Strahan, on Tasmania’s rugged west coast, is a hub for exploring untouched wilderness and fascinating history. The Gordon River and surrounding areas are so stunning that many tours feature spectacular boat journeys through ancient rainforests, past convict sites, and alongside ocean-bound islands. We love how some tours combine scenic cruising with in-depth stories, like the World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River or Gordon River with Sarah Island. These trips offer a rare chance to see Tasmania’s natural beauty and learn about its past in one relaxing day.
Beyond river cruises, Strahan also offers unique small-group explorations like the Pillinger Explorer, where you can wander historic ruins and enjoy gourmet local food, or a special evening dinner cruise that combines scenic views with Tasmanian delicacies. Whether you’re after a full-day adventure, an intimate experience, or a chance to see the rainforest at sunset, there’s something in Strahan that fits your style.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of the top tours, helping you choose the perfect way to experience this wild corner of Tasmania.
1. Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch
This 6-hour tour offers an intimate, family-owned experience exploring Tasmania’s Gordon River on a small, friendly vessel. You’ll cruise through World Heritage-listed rainforest, visiting Sarah Island, a notorious convict settlement, and walk along a rainforest boardwalk. The highlight is a delicious lunch featuring local Tasmanian produce, served on the boat.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch from a local family business, where the crew shares stories about the rainforest and the history of Sarah Island. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, detailed introduction to the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. The guided tour of Sarah Island is especially engaging, offering insights into Tasmania’s penal past. Guests often comment on the friendly service and the intimate atmosphere.
At $102 per person for this 6-hour cruise, it’s good value considering the included gourmet lunch and the personalized experience. The small size of the group ensures you won’t get lost in the crowd or miss the details that make this trip memorable.
Bottom Line: If you want a friendly, informative cruise that combines nature, history, and local flavors, this is your pick.
2. Strahan: Gordon River Cruise with Lunch & Sarah Island Walk
Ranking high with 4.8/5 stars from 315 reviews, this 6-hour cruise offers a balance of scenic beauty and storytelling. The boat itself is designed for serenity, with full-length windows to soak in the views of the Tasmanian Wilderness. The highlight is a chef-prepared buffet lunch, which guests find generous and tasty, giving you energy for the day’s explorations.
This tour is distinguished by its electric motor boat, which allows for quiet cruising — so you can truly listen to the guides and the natural sounds of the rainforest. The on-shore Sarah Island walk reveals the history of Tasmania’s most infamous penal colony. Guides are well-informed, sharing historical anecdotes and ecological insights that bring the landscape to life.
Reviewers often praise the smooth ride, delicious food, and informative guides. For $102, you get a comprehensive experience combining nature, history, and cuisine. This trip suits travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and want to indulge in local food while exploring the wilderness.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, comfortable cruise perfect for those wanting a mix of scenic views and historical storytelling.
3. Evening Dinner Cruise
At number 3, the Evening Dinner Cruise offers a 6-hour experience aboard a state-of-the-art quiet catamaran. With a 5-star rating from just 9 reviews, it’s a newer but highly acclaimed way to enjoy the Gordon River at sunset. You’ll see Hells Gates where the river meets the ocean, taste Tasmanian honey like leatherwood honey, and cruise past ancient Huon pine trees.
What makes this cruise special is the dinner experience onboard, allowing you to sample some of Tasmania’s finest produce while soaking in the river’s peaceful twilight. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories about the flora, fauna, and shipwrecks along the way. The dinner menu is curated to highlight local ingredients, and you can choose from different seating classes to suit your comfort.
Guests rave about the spectacular scenery at sunset, the delicious food, and the tranquility of the boat. The cruise operates in the evening, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a romantic or relaxing end to your day in Strahan.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and sunset seekers willing to spend a bit more for a memorable, scenic dining experience.
4. Strahan: The Pillinger Explorer Exclusive Cruise
This 5-hour small-group tour takes you to explore the historic Pillinger township and Macquarie Harbour on the Pillinger Explorer. The tour is limited to small groups, ensuring a personalized experience. You’ll visit the ruins of Pillinger, known for its coal mining past, and enjoy morning tea and a gourmet lunch made with local ingredients.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on history and scenery combined. You’ll get up close to Bonnet Island, home to a lighthouse and a penguin colony, and see the working fish farms in Macquarie Harbour. The guide shares stories about the old township’s rise and fall, making this more than just a boat ride — it’s a detailed history lesson with excellent scenery.
Guests describe it as a great experience with friendly guides and delicious food. It’s ideal if you want a more intimate, less crowded tour that combines nature, history, and local industry.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in history, wildlife, and small-group comfort, with a touch of gourmet dining.
5. The Pillinger Explorer
Offering an immersive 5-hour adventure aboard the MV Sophia, this tour crosses Macquarie Harbour to explore Pillinger’s ruins, Bonnet Island, and Reindeer Lodge. The tour includes morning tea, a guided walk of Pillinger’s historic site, and landing on Bonnet Island to see the lighthouse and penguin colony.
What makes this trip stand out is the focus on local history and wildlife, with a gourmet lunch prepared by Strahan Village chefs. Reviewers highlight the fun and informative nature of the experience, noting the friendly crew and beautiful scenery. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full-day exploration that balances history, wildlife spotting, and scenic cruising.
Given its 4.5-star rating and included lunch and morning tea, this tour offers good value for a comprehensive experience. It’s suited for those who enjoy storytelling and marine life.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history lovers and nature enthusiasts wanting an engaging, well-rounded day.
6. From Strahan: Evening Dinner Cruise on the Gordon River
This 6-hour evening cruise combines scenic beauty with fine dining, rated 4.5/5 from 8 reviews. It offers a buffet dinner as you glide through the Tasmanian Wilderness, with views of Hells Gates and the river’s wildlife. The boat’s full-length windows ensure fantastic vistas, and guides share stories about the river’s ecology and history.
Guests love the relaxed atmosphere, delicious buffet, and the spectacular sunset views. The cruise visits Sarah Island and features on-shore excursions that tell stories of Tasmania’s penal past. It’s an ideal choice for an evening escape after a day of sightseeing, especially for those who want a more intimate, dining-focused experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a scenic, relaxing dinner cruise with a focus on Tasmania’s natural and historic sites.
7. Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan
This 5-star rated, 6-hour cruise offers a full immersion into Tasmania’s wilderness and history. The boat, Spirit of the Wild, is equipped with electric motors, providing a quiet ride through the World Heritage-listed areas. You’ll see Hells Gates, explore Sarah Island, and cruise along the magnificent Gordon River.
The onboard guides share detailed stories about the region’s natural and human history. The trip includes a buffet lunch and on-shore guided walk at Sarah Island. Many reviews note the outstanding service, comfortable boat, and informative guides. The multiple seating options allow for a customized experience, making it accessible for different comfort preferences.
This cruise excels for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized experience that encompasses scenery, history, and the chance to relax in style.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a premium, detailed journey with excellent reviews and a focus on comfort and storytelling.
$105.09 per person
8. Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan
This 6-hour morning tour is ideal for those who want to start their day immersed in Tasmania’s wild beauty. The catamaran offers a comfortable, smooth ride through Hells Gates and into the Gordon River, with plenty of window space to enjoy the scenery. A guided walk on Sarah Island provides insight into Tasmania’s penal history.
The tour includes a buffet lunch, giving you a chance to relax and refuel before exploring the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park via a boardwalk tour. Known for its excellent reviews (rating 5.0 from 1,160 reviews), it is highly praised for its professional crew, delicious food, and relaxing atmosphere.
This tour suits those who like to combine scenery, history, and nature in one relaxed day, with the flexibility of choosing between different seating options.
Bottom Line: A great full-day choice for those who want a seamless, informative, and scenic experience in the morning.
$105.09 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When deciding which tour in Strahan suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If you’re after an intimate, personalized experience, the Family-Owned World Heritage Cruise offers a warm, detailed introduction. For a more comprehensive adventure that combines scenery, history, and cuisine, the Gordon River with Lunch is a solid bet.
Those looking for a special evening experience might prefer the Evening Dinner Cruise for its sunset views and fine Tasmanian dining. If your focus is history and wildlife, the Pillinger Explorer or The Pillinger Explorer are excellent choices, especially for small-group comfort and gourmet meals.
Finally, the full-day morning cruise (Morning World Heritage Cruise) is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, relaxed introduction to the area, with excellent reviews backing it.
Think about how much time you have, your interest in history versus scenery, and whether you prefer a more intimate or larger-group tour. Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season.
Final Thoughts
Strahan offers a diverse array of tours that showcase Tasmania’s wilderness and history with authenticity. Whether you opt for a scenic river cruise, a small-group historical exploration, or an evening dining experience, each trip provides a unique window into this wild corner of Australia.
Two standout options are the Gordon River Cruise with Lunch for its combination of comfort, scenery, and storytelling, and the Morning World Heritage Cruise for its rave reviews and comprehensive experience. For those seeking a more intimate, exclusive adventure, the Pillinger Explorer is an excellent pick. No matter your style, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable adventures in Strahan.