Rivers and Harbour
Cruise on the Gordon River (recommended)Whitewater rafting on King River or Franklin River
Go fishing in Macquarie Harbour
Walk along the Ocean Beach
Overview
Gordon River (Strahan) Cruise Experiences
Famous Gordon River (Strahan) Attractions
Strahan combines waterfront scenery and convict history with easy access to rainforest, dunes and Tasmania’s remote west coast. These are some of the main attractions to include in your visit.Gordon River
The Gordon River flows through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, passing through cool-temperate rainforest and remote wilderness. Its waters are often dark and reflective because of tannins released by vegetation in the surrounding forest. The river is known for its ancient Huon pines, some of which have survived for thousands of years. Visitors can experience this protected landscape on a river cruise or explore other parts of the wider wilderness region on foot
Macquarie Harbour & Hells Gates
Macquarie Harbour is one of Australia’s largest natural harbours, about six times the size of Sydney Harbour. At its western entrance, Hells Gates forms a narrow and rough passage where the harbour meets the Southern Ocean. Salmon and ocean trout are farmed in the harbour, and the fish form part of many local menus.
Sarah Island
Sarah Island served as a penal station in the early 1800s and was known both for the brutality of its regime and for the ships built there from Huon pines. Ruins of the penitentiary, workshops and shipyard remain, and guided walking tours bring the stories of the convicts, guards and officials to life.
Heritage Landing
Located along the Gordon River, Heritage Landing features a boardwalk through cool-temperate rainforest. Visitors can walk among ancient trees, including Huon pines, while learning about the distinctive plant life and protected wilderness of the region.
West Coast Wilderness Railway
This heritage railway runs 34.5kms between Strahan’s Regatta Point and Queenstown, built to carry copper from the Mount Lyell mine. It uses the Abt rack-and-pinion system to climb the steep gradients, passing Macquarie Harbour, the King River and dense rainforest
The Ship That Never Was
Performed at the Strahan Visitor Centre on the Esplanade, this is Australia’s longest-running play. It is an interactive, family-friendly theatre production that tells the story of a daring convict escape from Sarah Island. It is a popular way to discover the area’s convict history through live performance and storytelling.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is Tasmania’s longest beach, stretching along the exposed west coast near Strahan. The beach offers sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and a sense of the scale and remoteness of the region. Conditions can be rough, and the beach is unpatrolled, so swimming is not recommended. It is best suited for beach walks and sunset viewing.
Henty Dunes
Around 14 km from Strahan, the Henty Dunes form a striking expanse of sand that rises up to approximately 30 metres in places. The dunes stretch along the coast behind Ocean Beach, creating a desert-like landscape amid the region’s forests. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot or try sandboarding.
Hogarth Falls
Located in Peoples Park, a short distance from Strahan’s waterfront, Hogarth Falls is reached by a forest walk through tall trees and rainforest vegetation. The return walk is approx. 2.4 km and takes around 40–50 minutes. Keep an eye out for native wildlife along the creek, including the occasional platypus.
The Gordon River flows through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, passing through cool-temperate rainforest and remote wilderness. Its waters are often dark and reflective because of tannins released by vegetation in the surrounding forest. The river is known for its ancient Huon pines, some of which have survived for thousands of years. Visitors can experience this protected landscape on a river cruise or explore other parts of the wider wilderness region on foot
Macquarie Harbour is one of Australia’s largest natural harbours, about six times the size of Sydney Harbour. At its western entrance, Hells Gates forms a narrow and rough passage where the harbour meets the Southern Ocean. Salmon and ocean trout are farmed in the harbour, and the fish form part of many local menus.
Sarah Island served as a penal station in the early 1800s and was known both for the brutality of its regime and for the ships built there from Huon pines. Ruins of the penitentiary, workshops and shipyard remain, and guided walking tours bring the stories of the convicts, guards and officials to life.
Located along the Gordon River, Heritage Landing features a boardwalk through cool-temperate rainforest. Visitors can walk among ancient trees, including Huon pines, while learning about the distinctive plant life and protected wilderness of the region.
This heritage railway runs 34.5kms between Strahan’s Regatta Point and Queenstown, built to carry copper from the Mount Lyell mine. It uses the Abt rack-and-pinion system to climb the steep gradients, passing Macquarie Harbour, the King River and dense rainforest
Performed at the Strahan Visitor Centre on the Esplanade, this is Australia’s longest-running play. It is an interactive, family-friendly theatre production that tells the story of a daring convict escape from Sarah Island. It is a popular way to discover the area’s convict history through live performance and storytelling.
Ocean Beach is Tasmania’s longest beach, stretching along the exposed west coast near Strahan. The beach offers sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and a sense of the scale and remoteness of the region. Conditions can be rough, and the beach is unpatrolled, so swimming is not recommended. It is best suited for beach walks and sunset viewing.
Around 14 km from Strahan, the Henty Dunes form a striking expanse of sand that rises up to approximately 30 metres in places. The dunes stretch along the coast behind Ocean Beach, creating a desert-like landscape amid the region’s forests. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot or try sandboarding.
Located in Peoples Park, a short distance from Strahan’s waterfront, Hogarth Falls is reached by a forest walk through tall trees and rainforest vegetation. The return walk is approx. 2.4 km and takes around 40–50 minutes. Keep an eye out for native wildlife along the creek, including the occasional platypus.
Things To Do In Strahan
Whitewater rafting on King River or Franklin River
Go fishing in Macquarie Harbour
Walk along the Ocean Beach
History & Heritage
Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway (recommended)Watch The Ship That Never Was
Explore Sarah Island’s convict history
Explore Strahan’s waterfront and its maritime heritage
Explore the mining heritage of Queenstown and Zeehan
Rainforest & Nature
Explore the Henty Dunes (recommended)Walk the forest track to Hogarth Falls
Walk the rainforest boardwalk at Heritage
Landing Stop at Iron Blow Lookout on the Lyell Highway
Food & Local Experiences
Sample Macquarie Harbour salmon (recommended)Browse local shops and galleries around the Esplanade
Browse Tasmanian wine and foods at a waterfront restaurant
Popular Day Trips From Strahan
Queenstown
(≈40 km | 45 mins)A historic mining town known for its distinctive bare hills, mining heritage and access to the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Visit the town centre, learn about the region’s copper-mining past and enjoy the scenic drive between Queenstown and Strahan.
Zeehan
(≈45 km | 50 mins)Also known as the ‘Silver City’, Zeehan is a former silver-mining town with a rich industrial history. Visitors can explore the West Coast Heritage Centre, which includes exhibits on mining, local history and the region’s former boomtown era. It can also be combined with a stop at Henty Dunes.
Cradle Mountain
(≈150 km | 2 hrs)Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s best-known wilderness destinations, with jagged mountain peaks, glacial lakes and ancient temperate rainforest within the Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park. The Dove Lake Circuit is a popular choice for day visitors, offering views of the mountain and a walk through the surrounding forest. It is also famous for one of Australia’s most popular treks—The Overland Track—a multi-day trek from the mountain to Lake St Clair.
Montezuma Falls
(≈70 km | 1–1.5 hrs)With a drop of around 104m, Montezuma Falls is one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls. Reaching it involves a longer rainforest walk, so allow most of a day.
Suggested Itineraries
Day 1: Cruise on the Gordon River
Morning: Board the river cruise from StrahanAfternoon: Visit Sarah Island and Heritage Landing as part of the cruise
Evening: Dinner near the waterfront and a walk along the Esplanade
Day 2: Rainforest, Dunes & Coast
Morning: Walk to Hogarth FallsAfternoon: Explore the Henty Dunes or try sandboarding
Evening: Sunset at Ocean Beach
Day 3: Railway & West Coast Heritage
Morning: West Coast Wilderness Railway journeyAfternoon: Drive to Queenstown; explore mining heritage & stop at Iron Blow Lookout
Evening: Return to Strahan
Day 4: Cradle Mountain
Early morning drive to Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National ParkDove Lake Circuit or Marion’s Lookout
Explore the Enchanted Walk or Rainforest Walk
Look out for wildlife
Return to Strahan
* You can mix and match these itineraries according to your time, interests and convenience to create your own Gordon River (Strahan) experience.
How To Get To Strahan
International travellers
Strahan does not have its own commercial airport. International visitors generally fly into an Australian gateway such as Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, then connect to a domestic flight to Tasmania. Visitors can choose to fly into Burnie, Devonport, Hobart or Launceston airports and continue to Strahan by road.Domestic travellers
Visitors can fly into Hobart Airport, Launceston Airport or Burnie Airport and continue to Strahan by road. You can also arrive at Devonport via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong, Victoria.- Burnie Airport: Direct flight from Melbourne, King Island and Launceston
- Devonport Airport: Direct flights from Melbourne
- Hobart Airport: Direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Newcastle
- Launceston Airport: Direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Flinders Island, King Island
Useful Links
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Discover Tasmania- Strahan | Official destination information, attractions and visitor tips |
| Tasmania.com- Strahan and West Coast | Things to do and see, where to stay, tips and adventures |
| Transport Services.tas | Info on transport between West Coast and Burnie, Devonport, Launceston and Hobart |
| West Coast Wilderness Railway | Train journeys, departure information and bookings |
| Burnie Airport (BWT) | Flight information, airport facilities and transport |
| Hobart Airport | Flight information, airport facilities and transport |
| Launceston Airport (LST) | Flight information, airport facilities and transport |
| Spirit of Tasmania | Ferry services between mainland Australia and Tasmania |
| Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service | National parks, walking trails, reserves and park conditions |
| Tassielink.com- Strahan-Queenstown-Burnie | Coach routes, timetables and fares |
| The Bureau of Meteorology | Weather forecasts for Strahan and Tasmania’s west coast |
Know Before You Go
Transport
There are no rideshare or taxi services in Strahan, and public transport is very limited. The best way to get around is by hiring a car, with several car rental companies operating in the area.
There are no rideshare or taxi services in Strahan, and public transport is very limited. The best way to get around is by hiring a car, with several car rental companies operating in the area.
Strahan has a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up fresh seafood delicacies, locally-sourced dishes and more.
Accommodation here ranges from waterfront hotels, B&Bs, eco-lodges and holiday park stays that are located close to the Macquarie Harbour and Gordon River.
Australia-wide holidays:
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – Anzac Day
8 Jun (Mon) – King’s Birthday
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday
Tasmanian observed holidays
9 Feb (Mon) – Royal Hobart Regatta
9 Mar (Mon) – Eight Hours Day
7 Apr (Tue) – Easter Tuesday *
2 Nov (Mon) – Recreation Day
Regional observed holidays
7 Jan (Wed) – Devonport Cup
25 Feb (Wed) – Launceston Cup
3 Mar (Tue) – King Island Show
8 May (Fri) – AGFEST
2 Oct (Fri) – Burnie Show
8 Oct (Thu) – Royal Launceston Show
16 Oct (Fri) – Flinders Island Show
22 Oct (Thu) – Royal Hobart Show
27 Nov (Fri) – Devonport Show
*Easter Tuesday is a restricted public holiday in Tasmania. Observed by some awards/agreements and the State Public Service.
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – Anzac Day
8 Jun (Mon) – King’s Birthday
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday
Tasmanian observed holidays
9 Feb (Mon) – Royal Hobart Regatta
9 Mar (Mon) – Eight Hours Day
7 Apr (Tue) – Easter Tuesday *
2 Nov (Mon) – Recreation Day
Regional observed holidays
7 Jan (Wed) – Devonport Cup
25 Feb (Wed) – Launceston Cup
3 Mar (Tue) – King Island Show
8 May (Fri) – AGFEST
2 Oct (Fri) – Burnie Show
8 Oct (Thu) – Royal Launceston Show
16 Oct (Fri) – Flinders Island Show
22 Oct (Thu) – Royal Hobart Show
27 Nov (Fri) – Devonport Show
*Easter Tuesday is a restricted public holiday in Tasmania. Observed by some awards/agreements and the State Public Service.
The best time to visit the Gordon River is during summer (December to February), when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their lushest. Strahan, the gateway to the river, is a year-round destination—each season offering its own charm.
For a quieter experience and better deals, consider visiting in autumn (March to May), when the crowds thin and the misty beauty of Tasmania’s west coast really shines.
No matter when you go, pack plenty of layers—this part of Tasmania is famous for its unpredictable weather.
For a quieter experience and better deals, consider visiting in autumn (March to May), when the crowds thin and the misty beauty of Tasmania’s west coast really shines.
No matter when you go, pack plenty of layers—this part of Tasmania is famous for its unpredictable weather.
TASMANIA SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Term 1: 18 April to 3 May
Term 2: 11 July to 26 July
Term 3: 3 October to 18 October
Term 4: 19 December - (end date not confirmed)
Term 1: 18 April to 3 May
Term 2: 11 July to 26 July
Term 3: 3 October to 18 October
Term 4: 19 December - (end date not confirmed)
Strahan Solstice (June)
The Strahan Solstice Festival is an annual winter event to celebrate the longest nights of the year on the Tasmanian West Coast. It is part of the larger “Light Up The West” event. The festival includes light installations, immersive experiences like storytelling and other activities. It is primarily located along the Strahan Esplanade and Strahan Village.
Unconformity Festival (October)
The Unconformity Festival is a biennial contemporary arts festival held in October in Queenstown, Tasmania. It features site-specific performances, installations, and discussions that explore art and the region’s unique geology. The festival also includes a marquee football match, a hike at the start of the festival and an art trail.
The Strahan Solstice Festival is an annual winter event to celebrate the longest nights of the year on the Tasmanian West Coast. It is part of the larger “Light Up The West” event. The festival includes light installations, immersive experiences like storytelling and other activities. It is primarily located along the Strahan Esplanade and Strahan Village.
Unconformity Festival (October)
The Unconformity Festival is a biennial contemporary arts festival held in October in Queenstown, Tasmania. It features site-specific performances, installations, and discussions that explore art and the region’s unique geology. The festival also includes a marquee football match, a hike at the start of the festival and an art trail.
Gordon River (Strahan) Tourist Information
The nearest emergency and hospital services are St Helens District Hospital and the Spring Bay Community & Health Centre.
Call 000 immediately for emergencies requiring police, fire, or ambulance services.
Continue Your Planning
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