6Hr Gordon River Spirit Of The Wild Cruise - Main Deck Central

This award-winning Gordon River Cruise gets you onto the water earlier than any other operator, giving you the first and best chance to witness the Gordon River’s legendary mirror-like reflections before anyone else stirs them. Departing at 8:30am, the ‘Spirit of the Wild’ cruises in whisper mode across Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River to explore Tasmania’s UNESCO-listed wilderness.

The Main Deck Central seat is your base for the day, with the freedom to move through the vessel and step out onto the open-air decks whenever the wilderness demands a closer look. Same extraordinary experience as other seats on board, but the best value entry to an unforgettable day.

Spirit of the Wild Cruise Route:

The cruise first takes you past Hells Gates, the narrow, wind-battered entrance where Macquarie Harbour opens into the wild Southern Ocean. The name was coined by convicts who were transported by ship from the mainland, knowing the horrors that awaited them on Sarah Island.

Cruising past the fish farms at Liberty Point, you’ll see where Atlantic Salmon and Ocean Trout are raised in pristine Tasmanian waters. You’ll find the same salmon as the hero dish of your chef-prepared buffet lunch later in the day.

The Gordon River is next, and it is worth every superlative. Deep inside the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, the river’s surface becomes a flawless mirror of the ancient forests that tower over it. These famous Gordon River reflections have been a highlight of this cruise for thousands of visitors.

Next, you will go ashore at Heritage Landing and walk the elevated boardwalk through the cool temperate rainforest where centuries old Huon Pines stand quiet and tall.

The final stop is Sarah Island, and it delivers in a way no other Gordon River experience does. Australia’s most feared convict settlement unfolds through the eyes of expert guides whose narratives make the brutal history of the region feel utterly alive. This becomes more vivid through character-based videos streamed on board, where you will meet the likes of Captain James Kelly and Lady Jane Franklin.

Back on board, you can enjoy a buffet lunch with some of Tasmania’s finest produce. Fresh Atlantic salmon from Macquarie Harbour, accompanied by a selection of seasonal salads and hot dishes that reflect the rich food culture of Tasmania. As the spectacular wilderness scenery drifts past your window, it is a dining experience that feels distinctly Tasmanian in every sense.

As Strahan Wharf comes back into view by 2:30pm, the landscapes, stories and stillness of the Gordon River leave a lasting impression. Few experiences bring together Tasmania’s wilderness, heritage and local flavours so seamlessly, making this one of the most rewarding day cruises. 

NOTE: Evening Departures (Dec–Feb): Additional evening departures operate during the peak season. Choose your departure at the time of booking.