Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

The river goes quiet here. The Gordon River Cruise from Strahan takes you through one of Tasmania’s most protected wilderness areas, with Hells Gates, Sarah Island, rainforest views, and a chef-prepared lunch packed into a six-hour morning. I like the electric quiet-cruising system, which lets you hear the river instead of a roaring engine. I also like the allocated seating, since you can board without fighting for a window seat.

The main consideration is weather. On a wet, windy day, windows can fog or become hard to see through, and the outdoor decks may feel cold. That matters here because the scenery is the heart of the trip. At about $111.17 per person for the standard experience, this is good value if you get clear views and enjoy guided history as much as scenery.

Gordon River Cruise: Key Points

• Quiet electric cruising: Spirit of the Wild switches to electric motors on the Gordon River, creating a calm soundscape for forest and water views.
• Hells Gates entrance: See the narrow opening where Macquarie Harbour meets the Southern Ocean, a passage only about 80 metres wide.
• Sarah Island history: Walk ashore at a former convict penal settlement and watch a live presentation about its harsh past and shipbuilding work.
• Three seating levels: Choose among main-deck seating options or pay more for the Premier Upper Deck.
• Chef-prepared lunch: Morning cruises include a buffet lunch, with vegetarian choices available.
• Six hours on Tasmania’s west coast: The cruise leaves Strahan at 8:00 am and returns to the same terminal.

Why This Cruise Matters in Strahan

Strahan is not simply a departure point. It sits beside Macquarie Harbour, a huge waterway on Tasmania’s west coast, where the Gordon River runs into an area protected as part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A boat is one of the most practical ways to see this country. Roads do not reach the river’s quieter upper sections.

I like that the cruise combines two very different Tasmanian stories. The first is natural: dark water, rainforest, open harbour, and silence. The second is human: Sarah Island, convict labour, shipbuilding, and the hard life of a penal settlement. You get more than a scenic boat ride, but the scenery remains the main event.

Spirit of the Wild is a spacious catamaran built for this route. Its hybrid propulsion system allows quiet running on the Gordon River, while the environmentally designed hull aims to reduce impact on the wilderness. Inside, you’ll find maps, photographs, guidebooks, interpretation areas, and large windows. There is also plenty of deck space, including a 360-degree viewing deck at the top.

The boat can carry up to 190 people, though the number aboard may vary. That capacity gives the cruise a well-organised feel, but it also means the upper decks and outdoor viewing areas can become busy on a full departure.

Boarding at 8:00 am in Strahan

You meet at 24 Esplanade in Strahan, beside the Gordon River Cruises terminal. The cruise ends at this same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Allocated seating is a small but important advantage. You do not need to rush aboard to claim the best chair, and the seating arrangement helps keep boarding calm. Standard passengers choose among three seating levels on the main deck. The Premier Upper Deck costs more, but it adds a more spacious, higher position and includes drinks.

The basic fare is about $111.17 per person, though the exact amount depends on the selected seating category. One review described an upper-deck package at $350, so check the price carefully before paying. The difference is substantial. If you mainly want the river and Sarah Island, standard seating offers the stronger value. If you want extra service, drinks, and a higher viewing position, the premium option may suit you.

The boat has restrooms onboard, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the terminal is near public transport. The experience is suitable for families and older visitors, though you should be comfortable moving around the boat and walking at Sarah Island.

Hells Gates and Macquarie Harbour

The cruise begins across Macquarie Harbour, heading toward Hells Gates. The name is dramatic, but the geography explains it. At the entrance, the harbour meets the Southern Ocean through a narrow opening of about 80 metres.

Early sailors considered the passage dangerous, and the confined gap gives the place a stern, exposed feeling. This is a quick scenic and historical stop rather than a long shore visit. You remain aboard, taking in the opening from the water and listening to the onboard commentary.

Macquarie Harbour also gives you a broad contrast with the Gordon River. The harbour feels open and windswept. Later, the river becomes quieter and more enclosed. If the weather is rough, this first section can feel cooler and less comfortable on deck, so keep a warm jacket handy even on a mild-looking morning.

The cruise also passes trout and salmon farms. These provide a glimpse of modern industry within the wider setting, a useful reminder that this is not an untouched fantasy world. It is a working region beside a protected one.

The Quiet Gordon River Section

The change in mood comes when Spirit of the Wild reaches the Gordon River. The electric motors reduce engine noise, and the river begins to feel almost still. I like this part best because the quiet changes how you experience the place. You hear the guide, the water, and the wind rather than constant machinery.

The forest beside the river is the star. Tall rainforest and dark water create the mirror reflections that many people hope to see. Clear weather helps, but even a dull day can work well here because the commentary and stillness carry much of the experience.

You can watch through the floor-to-ceiling windows or step outside onto the decks. The windows offer shelter and a steady view, especially when the wind picks up. The outdoor decks offer fresher air and a wider sense of the river, but they can be cold and windy. Bring a warm jacket if you plan to spend much time outside.

Bad weather is the main risk. In heavy rain or mist, the windows may become difficult to see through, and the views can fade. This is not a small issue on a scenery-based cruise. The operator may cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund, but ordinary dull or wet conditions may still mean the cruise goes ahead with limited visibility.

The dedicated guides help fill that gap. Maps, photographs, and guidebooks inside the vessel give you context as you travel, and the commentary explains the river’s importance rather than leaving you to stare at trees without knowing what you are seeing.

Sarah Island and the Convict Story

Sarah Island is the most substantial shore stop. You spend about an hour on the island, where a guide leads you through the remains and tells the story of one of Tasmania’s harshest convict settlements.

The penal colony operated during the 1820s and 1830s. Its remote location, difficult conditions, and reputation made it one of the places convicts feared most. The island was not only a prison site. It was also an important shipyard, where convicts built boats.

That detail gives the stop more depth. Sarah Island was part of a larger colonial system that relied on forced labour, timber, transport, and shipbuilding. You are not just looking at old ruins. You are learning how an isolated settlement supported activity across the harbour and coast.

The presentation is theatrical as well as historical. That makes the story easier to follow, especially for families, but it may feel more performed than a quiet museum talk. One guide named Dave received especially strong praise for his presentation, with his delivery described as entertaining and informative.

The walk is relatively short, but you should wear practical shoes and be ready for uneven ground. The stop is a highlight for anyone interested in Australian history. If you mainly want a peaceful nature cruise, Sarah Island changes the pace, but the contrast is useful.

Lunch, Drinks, and Onboard Comfort

Morning departures include a chef-prepared buffet lunch. The meal is more than a token sandwich, and vegetarian options are available. Several comments singled out the food as a strong part of the day, with a good range and efficient service for a large group.

Food service matters on a six-hour cruise. You are away from Strahan for most of the morning and early afternoon, and a proper meal means you do not need to carry a packed lunch. Staff move people through the buffet in an organised way, helping prevent a long queue from taking over the trip.

Drinks are handled differently by seating category. On the main deck, drinks are not included, though there is a cash bar. The Premier Upper Deck includes drinks, making the upgrade partly about convenience as well as seating. If you choose standard seating, bring payment for anything you want from the bar.

The boat itself is reported to be clean, tidy, and comfortable. Hostesses and crew receive frequent praise for friendly service and clear information. The main deck is the sensible choice if you want the core experience without paying for extras. The upper deck makes more sense for a special occasion or if drinks and a higher viewing position matter to you.

How to Choose Your Seat

You have three seating levels on the main deck, plus the Premier Upper Deck. Since seats are allocated, the choice should be made when booking rather than left to chance.

For most people, main-deck seating is enough. You still get large windows, access to outdoor decks, commentary, lunch, and the Gordon River. A review from a quieter departure noted that the middle main deck provided a good experience at a lower cost.

The Premier Upper Deck gives you a more polished outing. It includes drinks and a higher position, and one review described it as a worthwhile way to see the harbour when the price was acceptable. Still, the upgrade is not essential for understanding Sarah Island or enjoying the river.

My advice is simple: choose standard seating if this is part of a longer Tasmania trip and you are watching your budget. Choose Premier Upper Deck if this is a major occasion, you want drinks included, or you prefer paying for extra comfort rather than saving money.

What the Six Hours Feel Like

The full experience lasts about six hours. The Gordon River portion takes roughly three hours, Sarah Island about one hour, and the final terminal stop about 15 minutes. The remaining time covers boarding, movement across Macquarie Harbour, lunch, commentary, and the return trip.

This is a full half-day commitment, not a quick sightseeing loop. You have enough time to settle into the scenery, but the day will feel long if you dislike boats or guided commentary.

The return to Strahan includes complimentary tastings of local produce at the Gordon River Cruises terminal. You can also browse souvenirs and gifts before heading out into the Strahan waterfront area. It is a gentle finish, though the tasting stop is brief and should not be treated as a separate food tour.

Weather, Crowds, and Practical Advice

Pack a warm jacket. This is the most useful advice for the trip, even if Strahan looks mild when you leave. The outer decks can be cold and windy, and the weather on the harbour may not match conditions in town.

Keep expectations realistic on wet days. The operator requires good weather for the cruise, but mist, rain, or low cloud can still affect visibility during a departure that runs. If your schedule allows, avoid placing the cruise on the last possible day of your stay.

The maximum capacity is 190 people. A full boat will feel busier than a quiet departure, especially around the buffet and outdoor viewing areas. Allocated seats reduce the stress of boarding, and the spacious catamaran helps, but this remains a popular group excursion rather than a private wilderness outing.

The cruise has a 96 percent recommendation rate and a 4.8 rating from 1,578 reviews. Those figures point to very consistent satisfaction, especially for the crew, food, organisation, commentary, cleanliness, and scenery. The repeated praise is useful because these are the parts of the day the operator can control.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see the Gordon River without arranging a difficult independent journey. It suits families, older visitors, couples, and anyone who likes a blend of nature and history.

It is especially good for:

• First-time visitors to western Tasmania
• People interested in convict history and colonial shipbuilding
• Families wanting a structured full-day outing
• Visitors who prefer comfortable transport over rougher outdoor activities
• Anyone who wants a World Heritage wilderness experience with expert commentary

I would hesitate if your main goal is complete solitude. A boat carrying up to 190 people cannot replicate being alone in the forest. I would also hesitate if your schedule cannot tolerate poor visibility, since the views are central to the price.

Cancellation is free up to three full days before departure. Later changes are not accepted and the payment is not refunded. If the operator cancels because of weather or insufficient numbers, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Gordon River Cruise?

Yes, if you have a day in Strahan and want the easiest, most informative way to reach the Gordon River. The quiet electric section, Sarah Island presentation, helpful crew, and included lunch make the standard fare good value at about $111.17, provided the weather cooperates.

Choose the Premier Upper Deck only if you will use the included drinks and want the added comfort. Otherwise, keep the money for another Tasmania experience and enjoy the main deck.

Book it with a warm jacket, flexible weather expectations, and enough time to appreciate both sides of the trip: the silent river and the difficult human story of Sarah Island. That combination is what makes this more than a boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the Gordon River Cruise depart?

It departs from 24 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania 7468, Australia.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 8:00 am.

How long does the experience take?

The full experience lasts approximately six hours.

What is included in the morning cruise?

The morning cruise includes a chef-prepared buffet lunch, dedicated onboard guides, restrooms, and quiet electric cruising on the Gordon River.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are included if you book the Premier Upper Deck. Main-deck passengers can purchase drinks from the cash bar.

Does the cruise visit Sarah Island?

Yes. You spend about one hour at Sarah Island, including a guided presentation about its convict settlement and shipbuilding history.

Is outdoor viewing available?

Yes. Spirit of the Wild has deck space, including a 360-degree viewing deck at the top of the vessel. A warm jacket is recommended because the decks can be cold and windy.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least three full days before the experience start time. If poor weather or insufficient numbers cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.