Strahan (pronounced "Strawn") is a tiny harbour town on Tasmania's wild west coast, sitting on the shores of Macquarie Harbour - a vast expanse of water six times the size of Sydney Harbour. It is the gateway to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and the wider Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and the departure point for the Gordon River cruise - one of Tasmania's most popular and memorable experiences. Strahan has a fascinating convict history, a thriving aquaculture industry, and an atmosphere of splendid isolation.
Getting There
Strahan is about 4.5 hours northwest of Hobart and 3 hours southwest of Devonport. The drive from Cradle Mountain takes about 2 hours via Queenstown. There is no public transport. The road through Queenstown is one of Tasmania's most dramatic drives - descending through the bare, mineral-stained hills of the former mining landscape. Small charter flights also operate to Strahan's airstrip.
Gordon River Cruise
The Gordon River cruise is the essential Strahan experience - a full-day or half-day journey from Strahan harbour through the narrow entrance of Hells Gates and into the mirror-still waters of the lower Gordon River, surrounded by ancient temperate rainforest.
- World Heritage Cruise (Gordon River Cruises): The flagship full-day cruise departs at 8:30am and returns around 2:30pm. The cruise passes through Hells Gates (the treacherous harbour entrance), stops at Heritage Landing for a guided walk through Huon pine rainforest, visits Sarah Island (a brutal convict settlement), and glides up the Gordon River through some of the most pristine wilderness on Earth. From $145 per adult (premium upper-deck seating available).
- Sarah Island: Once the most feared convict settlement in the British Empire, Sarah Island was a place of extreme punishment. Convicts were worked in appalling conditions building ships from the surrounding Huon pine forests. The guided tours of the island ruins are fascinating and confronting.
- Huon Pines: The ancient Huon pine trees along the Gordon River are among the oldest living organisms on Earth - some are over 2,000 years old. These slow-growing conifers are unique to Tasmania and produce a golden, aromatic timber prized for boatbuilding.
Hells Gates
Hells Gates is the narrow and treacherous entrance to Macquarie Harbour - just 70 metres wide, with strong currents and unpredictable conditions. Convicts named it because passing through meant they were entering "hell" - the brutal penal settlement on Sarah Island. The Gordon River cruise passes through Hells Gates, and the contrast between the wild ocean and the calm harbour is remarkable.
The Ship That Never Was
Every evening at 5:30pm on the Strahan waterfront, a community theatre group performs "The Ship That Never Was" - a dramatisation of the true story of the last ship built at Sarah Island's convict shipyard. The convicts built the ship, then stole it and sailed to freedom in South America. It's a fun, interactive show performed by locals. Free, with donations appreciated.
Other Activities
- West Coast Wilderness Railway: A restored heritage railway running from Queenstown to Strahan through wild rainforest and along the King River gorge. The railway was originally built to service the Mount Lyell copper mine. The journey takes 4 hours one way. From $119.
- Ocean Beach: A vast, wild surf beach stretching 33km north from Strahan. The beach is exposed to the Roaring Forties - powerful winds that cross the Southern Ocean from South America. The sunsets are spectacular, but swimming is dangerous due to strong currents.
- Bonnet Island Penguins: An evening tour to see little penguins returning to their burrows on Bonnet Island in Macquarie Harbour. From $55.
Where to Eat
- View 42 (Strahan Village): The best restaurant in Strahan, with harbour views and modern Tasmanian cuisine. The local seafood (ocean trout, crayfish) is excellent. Mains $32-46.
- Risby Cove: Waterfront restaurant with a focus on local produce. Mains $28-40.
- Bushman's Bar & Cafe: Casual meals, pizzas, and local beers. A relaxed spot for an evening drink.
- Strahan Fish & Chips: Simple but excellent fresh fish on the waterfront.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Strahan Holiday Retreat (cabins and camping in the bush), West Coast Cabin Park.
- Mid-Range: Strahan Village (the main accommodation complex in town with waterfront rooms, hilltop rooms, and heritage cottages. From $160), Risby Cove (waterfront studios and apartments).
- Luxury: Pumphouse Point (a world-renowned boutique hotel built over Lake St Clair, about 2 hours from Strahan but worth the detour. From $450), Gordon Gateway Chalet.
Practical Tips
- Weather: Strahan and the west coast receive some of the highest rainfall in Australia. Rain is possible (even likely) at any time of year. The Gordon River cruise operates in almost all weather conditions, but bring waterproofs and warm layers. Summer averages 12-20°C; winter 4-12°C. - When to visit: December to March offers the best weather and longest daylight, but the west coast is spectacular in moody weather too. The rainforest looks even more magical in the mist. - Booking: The Gordon River cruise should be booked in advance during peak season (December-February). Morning departures offer the calmest river conditions for the best mirror reflections. - Fuel & supplies: Strahan has a small supermarket and fuel station, but stock up before arriving. The drive to the next major town (Queenstown) is 40 minutes.
AUBIS Tip
: Strahan is one of Tasmania's must-visit destinations. Use AUBIS to book the Gordon River cruise (morning departure for the best conditions), add "The Ship That Never Was" evening performance, and schedule the penguin tour at Bonnet Island. Combine with Cradle Mountain (2 hours north) for a complete western Tasmania wilderness experience.