The Pillinger Explorer

The Pillinger Explorer: An Authentic and Scenic Day in Strahan

If you’re visiting Strahan and want a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and relaxed luxury, the Pillinger Explorer offers a compelling choice. For around $177 per person, you’ll spend approximately five hours aboard the MV Sophia, cruising across Macquarie Harbour. The tour takes you to fascinating historical sites like Pillinger’s old township, along with picturesque stops on Bonnet Island and a scenic look at the Hells Gates, the narrow strait that has historically guarded the harbor.

One of the most appealing aspects of this experience is the way it combines storytelling and natural beauty. We especially appreciated the guided walk through the Pillinger ruins, which brought to life the stories of a bygone era. Plus, the gourmet lunch prepared by Strahan Village chefs truly elevates the experience—this isn’t just a sightseeing cruise but a well-rounded day of exploration and comfort.

A potential consideration is that the tour is limited to 10 travelers, which means it’s quite intimate but also requires booking well in advance—about 73 days on average. While there’s no included hotel pickup, the meeting point at Gordon River Cruises in Strahan is easily accessible if you’re staying nearby.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and gourmet food with a small-group feel. It’s perfect for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, picturesque settings, and a personal touch—especially if you’re interested in learning about the area’s maritime past while enjoying a relaxing day afloat.

Key Points

• Historical immersion with guided walks through Pillinger ruins
• Stunning vistas of Ocean Beach, Hells Gates, and rainforest surroundings
• Gourmet lunch prepared by Strahan Village chefs, adding value
• Small-group experience with a maximum of 10 travelers for personalized attention
• Well-organized itinerary with highlights like Bonnet Island lighthouse and penguin colony
• Excellent reviews praising the guides, scenery, and overall experience

What to Expect from the Pillinger Explorer

The Pillinger Explorer delivers a well-balanced blend of history, natural beauty, and leisure. Starting at Gordon River Cruises in Strahan, you’ll board the MV Sophia around 9:00am. The boat is comfortable and designed for smooth cruising, making the journey pleasant even if you’re prone to seasickness. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the crew’s knowledge makes the experience richer.

The Pillinger Stop: Uncovering the Past

The first stop is Pillinger, where you’ll enjoy morning tea before a guided walk through the ruins. These remnants tell stories of a once-thriving settlement linked to the area’s gold rush era. The interpretive walk offers insights into the lives of early settlers, making it more than just wandering through old buildings — it’s about understanding the stories behind the stones. This stop lasts about an hour, and the admission is free, making it accessible and straightforward.

Reindeer Lodge: A Water View Snapshot

Next, the boat glides past Reindeer Lodge, where you’ll get a chance to see it from the water. While the visit here is only about 20 minutes and no extra cost, the views are stunning. It’s a quick photo stop, but it provides a lovely perspective on the surrounding landscape and the historical relevance of the lodge, which is still a notable landmark in the area.

Bonnet Island: Lighthouses and Penguins

The highlight for many is the ashore visit to Bonnet Island. Here, you’ll hear tales of the lighthouse keeper and his family, adding a human element to the scenery. The views of Ocean Beach and the surrounding coastline are breathtaking. The island is also home to a charming penguin colony, which makes for a delightful sight—especially if you’re visiting during penguin season. The stop lasts about 15 minutes and includes free admission.

Hells Gates and the Engineering Marvel: The Training Wall

As the cruise approaches Hells Gates, you’ll marvel at the engineering feat of the Training Wall, constructed to stabilize the entrance of Macquarie Harbour. This section is both a scenic marvel and a reminder of the area’s maritime significance. The narrow strait has historically posed a challenge for navigation, and seeing it from the water offers a tangible connection to the area’s rugged maritime history.

Gourmet Lunch and Refreshments

No experience is complete without good food, and here, you’ll enjoy a chef-prepared gourmet lunch. The menu, as praised in reviews, is delicious and elevates the day beyond a simple cruise. Throughout the tour, morning tea, snacks, and beverages (including wine, soda, coffee, and tea) are available. This all-inclusive approach means you won’t be reaching for your wallet during the cruise, making it excellent value.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other boat trips in the region, the Pillinger Explorer stands out for its inclusions—small group size, guided interpretation, gourmet lunch, and interesting stops. While the price of approximately $176.56 might seem steep for a half-day cruise, the quality of the experience justifies it. You’re paying for a well-crafted, intimate tour with knowledgeable guides, scenic vistas, and tasty fare.

The reviews reinforce this value: travelers mention the great crew, delicious lunch, and engaging storytelling. One reviewer, Leon_H, summed it up as a “great experience” with “learning about the history” and praised the morning tea, lunch, and wine.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book early: With an average booking window of 73 days, ensure you reserve your spot well in advance, especially if visiting in peak season.
• Prepare for the weather: The tour is outdoors, and weather can vary. Bring layers, sun protection, or rain gear as appropriate.
• No hotel pickup: You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at Gordon River Cruises in Strahan.
• Limited spots: The tour caps at 10 travelers, so flexibility in dates is limited but ensures a more personalized experience.
• Consider dietary needs: The gourmet lunch is included, but if you have special dietary requirements, check in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who:

• Appreciate small-group tours with personalized attention
• Want a mix of history, scenery, and good food
• Are comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor conditions
• Desire an authentic storytelling experience, not just sightseeing
• Enjoy scenic cruises that combine natural beauty with cultural insights

It’s particularly suitable for those who love learning about local history and want to see the wild coastline and lighthouses up close. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or a partner who enjoys a relaxed, educational day out, this tour could be a memorable highlight.

The Bottom Line

The Pillinger Explorer strikes a lovely balance between scenic cruising, historical storytelling, and culinary delight. Its small-group dynamic means you’ll get a more tailored experience, and the stops at Pillinger and Bonnet Island add a personal touch to the natural beauty. The inclusion of a gourmet lunch and drinks makes it an excellent value for a half-day tour.

While it’s a bit pricier than some other options, the quality of guide-led interpretation, the intimate atmosphere, and the stunning views justify the cost—especially if you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic taste of Tasmania’s maritime past.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who value storytelling, scenery, and comfort in a small-group setting. If you’re after a memorable, educational, and scenic experience in Strahan, the Pillinger Explorer should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 9:00am and returning to the meeting point in Strahan.

What does the tour include?
It includes a guided walk, visits to Pillinger ruins, Bonnet Island, and Hells Gates, a gourmet lunch, morning tea, snacks, and beverages like wine, soda, coffee, and tea. No hotel pickup is included.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour has a cap of 10 travelers, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations cannot be refunded.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if you’re bringing children for suitability.

What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and perhaps a camera. The tour is outdoors, so dress accordingly.

Is there any special equipment needed?
No special equipment is required, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

What is the best time to book?
Booking well in advance—about 2-3 months—is advisable, especially during peak seasons or holidays.

To sum it up, the Pillinger Explorer offers a delightful mix of sun, history, and gourmet treats in a comfortable, small-group setting. It’s perfect for those who love stories as much as scenery and are eager to learn about Tasmania’s maritime past while enjoying a laid-back cruise. If you’re after an authentic, well-rounded day out in Strahan, this tour deserves a serious look.