Gordon River Heritage Cruise: A Journey through Tasmania's Breathtaking Wilderness
4.8
1,027 Ratings
Strahan
Embark on the Gordon River Heritage Cruise and explore Tasmania's breathtaking wilderness. Cruise through the World Heritage listed South West wilderness, visit historic sites, and enjoy a delicious lunch on-board. Book your adventure today!
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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World Heritage Cruises - 9am daily your cruise departs Strahan
Your first point of interest is Hells Gates, the narrow-channel entrance from the wild Southern Ocean to Macquarie Harbour.
Continue along the harbour to see aquaculture pens stocked with thousands of ocean trout and Atlantic salmon.
Your first stop off the boat is Sarah Island,
a one hour guided tour on the island conveys a keen appreciation of the harsh conditions at what was Tasmania’s first and perhaps most notorious penal settlement.
Step back on-board and while enjoying your lunch you will cruise slowly along the majestic Gordon River and rediscover serenity while gliding deep into the ancient rainforest. Disembark at Heritage Landing for a stroll along the boardwalk through the Unesco listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and see the hushed, lichen-covered rainforest and one of its oldest inhabitants a 2000-year-old Huon Pine tree.
Board once more and sit back and relax while you make your journey back to Strahan.
What's Included
- Gordon River rainforest boardwalk exploration
- Guidance from knowledgeable local on-board Guides
- Live commentary and historical videos curated by the skipper
- Lunch included with Main deck seating
- Exclusive Upper deck seating with lunch and morning tea
- A captivating Sarah Island Guided Tour
What's Not Included
- Drinks & Snacks can be purchased on-board
- Hotel pickup and drop-off N/A
Additional Information
Run by a local family, World Heritage Cruises is a cruise company based in the scenic and rugged west coast of Tasmania, in the town of Strahan. We offer cruises into the World Heritage accredited South West wilderness.
Board our 35-meter catamaran, the ‘Harbour Master,’ and marvel at the natural wonders and historical sites of Tasmania’s West Coast – featuring destinations like the Hells Gates, a variety of aquaculture farms, a guided tour of the Sarah Island convict settlement, and a two hour cruise down the Gordon River, where you’ll disembark for a rainforest walk in the Unesco certified World Heritage South West Wilderness.
Our cruises leave from Strahan Wharf at 9am every day, returning at 3pm. A delicious lunch, showcasing locally sourced smoked salmon, is prepared fresh on-board and is incorporated in your cruise experience.
- Infant 2-4yrs seating available in Main Deck Centre seating only
- cruises not available Christmas day or 15 July to 15 August
- Wheelchair accessible on the main deck only
- Your boarding tickets will be held at the booking office next to the vessel for collection 30 min prior to your departure
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Service animals must have identification as we are in a World Heritage area
Location
18 Esplanade
Esplanade
Check in 30 min before your cruise departure at our Booking office 18 Esplanade Strahan Wharf, our cruise vessel is located behind our office.
Boarding starts at 8.30am
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(1027 Ratings)
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Dianne_c
May 23, 2024
A wonderful day in Tassie wilderness. - The stunning scenery all day. Loved going into the Gordon River with the beautiful reflections. The history on Sarah Is was very interesting. Guides were excellent. The boat was comfortable and easy to get around. The staff and food were very good. Loved the day.
Review provided by Viator
Rosanddarryl
May 21, 2024
An amazing cruise on the Gordon river - The scenery was amazing and was only enhanced by the lovely boat and excellent crew. The food was great too!
We particularly loved the very informative and humorous tour presented by Louise on Sarah Island and Cat’s very knowledgeable tour around the heritage landing.
Thank you to all the team for the wonderful day - we will recommend to our friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertpf4029zf
May 18, 2024
5 Star experience on the Gordon/Franklin River in Strahan Tasmania - If ever you wanted to see what the Wilderness heritage is all about on the Gordon/Franklin River on the west coast of Tasmania you have to go with World Heritage Cruises (the red boat).
Their staff and Skipper have fantastic knowledge of the region and know how to entertain. Your lunch is served to your seat and you can sit next to the skipper on the bridge if you want.
The way you’re put into the environment with that knowledge and history is an unforgettable experience!
Highly recommended!! We weren’t paid or solicited in any way to post this review…it’s just that we reckon these guys need more recognition of their work!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shanem572
May 16, 2024
Outstanding cruise - This was a most enjoyable, relaxing and informative cruise through Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River. As an all in one package it could not be beaten. The boat itself is quite new and has the modern features that on would expect . The main seating was very comfortable and passengers were able to wander around the boat inside and outside at will. Morning tea and lunch were very good and satisfying. The Captain gave an excellent commentary about many of the different places and scenes visited. He even adjusted course on the way home to follow some dolphins. All of the staff were friendly and professional. The guides on Sarah Island provided an animated presentation on the history of the island. This is an amazing cruise and we wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone coming to Strahan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julielewington54
May 13, 2024
Recommend this trip - Fabulous trip. Rather wet and raining but didn't spoil it. Made you realise even more the harsh conditions for convicts on Sarah Island. Gordon River was spectacular with misty rain got some sun. Crew were great and lovely lunch included.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ynwa2013
Apr 28, 2024
History, humour, and best of all the majestic Huon Pine of Gordon River. - What an amazing day. Loved the humour of the captain and crew, but most importantly loved the chance to see and enjoy the Huon Pine wilderness.
Educational, and learnt a lot about Sarah Island and the protests.
Food was good, service excellent. Staff were funny and as much as us in awe of the magnificent wilderness, true protectors and educators of the Gordon. Thank you for making our day x
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alan_c
Apr 26, 2024
A truely “Outstanding” experience. - The whole thing was a truely wonderfull experience,the welcome on board, the new boat,the food and most of all the scenery with excellent tour guides.
Review provided by Viator
Stephen_m
Apr 23, 2024
Great River cruise experience - The Sarah Island tour, together with the rain forrest walk was an experience that we will remember for many years.
Review provided by Viator
Paddington1951
May 8, 2024
Great cruise - The views were amazing , tour was well run and thoroughly enjoyable . Would recommend, the only negative was the lunch not quite what was expected, edible but not great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elsiep654
May 5, 2024
Good value day tour - Perfect day and a wonderful cruise. The wilderness and Sarah island walks were interesting and informative and the guides were brilliant. The boat itself could have had more information given from the captain. A great day out, good value!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
