6Hr Gordon River Spirit Of The Wild Cruise — Premier Upper Deck

From $355

Multiple departures available

  • 6hr Gordon River Cruise aboard ‘Spirit of the Wild’
  • Seating on the Premier Upper Deck with leather recliners
  • Guided walking tour of Sarah Island
  • Guided Heritage Landing boardwalk
  • Unique interpretation of river history through character-based videos
  • Chef-prepared long table lunch with Tassie produce
  • Open bar with Tassie wines & sparkling, beers, juices, tea & espresso
  • Dedicated guides to talk you through this adventure
  • Drinks available for purchase from cash bar on the Main Deck; EFTPOS and credit card accepted
  • Please Note: National Park Pass is required; purchase separately via Parks & Wildlife Tasmania
  • Evening Departures (Dec–Feb): Additional evening departures operate during the peak season. Choose your departure at the time of booking

About This Experience

Departing Strahan before any other operator, this award-winning Gordon River experience offers the earliest access to the river's legendary mirror-like reflections. Aboard the purpose-built ‘Spirit of the Wild’, you'll cruise in whisper mode through the vast waters of Macquarie Harbour before entering the pristine wilderness of the UNESCO-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

The Premier Upper Deck offers a level of comfort and inclusions that transforms an already remarkable cruise into something truly special. Relax in premium leather reclining seats alongside full-length panoramic windows, giving you uninterrupted views along the way. You can also access a private viewing deck and exclusive lounge area as you unwind in the midst of Tasmania’s most spectacular scenery.

Spirit Of The Wild Cruise Route 

  • The experience takes you across the vast waters of Macquarie Harbour, where you'll cruise towards Hells Gates, the narrow and often turbulent entrance to the Southern Ocean. Named by convicts who dreaded passing through its imposing channel, this stretch of water offers fascinating insights into the region's maritime history. 
  • Along the way, you'll also pass Liberty Point where you can see Atlantic Salmon & Ocean Trout farms that have become an important part of Tasmania's food culture.
  • Soon the vessel enters the serene waters of the Gordon River, where the pace slows and the experience becomes all about the scenery. Take in the beauty of the rainforest that lines the riverbanks and the mirror-like reflections in the dark tannin-rich waters for which the river is renowned. With panoramic views from the Upper Deck and access to private outdoor viewing areas, you'll have countless opportunities to appreciate this extraordinary wilderness from different perspectives.
  • At Heritage Landing, you will be guided through an elevated boardwalk flanked by the temperate rainforest within the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Towering Huon Pines, some centuries old, stand among a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millennia, offering a rare glimpse into one of Australia's most pristine natural environments.
  • The final shore excursion takes you to Sarah Island, Australia's most notorious convict settlement. Guided by expert interpreters, you'll uncover stories of hardship, punishment and resilience while exploring the remnants of this remote penal colony. Exclusive onboard presentations featuring historical figures such as Captain James Kelly and Lady Jane Franklin give you a keener insight into the history of the river.
Returning to Strahan by 2:30pm, you'll leave with more than just photographs. The stillness of the Gordon River, the stories of Sarah Island, the flavours of Tasmania and the exclusive comforts of the Premier Upper Deck combine to create the ultimate wilderness experience.

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

Cruise Details

Location Main Wharf at 24 The Esplanade, Strahan

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 08:00 08:30 14:30 6hr 30min
2 15:00 15:30 21:30 6hr 30min
 

  • 6hr Gordon River Cruise aboard ‘Spirit of the Wild’
  • Seating on the Premier Upper Deck with leather recliners
  • Guided walking tour of Sarah Island
  • Guided Heritage Landing boardwalk
  • Unique interpretation of river history through character-based videos
  • Chef-prepared long table lunch with Tassie produce
  • Open bar with Tassie wines & sparkling, beers, juices, tea & espresso
  • Dedicated guides to talk you through this adventure
  • Drinks available for purchase from cash bar on the Main Deck; EFTPOS and credit card accepted
  • Please Note: National Park Pass is required; purchase separately via Parks & Wildlife Tasmania
  • Evening Departures (Dec–Feb): Additional evening departures operate during the peak season. Choose your departure at the time of booking

  • Premier upper deck seating with leather recliners and floor-to-ceiling wilderness views; access to private deck and lounge
  • Earliest departure on the Gordon River for the best opportunity to witness the famous mirror-like reflections
  • All-inclusive experience with morning/afternoon tea, long table lunch spread and open bar during the cruise
  • Guided walk through UNESCO-listed rainforest at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island exploration to uncover notorious convict history
  • Exclusive character-based onboard presentations featuring Captain James Kelly, Lady Jane Franklin and other historical figures

WELCOME ABOARD

Coffee/Tea/Juice
Smokey chorizo & danish feta savoury muffins
Roasted pumpkin, zucchini, basil & three cheese savoury muffins(V)
Tasmania’s Westhaven natural yoghurt & granola pots w’ spiced raspberry compote (V, G)
Fresh melon & mint salad w Tasmanian honey & lime syrup (G, D, V, VGP)

MID MORNING CANAPES

Crisp Tartlet w’ truffle Huon mushrooms, roasted heirloom tomato & grana (G, V)
Lightly curried sweet potato, pumpkin & coconut soup (G, D, V, Vg)

LONG TABLE LUNCH

Pickled Australian squid & vegetable salad on rocket (G, D)
Oven baked coconut & Kaffir lime chicken w’ our Thai style slaw (G, D)
Steamed Tasmanian ocean trout fillets w’ furikake & lime butter sauce (GFA)
Macquarie Harbour smoked salmon, pickled red onion & crispy capers w’ Yuzu aioli or seasoned Wakame salsa (G, DFA)
Antipasto platter w’ pastrami, fennel sausage, mild salami, grilled vegetables, crusty house baked bread & house chutney
Mediterranean chickpea salad w’ slow roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, grilled zucchini & a tangy Italian sugo & basil dressing (G, D, V, VG)
Jamaican style corn & black bean salad w’ roasted bell peppers, scented brown rice, coriander, a touch of chili & lime juice (G, D, V, VG)
Buckwheat noodle & Huon mushroom salad w’ edamame beans, broccolini & a sticky ginger, lemongrass & sweet soy glaze (D, V, VG)
Strahan bakery light rye sourdough rolls & farm butter (V)

DESSERTS & TREATS

An ever-changing selection of house made cakes, tarts & slices including dairy & gluten free options
A selection of Tasmania’s finest available cheeses served with crisp lavish, crackers & house port-soaked fruits (GFA, V)

G: - Gluten Free V: - Vegetarian D: - Dairy Free VG: - Vegan VGP: - Vegan possible

Our menu includes a range of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Please contact us if you have other dietary requirements and our chefs will happily prepare a meal specifically to suit your needs.
*Whilst we are a nut-free boat, we cannot guarantee traces are not present in some base ingredients & spices.

This is a sample menu. Menu items are subject to change based on availability of produce.

Open bar with Tasmanian wines & sparkling, beers, juices, tea & espresso coffee

  • Adult Price

    from $355

  • Child (3 -16 years)

    from $355

Main Wharf at 24 The Esplanade, Strahan

You can collect the boarding pass on the Esplanade the day before or by 8.15am on the morning of your cruise

Google Maps - CLICK HERE

  • 8:00 am: Check-in at Main Wharf, 24 The Esplanade, Strahan. Collect boarding pass by 8:15am, or the afternoon prior.
  • 8:30 am: Depart Strahan Wharf aboard the 33m catamaran.
  • 9:00 am: Hell's Gates, the narrow passage where the Southern Ocean meets Macquarie Harbour
  • 9:30 am: Cruise past the fish farms of Macquarie Harbour, where Atlantic Salmon and Ocean Trout are raised in pristine Tasmanian waters
  • 10:00 am: Enter the Gordon River and be the first to see the famous mirror-like reflections
  • 10:45 am: Heritage Landing; walk the elevated boardwalk through ancient rainforests and stand amidst Huon Pines
  • 12:00 pm: Chef-prepared Tasmanian buffet lunch served on board. EFTPOS available at the bar
  • 1:00 pm: Sarah Island; guided walking tour of Australia's most feared convict settlement, brought to life through character-based interpretation
  • 2:00 pm: Re-board and cruise back toward Strahan
  • 2:30 pm: Return to Strahan Wharf

Premier Upper Deck – VIP Experience (this package): The ultimate Gordon River experience, featuring premium upper deck seating, access to a private viewing deck, morning tea, canapés, long table lunch and an open bar.
Main Deck Window (see alternate package): A guaranteed main deck window seat with buffet lunch and full access to the vessel’s viewing areas and outdoor decks.
Main Deck Central (see alternate package): Enjoy comfortable allocated seating on the main deck with buffet lunch and full access to the vessel’s viewing areas and outdoor decks.

Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.

An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee

Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

  • Dedicated seat spaces for guests who would like to bring a wheelchair to use as a seat; wheelchair storage is also available
  • Easy ramp access 
  • Gender neutral/equal-access toilets on the Main Deck
  • Pram access, pram storage and baby change facilities available
  • Both land excursions allow for easy disembarkation. Heritage Landing’s raised non-slip boardwalk is accessible, with the exception of a small set of steps that can be navigated around. Sarah Island also offers an accessible experience
  • Our disabled seating provides amazing views and is located close to the equal access toilets via flat floor

Boarding Pass Collection: Collect from the Main Wharf at 24 The Esplanade, Strahan. Available the afternoon prior, or by 8:15am on the morning of departure.
National Park Pass: Required for all passengers. Purchase from Parks & Wildlife Tasmania at passes.parks.tas.gov.au prior to departure.
What to Wear: Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is essential. Bring a rain jacket and a warm layer; west coast weather changes quickly and temperatures drop on the river.
Accessibility: Dedicated wheelchair seating with unobstructed views, easy ramp access, gender-neutral accessible toilets, pram storage and baby change facilities on board. Both shore excursions are accessible.
Payment on Board: EFTPOS and all major credit cards accepted at the bar. No need to carry cash.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $355

Multiple departures available

  • 6hr Gordon River Cruise aboard ‘Spirit of the Wild’
  • Seating on the Premier Upper Deck with leather recliners
  • Guided walking tour of Sarah Island
  • Guided Heritage Landing boardwalk
  • Unique interpretation of river history through character-based videos
  • Chef-prepared long table lunch with Tassie produce
  • Open bar with Tassie wines & sparkling, beers, juices, tea & espresso
  • Dedicated guides to talk you through this adventure
  • Drinks available for purchase from cash bar on the Main Deck; EFTPOS and credit card accepted
  • Please Note: National Park Pass is required; purchase separately via Parks & Wildlife Tasmania
  • Evening Departures (Dec–Feb): Additional evening departures operate during the peak season. Choose your departure at the time of booking

Explore Strahan-Gordonriver Gordon River cruises