve walking: the Sarah Island tour and the rainforest boardwalk at Heritage Landing. The listing names comfortable shoes on its bring list, and reviewers describe the shore stops and their guides as informative.
• Cash and extras. Snacks are not included and are sold on board for cash only, and drinks from the licensed bar cost extra. Morning tea with a beverage comes only with upper deck seating, so check which of the 4 seating options you are booking.
• Dress for weather. The listing advises dressing for the conditions. Outside seating is open to every passenger, so a layer for the open deck is sensible.
• Comfort and pace. Most of the day is seated, with an allocated inside seat and freedom to walk around the vessel. Reviewers describe the boat as comfortable and the crew as friendly.
• Young children. Children 4 years and under travel free, and their seating is in Main Deck Centre only. Families booking with a small child should select that option.
• Camera and views. Bring a camera, as the listing suggests. Travellers praise the scenic views along the river, and the lighthouse stretch gives you something to aim at early.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and you make your own way to the wharf at 18 Esplanade, where nearby parking is paid. Some travellers felt the lunch could be improved, which is the most common criticism. Snacks are extra and cash only, drinks from the bar cost more, and the cruise needs a minimum of 10 participants, with a full refund guaranteed if that number is not met. Sailings skip 25 December and the period from 1 to 31 August, and the upper deck is reachable by stairs only.

Choosing Your Cruise