Gordon River Cruises, Shared Lunch

Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan runs through NRMA Tasmania (Gordon River Cruises). Rated 4.8 across 1,635 reviews. Runs 6 hours (approx.). From A$165.

Overview

There is no road into the wilderness the Gordon River runs through, and the water is the only way to reach it. This cruise departs from the terminal on the Strahan wharf at 24 Esplanade, sets off in the morning and runs roughly six hours in total. The vessel, Spirit of the Wild, crosses Macquarie Harbour and passes Hells Gates at the entrance before continuing into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, where electric motors take over for quiet travel along the river itself.

A shore stop breaks up the sailing. At Sarah Island, guides lead a walk through the ruins of the former penal colony, a stop reviewers repeatedly single out as a highlight of the day. Back on board, a chef-prepared buffet lunch is served, and dedicated guides keep the commentary going across harbour, river and island. Toilets are open throughout.

The day suits most travellers, since walking is limited to the short guided shore stops and the Main Deck is wheelchair accessible, though motor scooters cannot be carried. Up to 190 people share the boat, so expect plenty of fellow passengers and a pace that one reviewer called extremely relaxed. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and drinks on the Main Deck come from a cash bar unless the ticket covers the Premier Upper Deck.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the wharfCheck in at the cruise terminal on the Strahan wharf at 24 Esplanade. No hotel transfers are provided.
2. Cross Macquarie HarbourThe boat clears Strahan and heads out across the harbour, passing Hells Gates at the entrance.
3. Enter the World Heritage AreaThe cruise continues into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and onto the Gordon River, where the vessel travels under electric motors.
4. Walk Sarah IslandPassengers go ashore to explore the ruins of the former penal colony with guides from the boat.
5. Lunch on boardA chef-prepared buffet is served on the vessel during the morning cruise.
6. Return to StrahanThe trip ends back at the same terminal on the wharf.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details decide how well the day goes. These points come from the listing and from what travellers report afterwards.

• Views and weather. The vessel offers plenty of deck space, including a 360° Viewing Deck at the top, and one reviewer reported great views from all seats. Conditions on the day will still shape what you see from the water.
• Food and drink. Lunch is a chef-prepared buffet, and reviewers praise it often, one describing smoked salmon, prawns, pasta and salads, another noting a vegetarian option. Drinks cost extra on a Main Deck ticket, where a cash bar operates; the Premier Upper Deck fare includes them. Gratuities are not included either.
• Walking and pace. Shore time means short guided walks, one through forest and one around Sarah Island. The listing states that most travellers can participate. Between stops, the day is largely sitting, eating and watching the river go by.
• Boat and crowd. Spirit of the Wild carries a maximum of 190 travellers, so this is a scheduled big-boat day rather than a small-vessel outing. Several reviewers describe the seats as comfortable and the boat as clean and tidy, and there is a 360° viewing deck at the top of the vessel.
• Accessibility on board. The Main Deck is wheelchair accessible, and transport and surfaces are described the same way, but motor scooters cannot be carried for size reasons. Pushchairs are fine and service animals are allowed. Infants travel free on a lap provided they do not occupy a seat.
• Weather and timing. The operator needs decent weather to run, and a cancellation on those grounds brings an alternative date or a full refund. Minimum traveller numbers apply as well, with the same options offered if the trip cannot run. Leave some flexibility in your plans in case the day is rearranged.

Common issues. Drinks, gratuities and hotel transfers all sit outside a Main Deck ticket, so the bar bill and the trip to the wharf are extra to plan for. The boat takes up to 190 people, which will feel busy to anyone expecting a small vessel. The sailing requires good weather, and the operator can also cancel if minimum numbers are not met; both cases bring an offer of a different date or a full refund. Cancelling for a refund yourself takes at least 3 full days' notice before the start time.

Choosing Your Cruise