Glide past ancient rainforests as you sip Tasmanian wine and sample fine local cheeses on a Gordon River Cruise from Strahan. With a choice of seating on either a morning or afternoon departure, your six-hour cruise on the Gordon River allows plenty of time to explore Strahan and surrounding area, the gateway to Tasmania's World Heritage Area.
Highlights
- Cruise in comfort through Gordon River into Tasmania's World Heritage listed area
- Floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum viewing
- Choice of seating from the main deck Atrium seats and Window Recliners or the premier upper deck leather seating with private viewing deck
- Enjoy a buffet lunch of local Tasmanian produce
- Guided shore excursion to Sarah Island, once a convict settlement from 1822 - 1833
- Plenty of photo opportunities
Recent Photos of this Tour
-
Gordon River Cruise, ...Mouth of Gordon River Heritage area.Photo by: Kelly GUSA, 05 2008 -
Gordon River reflectionsMagnificant trees along the banks of the Gordon RiverPhoto by: Robyn LAustralia, 03 2013 -
Bonnet Island LighthouseWe cruised past this island lighthouse - as you can see the weather was beautifulPhoto by: Robyn LAustralia, 03 2013 -
JudiON board the boat enjoying the ridePhoto by: Hermann D12 2012 -
Strahan - Macquarie HarbourLady Jane Franklin II - view from EsplanadePhoto by: Ramesh R12 2012 -
Strahan - Macquarie HarbourLady Jane Franklin II - view from EsplanadePhoto by: Ramesh R12 2012 -
Pier on Sarah IslandOn Gordon River Cruise from StrahanPhoto by: Carol H11 2012 -
IMG_0471The Lighthouse at the Gates of HellPhoto by: Robert BAustralia, 02 2012 -
Sleeping Snake in the Garden ...A snake resting on an ancient Huon pinePhoto by: Maeliosa S01 2012 -
Ancient forest canopyamazing view of the sky through the treesPhoto by: Maeliosa S01 2012 -
Able Seaman Benen ...Our son Benen enjoying the breeze on the upper deck.Photo by: Maeliosa S01 2012 -
Sunset Over Ocean BeachMy husband and I went to Ocean Beach at the suggestion of the Gordon River cruise Captain. He said we would not be ...Photo by: PAULINE PAustralia, 08 2011 -
ReflectionsTaken as the cruise boat was about to turn around and head back up the Gordon River. The Captain suddenly stopped the ...Photo by: PAULINE PAustralia, 08 2011 -
Mirror Image Including SkyTaken from the cruise boat on the Gordon River.Photo by: PAULINE PAustralia, 08 2011 -
TasmaniaApl2011Atlantic Salmon Pens - Macquarie HarbourPhoto by: David B04 2011 -
TasmaniaApl2011Cruising the Gordon RiverPhoto by: David B04 2011 -
TasmaniaApl2011Gordon River - Houn PinePhoto by: David B04 2011 -
Setting SunShore visit at Sarah Island a previous convict settlement provided this superb evening lightPhoto by: Robin D04 2011 -
Lady Jane Franklin 2Our Cruise boat at the forest walk jettyPhoto by: Robin D04 2011 -
Hells GateThe entrance to the harbour was known to be most treacherousPhoto by: Robin D04 2011 -
Useful Information
Gordon River Cruise from Strahan
Come aboard the fastest, smoothest, most comfortable cruise boat on Tasmania's West Coast, Lady Jane Franklin II, to journey deep into a land lost in time. Your cruise begins in the waterfront village of Strahan, heads towards the open sea at the spectacular Hell's Gate, then crosses Macquarie Harbour to the calm lower reaches of the mighty Gordon River. In the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, marvel at the riverside rainforest, perfectly reflected in the river's waters, then take a walk into the timeless green of the forest at Heritage Landing.
At Hell's Gate, you'll feel the power of the sea and understand why mariners gave the place its name.
On Sarah Island, hear an enthralling actor tell stories of the days when convicts labored to cut logs of Huon Pine, to craft the timber into sturdy ships. The cruise ends with an early afternoon return to Strahan, in plenty of time to discover more about the town and its surroundings. Browse through the Wild Rivers Store and the Thylacine and Endangered Species Center.
Your seating options include:
- Atrium Seating - All forward seating, spacious seating with a number of styles to choose from. Includes buffet lunch
- Window Recliner - All forward seating with full length windows for exceptional views. Includes buffet lunch
- Captain's Premier Upper Deck - Luxury seating and exclusive deck space plus your own dedicated nature guide/steward. Includes fine food, wine and local Tasmanian beer. Gourmet lunch will consist of smoked salmon, ocean trout, Tasmanian game meat and a selection of Tasmanian produce including local cheeses.
Itinerary
Salmon Farm: Atlantic salmon are raised in inland hatcheries then transferred to floating pens like those in Macquarie Harbour, where they grow to market size. Commercial farming of Atlantic Salmon only began in Tasmania in the mid-1980s and is now worth more than $150 million a year. Tasmania grows the only farmed salmon in the world that does not require treatment to remove impurities.
Sarah Island: The convict settlement at Sarah Island was once Australia's most productive shipyard, turning out almost 100 vessels. The six hectare island, located in Macquarie Harbour, was a feared penal colony from 1822-33 and ruins of the settlement are still visible today. Convicts built boats from the highly prized native timber, Huon Pine. Almost 2000 prisoners, officials and military passed through the island before the settlement closed.
World Heritage Walk: Enter the eternal silence of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on a rainforest walk at Heritage Landing, beside the ancient Gordon River. Stroll through some of the world's last remaining temperate rainforest, featuring myrtles, leatherwood trees and species of native pines found only in Tasmania. A raised timber walkway leads through the damp forest to a fallen giant - a 2000-year-old Huon Pine that has fallen to the ground but continues to support new life in the form of saplings.
About the Lady Jane Franklin: The Lady Jane Franklin is a fast, quiet, spacious and environmentally designed cruise ship for the Gordon River. The hull and engine design ensure minimal impact to the pristine wilderness, whilst the interior features create the best possible experience for passengers.
We've designed everything for your pleasure and comfort - there's a play area for children, interpretive facilities including maps, photographs and guidebooks and plenty of deck space to enjoy the freshest air in the world.
With allocated seating there's no need to queue. Relax and enjoy the comfort of our dockside terminal before your cruise. You are also able to move freely about the Lady Jane, take in some of the cleanest air in the world from the open decks and return to your seat any time.
Reviewed by Gary M, May 2013
Whilst we had some rain during the cruise we were in an air conditioned craft with excellent viewing all round. Rain stopped for our two stops - Sarah Island and the rainforest - each of which were very interesting and well explained by our hosts. A must-do on any visit to Tasmania.
Reviewed by Keith D, April 2013
A brilliant experience
