So, you've finally made the decision — to visit the fairy tale-like Gordon River on your Australian bucket-list. With its mirror-like waters silently snaking through primordial forests, mysterious bird calls and an atmosphere steeped in dark brooding stillness, it's no wonder why this river and its wilderness is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
When it comes to cruising this splendid river, you have two exciting options – Gordon River Cruises (Grey Boat) and World Heritage Cruises (Red Boat). Read on to select the one that best suits your Tassie itinerary!
What’s Included?
Both Gordon River Cruises offer up to six glorious hours on the water with expert commentary and lunch. WHC offers a freshly prepared lunch served to your seat, while GRC offers a buffet for you to enjoy. Listen to riveting tales of old piners, convicts, the elusive wildlife and birdlife and other fun facts about this wilderness region.
Gordon River Cruises offer ‘character-based video interpretations’ as part of its commentary. Meet the historic figures who shaped the west coast region — drama, mystery and cinema rolled into one!
World Heritage Cruises, local family owned, have been cruising the Gordon River since 1896. They have live commentary by the skipper, with videos on the history of the area, including the history of cruising and working a century in this spectacular wilderness.
What Do You See?
There are a few considerations when asking yourself "Which Gordon River cruise is best?" Both operators offer amazing sightseeing of the following Gordon River icons.
Seating – Cruise In Comfort
When it comes to the boats, both are purpose-built for cruising this sensitive region of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Both offer seating on the 'Main Deck' and 'Upper Deck' with window and centre seats options.
Both cruises provide access to outer decks, where nature’s grandeur truly shines.
Departure Convenience
Strahan serves as the gateway to your dream Gordon River adventure. Both cruises depart daily from the main wharf, near the West Coast Visitor Information Centre. As these are popular tours, we recommend booking in advance.
Gordon River Cruises departs early as being the first on the river each morning, often capturing the glassiest conditions, which is perfect for enjoying the reflections of the surrounding wilderness and the blue sky. This boat also features an immersive 'Whisper Mode' for quiet cruising, almost vanishing into the river's brooding silence!
With World Heritage Cruises, you’ll have access to all areas of the vessel. They cruise slowly on the Gordon River with minimal noise. With good weather, the river creates stunning mirror-like reflections, no matter the time of the day. Keep your camera ready.
Choice Is Yours
In the end, it all comes down to you. Both Gordon River cruises offer unforgettable experiences that will open your eyes to a never-before-seen kind of wilderness in its rawest form. World Heritage Cruises are local family owned, cruising since 1896 with over a century of history to share, and have some wonderful options suitable for groups and the Gordon River Cruises ‘silent cruising’ experience and unique video interpretations would suit guests wanting to immerse themselves in learning about the beauty of the river. Both operators offer outstanding Tassie experiences. Choose your pick! Or better, do both!
When it comes to cruising this splendid river, you have two exciting options – Gordon River Cruises (Grey Boat) and World Heritage Cruises (Red Boat). Read on to select the one that best suits your Tassie itinerary!
What’s Included?
Both Gordon River Cruises offer up to six glorious hours on the water with expert commentary and lunch. WHC offers a freshly prepared lunch served to your seat, while GRC offers a buffet for you to enjoy. Listen to riveting tales of old piners, convicts, the elusive wildlife and birdlife and other fun facts about this wilderness region.
Gordon River Cruises offer ‘character-based video interpretations’ as part of its commentary. Meet the historic figures who shaped the west coast region — drama, mystery and cinema rolled into one!
World Heritage Cruises, local family owned, have been cruising the Gordon River since 1896. They have live commentary by the skipper, with videos on the history of the area, including the history of cruising and working a century in this spectacular wilderness.
What Do You See?
There are a few considerations when asking yourself "Which Gordon River cruise is best?" Both operators offer amazing sightseeing of the following Gordon River icons.
- Macquarie Harbour - Gateway to your Gordon River adventure, this expanse is six times the size of Sydney Harbour. Its still waters mirror the surrounding wilderness, creating a picture-perfect scene.
- Hells Gates: Named by convicts for its perilous waters, this is the narrow entrance to Macquarie Harbour. This ride takes you past Entrance Island, its lighthouse and Bonnet Island.
- Sarah Island: Once a penal settlement, Sarah Island is now a hauntingly stunning site where tales of hardship and resilience come to life. Both tours dock here for a guided tour.
- Heritage Landing: A relaxing detour, take a stroll through ancient rainforests, on boardwalks. Among these magnificent rainforest species, stands the pride of the river, the Huon Pine.
- Cape Sorell Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse serving as a guide for ships to Macquarie Harbour. When conditions permit, World Heritage Cruises continue past Hell's Gates to this historic beacon.
- Morrison’s Huon Pine Saw Mill: An experience included at the end of World Heritage Cruises tour.
Seating – Cruise In Comfort
When it comes to the boats, both are purpose-built for cruising this sensitive region of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Both offer seating on the 'Main Deck' and 'Upper Deck' with window and centre seats options.
- Main Deck: Both operators offer window and centre seating options. World Heritage Cruises is a favourite among groups with tables in the middle, perfect for group conversations
- Upper Deck: Premium leather seats and better vantage points on both boats; perfect for couples. Gordon River Cruises offer exclusive access with a private viewing deck
Both cruises provide access to outer decks, where nature’s grandeur truly shines.
Departure Convenience
Strahan serves as the gateway to your dream Gordon River adventure. Both cruises depart daily from the main wharf, near the West Coast Visitor Information Centre. As these are popular tours, we recommend booking in advance.
Gordon River Cruises departs early as being the first on the river each morning, often capturing the glassiest conditions, which is perfect for enjoying the reflections of the surrounding wilderness and the blue sky. This boat also features an immersive 'Whisper Mode' for quiet cruising, almost vanishing into the river's brooding silence!
With World Heritage Cruises, you’ll have access to all areas of the vessel. They cruise slowly on the Gordon River with minimal noise. With good weather, the river creates stunning mirror-like reflections, no matter the time of the day. Keep your camera ready.
Choice Is Yours
In the end, it all comes down to you. Both Gordon River cruises offer unforgettable experiences that will open your eyes to a never-before-seen kind of wilderness in its rawest form. World Heritage Cruises are local family owned, cruising since 1896 with over a century of history to share, and have some wonderful options suitable for groups and the Gordon River Cruises ‘silent cruising’ experience and unique video interpretations would suit guests wanting to immerse themselves in learning about the beauty of the river. Both operators offer outstanding Tassie experiences. Choose your pick! Or better, do both!
