Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

The best part of this six-hour trip is the quiet run up the Gordon River. Spirit of the Wild switches to electric motors in the World Heritage wilderness, letting you hear the water and forest instead of a steady engine roar. You’ll also visit Sarah Island, where a lively presentation brings Tasmania’s convict past into focus.

I like the allocated seating, which removes the usual scramble for a good window seat, and the excellent mix of scenery, history, and lunch. I also like having several viewing levels, including a 360-degree deck, so you can move outside when the weather behaves.

The main caution is weather. Western Tasmania is often cool, wet, and windy, and poor conditions can blur the view through the large windows. Bring a warm jacket, and think carefully before paying extra for premium seating if the forecast looks rough.

Key points to know before you book

• Electric-powered river cruising: Spirit of the Wild uses hybrid propulsion and switches to quiet electric motors on the Gordon River.
• Hells Gates in Macquarie Harbour: The cruise passes through an opening only about 80 metres wide, where the harbour meets the Southern Ocean.
• Sarah Island history: A guided visit covers the former penal colony and its convict-built shipyard.
• Chef-prepared buffet lunch: Morning departures include lunch, with vegetarian choices available.
• Several seating levels: Choose among three Main Deck seating areas or the Premier Upper Deck.
• Six hours from Strahan: The boat leaves at 8:00 am and returns to the same waterfront terminal.

A quiet way into western Tasmania

The Gordon River is not a quick sightseeing boat ride. It is a full morning and afternoon outing through one of Tasmania’s most protected areas, with enough time to slow down and watch the forested shore.

You leave from 24 Esplanade in Strahan at 8:00 am. The vessel, Spirit of the Wild, is a spacious catamaran built for Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. Its large windows keep the scenery visible from inside, while open decks give you fresh air and a better chance to take photographs.

The electric motors are the clever part. Once the boat reaches the Gordon River, the quiet cruising mode reduces the mechanical noise. That matters here. The appeal is not only the destination, but the change in mood as the water becomes still and the forest takes over.

You can hear the guides explain the river, the harbour, and the surrounding wilderness. Maps, photographs, and guidebooks inside the boat help put the scenery into context. You are not left to guess what you are looking at.

The vessel can carry up to 190 people, but allocated seats make boarding calmer than an open scramble for space. You can settle in, keep your place, and move to the deck when you want a different view.

Hells Gates and the wide waters of Macquarie Harbour

The first major sight is Hells Gates, the narrow entrance between Macquarie Harbour and the Southern Ocean. The opening is about 80 metres wide, which is surprisingly small for the only sea passage into this huge inland waterway.

The name came from early sailors who had to approach the entrance carefully. Strong currents, shallow water, and the exposed southern coast made the passage difficult. From the boat, you can see why this narrow gap mattered so much to ships entering or leaving the harbour.

The harbour then opens out as Spirit of the Wild crosses toward the lower Gordon River. Along the way, you pass trout and salmon farms and the waterfront rainforest. The scale changes quickly. Hells Gates feels exposed and maritime; the Gordon River feels enclosed, quiet, and almost cut off from the outside world.

This section is best enjoyed from the outside deck if the weather allows. On a clear day, the open air helps you take in the distance and the reflections. On a cold or wet day, the indoor seating is a sensible choice. The windows are large, but heavy rain can still make them difficult to see through. One passenger specifically found the lack of clear visibility in poor weather frustrating, so do not assume the windows will solve every weather problem.

The Gordon River under electric motors

The Gordon River is the heart of the trip. Spirit of the Wild moves quietly under electric power, allowing the boat to travel through the World Heritage wilderness with far less engine noise.

I like this part because it gives the river room to speak for itself. The dark water, rainforest, and reflections create a slower kind of sightseeing. You may find yourself paying attention to small changes in the river rather than waiting for one dramatic viewpoint.

The guide commentary adds useful detail without making the cruise feel like a lecture. You hear stories about the river and the wilderness while the boat moves at an easy pace. This combination of sound and silence is one reason the experience feels different from a standard harbour cruise.

If the water is calm, the reflections are a major attraction. A dull day can still work well here because the river has its own atmosphere. Bright sunshine may produce better photographs, but overcast conditions can bring out the deep greens and dark tones of the rainforest.

You can spend part of the cruise inside near the floor-to-ceiling windows, then head to the deck for a closer look. Spirit of the Wild has plenty of deck space, including a top-level 360-degree viewing deck. The upper deck is especially useful when you want a wider view across Macquarie Harbour, though wind can make it uncomfortable.

Bring a warm jacket even if Strahan feels mild when you leave. The boat’s speed, open water, and exposed viewing areas can make the air feel much colder than it does on shore.

Sarah Island puts the scenery into context

Sarah Island is more than a short stop for a walk. It explains why this remote part of Tasmania became important during the convict era.

The island was a penal colony in the 1820s and 1830s, known for its harsh conditions and difficult location. The guided presentation uses the remains and setting of the island to tell the story. The history is not presented as a collection of dates only. It focuses on the people sent there, the work they performed, and the way the island operated.

One especially interesting detail is the shipyard. Convicts built boats on Sarah Island, turning the penal settlement into an important place for shipbuilding in early Australia. That fact gives the island more depth than the usual prison ruins story.

The visit lasts about an hour. You should expect walking on an exposed historic site, so practical shoes and warm clothing are wise. The island stop breaks up the cruise and gives you a chance to move around after sitting on the boat.

The presentation is theatrical as well as informative. Dave, one of the guides praised for his Sarah Island presentation, is known for making the story entertaining as well as clear. The tone suits the subject: direct, human, and occasionally surprising.

Sarah Island may be the strongest part of the day if you enjoy history. If you mainly want uninterrupted scenery, the shore visit does take time away from the river. For most people, that trade is worthwhile because the island gives meaning to the region and prevents the cruise from becoming scenery without context.

Lunch and the three seating levels

The morning cruise includes a chef-prepared buffet lunch. Vegetarian choices are available, and the meal is served in a way that moves people through efficiently rather than turning lunch into a long delay.

Food is included in the standard experience, but drinks are not. Main Deck passengers can purchase drinks at the cash bar. The Premier Upper Deck includes drinks, which is one reason its price is higher.

You choose a seating category when booking. The Main Deck has three seating levels, while the Premier Upper Deck offers a more premium setup. The standard fare is listed at $111.17 per person, but the final cost depends on the seating choice. One passenger described paying about $350 for the Premier Upper Deck, so check the exact category and price before committing.

Is the upgrade worthwhile? It depends on how you use the boat. If you want included drinks, a more special setting, and a quieter premium experience, the upper deck may suit you. If your main aim is to see the river, the standard seating may be the better value. You still have the large windows, outside decks, commentary, lunch, and Sarah Island visit.

Allocated seats are a practical advantage at every level. You do not need to board early just to claim a window. You can enjoy lunch, step outside, and return to your own place.

Is six hours too long?

Six hours is a substantial amount of time, but the schedule is broken into clear sections:

• About three hours are assigned to the Gordon River cruise.
• Sarah Island takes about one hour, including the guided presentation and walk.
• The remaining time covers Macquarie Harbour, Hells Gates, lunch, commentary, boarding, and the return journey.

The boat has restrooms, and most people can take part. Service animals are allowed, and the departure point is near public transportation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the Strahan terminal.

The length works best if you enjoy a slow pace. This is not a quick photo stop followed by a bus ride. You spend several hours on the water, with time to sit quietly, listen to the guide, eat lunch, and move between indoor and outdoor areas.

For families, the variety helps. Children can look for views from the decks, eat lunch, and then stretch their legs on Sarah Island. Older passengers may appreciate the comfortable boat, allocated seats, onboard restroom, and limited need to change vehicles.

The main drawback is that the day depends on the weather. If rain or wind keeps you inside, the scenery may be harder to see and the open deck may be unpleasant. The company requires good weather and may offer another date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation.

What you get for the price

At $111.17 per person, the standard fare covers a lot: a six-hour cruise, a World Heritage wilderness setting, quiet electric cruising, onboard guides, a guided Sarah Island visit, lunch, and return transport by boat to Strahan.

That makes the base price reasonable for a full-day activity in a remote area. You are not paying only for a scenic ride. The cost also covers the vessel, crew, interpretation, food, and access to Sarah Island.

The value becomes less clear when you move to premium seating. An upper-deck package can cost far more than the advertised base fare. It may be a good choice for a special occasion, particularly if drinks and a more private-feeling space matter to you. But I would not treat it as essential for seeing the river.

Your best value comes from choosing standard seating, bringing warm clothing, and spending time on the outdoor decks when the conditions are good. You get the central experience without paying mainly for extras.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want to combine nature and history in one outing. It suits people who enjoy quiet scenery, guided interpretation, and a relaxed timetable rather than constant activity.

It is also a good choice for a first visit to Strahan. Hells Gates introduces the maritime setting, the Gordon River provides the wilderness experience, and Sarah Island explains the area’s convict past. You get a useful sense of western Tasmania in one day.

Families and older visitors should find the format manageable because the boat has seating, restrooms, lunch, and allocated places. Most people can participate, though the Sarah Island stop involves leaving the boat and walking around the historic site.

You may want to skip it if you dislike boat trips, need guaranteed clear views in all weather, or prefer a short, highly active excursion. Rain and wind can change the feel of the day, and the cruise cannot control the weather.

The trip has a 96 percent recommendation rate and a 4.8 rating from 1,578 reviews, which fits the main strengths: friendly crew, good commentary, tidy facilities, solid lunch, and a well-organized schedule. The most consistent praise goes to the staff and the quiet Gordon River section. The clearest criticism concerns visibility in bad weather and the high cost of premium seating.

The return to Strahan

After Sarah Island and the return cruise, the boat arrives back at the Gordon River Cruises terminal in Strahan. You can sample local produce, browse gifts, and spend a little time by the waterfront before continuing your day.

That final stop is brief, about 15 minutes, but it is a pleasant end to a long outing. It gives you a chance to buy something small or taste local products without adding another major activity to the schedule.

Book at least three full days before departure if you want the option of a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. If the minimum number of passengers is not reached, or if bad weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Gordon River Cruise?

Yes, if you are staying in Strahan and want the area’s main natural and historic sights in one well-run day. The quiet electric cruising is the special feature, while Sarah Island gives the scenery a human story.

Choose Main Deck seating for the best balance of cost and experience. Consider the Premier Upper Deck only if included drinks and a premium setting are worth a much higher fare to you. Check the forecast, pack a warm jacket, and keep your expectations realistic about visibility in wet weather.

For most visitors to western Tasmania, this is a worthwhile use of six hours. It is calm, informative, and full of details you would miss from shore.

FAQ

How long is the Gordon River Cruise from Strahan?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. The morning departure is at 8:00 am, and the boat returns to the meeting point in Strahan.

What is included in the cruise?

The experience includes the Gordon River cruise, quiet electric cruising on the river, dedicated onboard guides, a chef-prepared buffet lunch, the Sarah Island visit, and an onboard restroom.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included for Main Deck passengers, though a cash bar is available. Drinks are included if you travel on the Premier Upper Deck.

Where does the cruise depart?

The departure point is 24 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania 7468. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What happens at Sarah Island?

You leave the boat for a guided visit to the former convict penal colony. The presentation covers the island’s history during the 1820s and 1830s, including its role as a shipyard where convicts built boats.

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. Cancellations or changes made less than three full days before departure are not refunded or accepted.