Strahan

Attractions:

Gordon River

The dark waters of the Gordon flow through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area before quietly entering Macquarie Harbour. Cruise boats from Strahan explore several kilometres into the rivers wide, calm lower reaches, with their often perfect reflections of riverside rainforest. Disembark at Heritage Landing and follow a short boardwalk track to see ancient Huon pines.
 

Lake Macintosh

Tullah, 80 km north of Strahan on the Lyell Highway (A10), is the best starting point for boating and fishing activities on the hydro storage Lake Macintosh. There are excellent lakeside picnic and barbecue areas, with camping and accommodation.
 

Sarah Island Historic Site

In the remote reaches of Macquarie Harbour, Sarah Island was once a feared penal settlement where convicts laboured under harsh conditions in the rainforest, felling Huon pines. Today the convict ruins give a chilling insight into the cruelties of convict life. A walking track links important sites. The best way to visit the site is via World heritage Cruises, Gordon River Cruises, West Coast Yacht Charters, Strahan marine Charters or your own vessel.
 

West Coast Wilderness Railway ("Apt Railway")

Winner of the 2004 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, Significant regional attractions Discover one of the World’s great railway journeys. The historic 35 kilometre railway of tight curves and spectacular bridges clambers through rugged wilderness, dense rainforest and steep gorges, a legacy to the engineering skills, determination and endurance of the early 19th century West Coast pioneers who built it - their spirit is reflected in the original railway motto “We find a way or make it”. Since 1896, the railway has hauled copper concentrates from the Queenstown mines to the port of Strahan, providing the only access and lifeline for the communities along the way. Closed down in 1963, the railway returned to nature and slumbered for 37 years, to be reawakened with a restoration of similar magnitude to its original construction. Once again, trains are running between Queenstown and Strahan, using the extraordinary rack & pinion third rail Abt system to conquer the mountainous terrain. A lunch stop in the heart of the dense forest at Dubbil Barril allows passengers to wander along forest paths, discover remote creeks running down to the King River. There to see first hand the beauty of the majestic wilderness rain forest. Come and ride the railway that refused to die. All aboard! Trains run daily leaving Strahan or Queenstown. Optional coach shuttles are available for the return journey. ‘Fettlers’ lunches and afternoon teas are available on board the train, or why not try ‘Dotties’ coffee shop in Queenstown for a fine selection of light refreshments, before or after your journey.
 

Contact a Travel Agent to book a trip to Tasmania

Craft shops, Huon Pine, Art Work.

° Day tours on the Gordon River,
° Scenic Sea Plane Wilderness flights,
° Twilight tours of the Henty Dunes,
° King River Jet-boat Rides,
° Seaplane tours,
° Helicopter tours,
° Fishing tours,
° Yacht hire
° APT Scenic Railway tours
° Hell's Gates and Sara Island Tours....

It's all there to see at Strahan. It's all available at Strahan. Hire a fishing charter boat for ½ day or full day tour, take the APT Rail tour, visit Hell's Gates, Sarah Island and more and more and more.

Strahan is the only safe anchorage on Tasmania's west coast. It is located on magnificent Macquarie Harbour, which is the second largest harbour in the southern hemisphere after Sydney. 

Strahan's history is a showcase of Tasmania's. The penal settlement at Sarah Island was the most brutal in the state, where unruly convicts from Port Arthur were transported. Strahan was the major port during the west coast's boom mining days late last century, and the port was also used for the export of Huon Pine timber from the surrounding bush. These days, the harbour is an anchorage for crayfish, abalone and shark fishing fleets. 

The area also serves as a gateway to exploring the Franklin River. Cruises down the Gordon River depart daily, and include a journey across Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gates, where the waters of the harbour and Indian Ocean literally collide to form a treacherous passage of water. Ocean Beach, with large sand dunes and huge surf visible from the harbour cruise, is 6 km from the town and is Tasmania's longest beach. Those preferring a faster ride can try jet-boating on the nearby King River. 

Cove Gallery (Risby Cove)

Built around the framework of a century old building, the Gallery regularly features exhibitions, so be sure to enquire as to coming events, or just enjoy browsing the works on daily display. Inside, the luminous gold of Huon pine and other timbers such as King Billy, Myrtle and Sassafras have been crafted into works of art. The unique setting lends soft light to paintings, sculptures, photographs, glass works, ceramics and weaving. Few will leave Strahan without visiting this Gallery.

We recommend only fully licensed and insured/registered International Travel Agents.
If you are considering booking we recommend the following travel agents:
Australian Discount Travel & Tours,
 

We recommend Australian Discount Travel & Tours for both Australian and international travel bookings